Radio Replacement

Tim wrote:
Dan Luke wrote:
"Jonathan Goodish" wrote:


To me, it doesn't make sense to agonize over buying (or selling) a plane
based on whether it has a 430 in it or not. In my case, even if I had
the 430, there would be folks who wouldn't look at the plane because it
doesn't have leather, or it doesn't have a newer audio panel, or it
doesn't have an autopilot, or it doesn't have one thing or another that
they're looking for.


Wait 'til you're actually trying to sell and you might feel
differently. When I first tried to sell the plane a couple of years
ago, I talked to a dealer about trading up. His first question about
my airplane? "Does it have a 430?"


If I was looking at a plane, avionics would be one
of the last things I'd look at, and when I did look at avionics, I'd
negotiate the price down if I felt that avionics work was needed. At
that point, it would be up to the seller to determine whether there was
a market for his plane at his asking price.

The reality is that, despite what some people may think, a 430 is not
required equipment in an airplane these days,


When you're selling, what people think is everything.



SO let me get this straight: You spend $12k just to make the plane
desirable - the OP clearly stated he didn't need the equipment. Then
the buyers will pay maybe 1k to 2k over the price of the plane without
that 430 in it. And this is good advice?

Thanks, I'll pass. I can navigate with 2 VORs just fine.
We put a 430 and new KX155 (plus new audio panel) in out group owned
Archer II a couple of years ago and I'm now in the process of selling my
share of the aircraft, so I think I have some knowledge/experience in
this arena...
Let's say it cost $12K to replace the KX170B with a 430 and indicator (I
think this is a little high, but close enough for now.) From what I
have seen and read, recent avionics upgrades typically return about 75%
of what they cost when you sell an aircraft, so it certainly does not
make sense to upgrade the avionics just to make it sell better.
However, in this case it might work out OK...
If he 'fixes' the kx170 (or replaces with another kx170 or equivalent)
there is no effect (plus or minus) on the value of the aircraft. If he
upgrades to a 430, then the resale value of his plane will go up by
about $9000 (75% of $12000). So the "net cost" is about $3000. If the
cost to repair/replace the kx170 is, say, $1000, then the net cost of
the 430 is now $2000. The question then becomes whether he will get
$2000 worth of use/benefit out of the 430 during the remainder of the
time he has the aircraft. Maybe it would make more sense to repair the
kx170 and get a new handheld GPS. That is a decision only the OP can
make.
The only other comment I would make is that, based on our experience
with the old (replaced) equipment (Narco Nav/coms, ADF, DME) the old
units will continue to have problems that have to be fixed. Those units
are probably what, 30 years old?? They will continue to have problems
from now one until they are retired... Before upgrading our panel we
were putting $$$ into avionics repairs every 4 to 6 months. In the 4
years since getting the 430, we have had one loose wire (fixed for $75).
How much is it worth to not have to scrounge parts like crystals and to
have confidence in your equipment?
Mike Pvt/IFR PA28-181 N44979 at KRYY

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