Looking in to buying a 172 I’ll be a first time owner… any advice?

[sts987]

Hey guys I’m new on the Forum floor . I’ve been doing a lot of research on the various models of the 172 . My home base will be in an area that is 5000DA+ half of the year.  I’m thinking a good bet would be to go with any model from the “I” on with the Lycoming 320’s.  I’ve heard that the “N” models with the Lycoming 320-H2AD were a maintenance nightmare . Any truth to this?  I would appreciate any advice! So far I’ve found some nice “M” and “N”’ models in my price range around $45000.00 with around 1000hrs SMOH and 6-8000TT

Thanks
Alex

[Mike]

Hey Alex! and welcome!

I am out of the stuck wing business but looked into it myself a little a while back. Here is the thread:
http://www.chickenwingscomics.com/forum/index.php?topic=205.0
Maybe there is some useful info in there, it gets a little off-track towards the end but it's still a fun read. 

Hope this helps!

[Turbomallard]

Alex,

For info that specific I'd join a type club like cessnapilots.org and hit up their resources and people. Seriously! At the flight school/FBO where I instruct part time for fun (gotta be something wrong with me-- what kind of idiot would have a hobby of riding around in airplanes piloted by people who don't know how to fly) I see people who didn't do their homework before they bought... and it can be expensive! Take your time and get some info from good sources. Another place to get good info on where to look would be the forums at AOPA.org. I've gotten lots of good info there over the years on several topics. Good luck!

TM

[Ragwing]

Sts,
I have put a lot of time in on a N model and I have not seen any significant problems.
Every pilot complains about the power of any airplane and they replaced the 320 with 360.

The Lycoming is a bit cheaper on the annual (4 cylinders) compared to the continental (6 cylinders).
It adds power and speed.

I have a lot of hours in continental powered 172's and actually preferred them over the O320.
Look more at the improvements the models give and read the logs very carefully.

A honest pre-flight inspection by a mechanic who has not touched that 172 is worth every penny.
This means in reality have the mechanic perform an annual.  Expensive, but they will find things that will cost you in the long run.
Because they are not risking their license, they will blow the whistle on less than great repairs, over driven rivets, etc.
They will also check to see that every single piece has been upgraded..... Instead of the same old mechanic who "knows" it is done.

I have found magneto's that are not assembled correctly, 50 cent capacitors that are reused.
In one engine, a FAA required bolt replacement was reused.  etc.

Ragwing

[Mike]

do you know "The coach" who works with us as a driver? He got burned with his plane big time because he had the mech who was working for the seller check out the plane.
It's been in a hangar for over a year now because it has never passed an annual ever since.
That was good advice Rag and Turbo!

btw, Turbo:

what kind of idiot would have a hobby of riding around in airplanes piloted by people who don't know how to fly

we gotta make a t-shirt out of that!  HA HA! 

[Rooster Cruiser]

Welcome to da coop, Alex!   

Sts,
I have put a lot of time in on a N model and I have not seen any significant problems.
Every pilot complains about the power of any airplane and they replaced the 320 with 360.

The Lycoming is a bit cheaper on the annual (4 cylinders) compared to the continental (6 cylinders).
It adds power and speed.

I have a lot of hours in continental powered 172's and actually preferred them over the O320.
Look more at the improvements the models give and read the logs very carefully.

An honest pre-buy inspection by a mechanic who has not touched that 172 is worth every penny.  This is so true - RC
This means in reality have the mechanic perform an annual.  Expensive, but they will find things that will cost you in the long run.
Because they are not risking their license, they will blow the whistle on less than great repairs, over driven rivets, etc.
They will also check to see that every single piece has been upgraded..... Instead of the same old mechanic who "knows" it is done.

I have found magneto's that are not assembled correctly, 50 cent capacitors that are reused.
In one engine, a FAA required bolt replacement was reused.  etc.

Ragwing

What Ragwing said, especially about the pre-buy inspection.

Most of the problems with the N models have been sorted out now.  They have had their engines worked over and now should not pose a Mx headache.  As far as density altitude goes you should be fine so long as you have a long enough runway.  I used to instruct in a 1967 model C172 with the 150HP O-300 at Montrose CO (KMTJ - elev 6000ft) and I often flew in and out of Telluride CO (KTEX - elev 9078ft) where an ISA standard day was 28F!  The takeoff on a hot summer day at gross weight required a special technique and could be very hair-raising for someone not familiar with the airport, but I managed with my students with no real problems.

You just can't go wrong with the old 172.  Good choice on your purchasing decision, and good luck to you in your endeaver!

P.S.:  Please do come back often and give us updates on how your venture is going.

RC

[sts987]

Hey thanks for all the good advice guys! Especially about the pre-buy… something I had completely over looked.   I’ve been wanting to do this for about a year now and have been scouring the internet for info.  AOPA and Wikipedia have been good for factual info but the forums always seem to have the most current and honest answers! If anyone knows of any open hangers in the Vegas area let me know! $6-700/month?
Alex

[spacer]

Of the two 172Ns I used to work on, I don't remember ever really having any problems with 'em, and they were rental/trainers. We just had to use an additive for the oil.

[Mike]

And?

Did you buy the plane yet, Alex?