Cessna 172 vs. Mooney vs. ?

"H.P." wrote in message
om...
A bit off topic. I'm also a newbie and I'm thinking about buying a plane
as
well. My dilemma is that I just can't bring myself to buying an older
plane
'cuz I just get jittery about safety issues.

(r.a.student removed...I don't see how it's relevant at all)

You have two issues to think about: age, and aircraft type.

IMHO, age is pretty much a non-issue with respect to safety. If you want
the latest and greatest avionics, or you want that new-plane smell, or a
warranty, or any of the other things available only in a new plane, then get
a new plane. But if the only thing that concerns you is safety, there's
nothing wrong with an old plane that's been properly inspected and
maintained, and a new plane won't have had all of the kinks worked out of it
by the time you take delivery.

Bottom line is that I'd rather purchase a share in a newer Piper, Tiger or
(gulp$) Mooney than slug along in an older Cessna. My 2 cents.

Just depends on what you want to do with the plane. Personally, having the
wing block my view of the ground drives me up the wall. Other folks, they
hate having the wing drop into their view when they turn. Thankfully, the
airplane I actually own has a mid-mounted wing, well aft of the front seats
(and even a bit aft of the rear seats), and I get an excellent view all
around.

I think it's interesting that you put the Tiger in the same category with
the Pipers and Mooneys. I haven't flown a Tiger (or Cheetah), but from what
other pilots tell me, they are a lot sportier than the typical GA airplane,
low or high wing.

Anyway, your decision between low-wing, high-wing, sporty or trucky doesn't
really have anything to do with your decision of new or used (other than a
requirement of "new" limiting what's available).

Pete