New user looking for Cherokee/Challenger/Archer 180 buying advice.

[JohnK]

Good morning everyone,

I'm trying to help a friend buy a PA-28 180 for he and his son to learn to fly in. I'd really like to help him but all my experience is Cessna.

Here's all the criteria I can think of:

• Logs must be complete, gaps make importation to Canada more difficult
• 180 hp
• Functional but not fancy avionics
• No corrosion
• AD's and SB's up to date
• Not picky about paint and interior
• Mid-time engine or must be priced accordingly
• NDH or if DH well documented repair
• Not concerned about high TTAF
• ADS-B or fancy glass isn't value added
• I don't think he wants to pay extra for speed mods/fairings, etc.

Please tell me what else I'm missing on that list? Basically looking for a mechanically sound steam gauge aircraft.

Plane will be hangared at CYOO, a suburb of Toronto. Use will be a primary flight trainer for PPL with the possibility of IFR to follow. Occasional 200nm cross country trips with 2 adults and 2 teens. What's the price delta to go the later (1973?) airframe with the bigger back seat?

What are the "gotcha's" and "must have's" in the PA-28 world? Any particular years to avoid? Good dealers/brokers? Shady dealers/brokers?

How's the supply of these aircraft? Anyone got one for sale that fits the bill? What should he be expecting to pay?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

-John

 

[gmohr]

 

[JohnK]

 

[gmohr]

 

[N7655W]

 

[JohnK]

 

[N7655W]

 

[Chavycha]

 

[gmohr]

 

[gmohr]