Hello, I’m a new pilot and I’m looking at the super vs. the xtreme. What should I be looking at when considering a used plane? Also based on some quick math I’m not sure a used plane is a better value compared to new because of the relatively slow depreciation. Thoughts? I’m wanted to get a plane to compete in aerobatics.
Looking to buy.
- Thread starter MichaelN
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Bob Turner
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Love to see that quick math. You can get an older 180 Decathlon with recently overhauled prop and engine, new paint, radios, and interior, for $115K. (One just sold here for that)
Or you can get new for a quarter million? The new one will depreciate a bit, but the older aircraft will increase in value. The question is, what could you do with the saved $100 grand or so?
I am not well schooled in finance/accounting, so I often don't see how this stuff works out. My buddies rent sirplanes out, and seem to make profit - even with engine replacements at $70 grand and up, my cirrus buddies say they make a small profit.
We have a local flight school equipped with new Cherokees and Cirrusi - they invested easily five million in office/hangar/tiedown facilities, and now pump a lot of Jet A. But I don't get where the profit is - how many Cherokee hours does it take to turn a profit with that kind of investment? It is there; I just don't see it.
Or you can get new for a quarter million? The new one will depreciate a bit, but the older aircraft will increase in value. The question is, what could you do with the saved $100 grand or so?
I am not well schooled in finance/accounting, so I often don't see how this stuff works out. My buddies rent sirplanes out, and seem to make profit - even with engine replacements at $70 grand and up, my cirrus buddies say they make a small profit.
We have a local flight school equipped with new Cherokees and Cirrusi - they invested easily five million in office/hangar/tiedown facilities, and now pump a lot of Jet A. But I don't get where the profit is - how many Cherokee hours does it take to turn a profit with that kind of investment? It is there; I just don't see it.
So a brand new one is 300k . One a couple of years old is about 270k with 200 hours, and 18 year old one is 217k with 800 hours. And I know age isn’t as much as hours, but I’m comparing hours left before overhaul, prop hours. And if it was used for aerobatics that’s a lot of stress on the airframe, used as a trainer a lot of stress on the landing gear… I was just expecting more depreciation. I have never owned ones but I’m just putting together the research I was able to do and that’s what I’m seeing.
Not a lot of people with basis of comparison of the Extreme vs Super. Greg Koontz or Dale Geiger are probably your best bets. Both are friendly and talkative.
Decathlon prices range from 300K to 50K depending on age and condition. Your call where on that spectrum you land. IMO sweet spot for price is probably planes from the 90's and early 2000's, or an older Bellanca that has been restored and upgraded to metal wings. Either can be had for 100-150K.
If you have never competed, it will be several years before the aircraft is a limitation. At that point the extra 30 hp is not going to make a difference.
Decathlon prices range from 300K to 50K depending on age and condition. Your call where on that spectrum you land. IMO sweet spot for price is probably planes from the 90's and early 2000's, or an older Bellanca that has been restored and upgraded to metal wings. Either can be had for 100-150K.
If you have never competed, it will be several years before the aircraft is a limitation. At that point the extra 30 hp is not going to make a difference.