rtk11
Pattern Altitude
OK guys - need your input, especially those that went through purchasing an aircraft using various valuation services.
I am looking at an aircraft to purchase (Sportcruiser) and values seem pretty varied. A call to AOPA's Pilot Information Center yielded different numbers from the AOPA Finance guy, with the finance guy ending-up lower. A Vref Online subscription actually gave me a higher retail, and lower wholesale number. I had heard that AOPA's numbers tended to be "high", but not in this case. Any idea which is the better reference to use? Or any recommendations for a valuation service for the aircraft that won't be too spendy?
Also, how much would you guys deduct for general condition (e.g. dull chalky paint?) How aggressively would you deduct if it's been used in a flight school? (Used hard, put away wet, left to bake in the hot SouthEast sun?)
I'd normally walk away, but if the price is right (and I don't end up insulting the seller with the offer), this aircraft might work out OK for me and how I would use the aircraft. But before I spend any more money on a deep logbook review and hangar inspection with an A&P, I wanted to make sure that the seller's bottom line price wasn't beyond what I am willing to pay. Thoughts?
I am looking at an aircraft to purchase (Sportcruiser) and values seem pretty varied. A call to AOPA's Pilot Information Center yielded different numbers from the AOPA Finance guy, with the finance guy ending-up lower. A Vref Online subscription actually gave me a higher retail, and lower wholesale number. I had heard that AOPA's numbers tended to be "high", but not in this case. Any idea which is the better reference to use? Or any recommendations for a valuation service for the aircraft that won't be too spendy?
Also, how much would you guys deduct for general condition (e.g. dull chalky paint?) How aggressively would you deduct if it's been used in a flight school? (Used hard, put away wet, left to bake in the hot SouthEast sun?)
I'd normally walk away, but if the price is right (and I don't end up insulting the seller with the offer), this aircraft might work out OK for me and how I would use the aircraft. But before I spend any more money on a deep logbook review and hangar inspection with an A&P, I wanted to make sure that the seller's bottom line price wasn't beyond what I am willing to pay. Thoughts?