I have a Cherokee six, I love it, no mountains in Fl, so a 260 hp is ok here.
If you have mountains get a 300 hp, better clime with load. I have put about 700 hours on my six since I go it, but I would never rent it out. No one takes care of a plane like the owner.
As far as the check out, the Six is a flying brick, you must land with some power on, kinda fly it onto the runway, if you pull it back power just before wheels down, it will drop like a rock. I know you won't believe me until you land one time pulling all power off and drop onto the runway hard.
I paid 68 K for my six, put 60 K back into it, never get my money out of it, but updated avionics, new auto Pilot, paint, leather, strobes etc,, nice ride just for me. Good choice with a six, will carry a load, still popular for families with lots of kids, solid aircraft.