So just for maintenance you're at about triple my S35. Your zero point is $2000 as the chute cost averaged out, then your annuals are about 75-100% more than what mine are, I'm right at a $2K average.

Based on the numbers above, I couldn’t own a cirrus if I wanted to. Even if the purchase price were $65k like my S35, the Amortized chute cost alone is more than my parts and annual average for the last 20 years.
Edit: Scott beat me to it. Much more $$ than my S35.
Greg

So just for maintenance you're at about triple my S35. Your zero point is $2000 as the chute cost averaged out, then your annuals are about 75-100% more than what mine are, I'm right at a $2K average.

Timex sells 20X as many watches as Rolex. Which would you rather wear.

Greg

Timex sells 20X as many watches as Rolex. Which would you rather wear.

Greg

Well, I concur, I do consider the Cirrus a throw away plane

Thread drift warning.
But Rolex are a tough tool watch, stainless steel and synthetic sapphire crystal is almost scratch proof. It can always be buffed out. I just finished impacting about 200 flange bolts wearing my Submariner. It makes no sense to let it sit in a box, just like a airplane, you have to use it.

Greg

Good info and I didn't realize it. Still... I'd probably go Timex as I'm paranoid.

To answer the OPs question of “why buy Bonanza instead of cirrus” a few of my own reasons.
1. I simply wouldn’t take a Cirrus where my S35 will go, short strips, rough dirt or grass strips, glare ice lake runways.

2. Performance is the same, Bonanza is way more bang for the buck. Mine has appreciated in value since I purchased it.

3. If you have a well maintained plane, the maintenance is cheaper over 10 years than a Cirrus.

4. My nothing special S35 gets compliments wherever I go.

5. I’ve helped my friend put his Cirrus in the hangar enough times to know it’s a PIA to maneuver in the hangar compared to the BO.

6. Easy to repair, anyone anywhere can fix it.

Those are just a few right off the top of my head. A friend had one for ten years and the only advantages I saw was,
1. Modern interior and avionics.
2. Parachute
And a lot of Bonanzas already have two of the three.

Greg

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You can't accurately compare a 50 year old Bonanza to a 10-15 year old Cirrus. You should be comparing 2001-2003 Bonanzas so you're at least somewhere near apples to apples.

And one more on the chute maintenance-all the G1 planes have already had their first and most expensive chute overhaul done. The subsequent pricing will be much less, since it will only need the chute and rocket replaced, which is nowhere near one poster's $20k price. Your cost per year should be about $1400 for the parachute system's six (line cutters) and ten year (rocket & chute) maintenance intervals.

The G1 and G2 Cirrus are also appreciating over the last 24 months. If you bought one four years ago, you could easily sell it for more than you paid, enough to pay for an engine in most cases. You'll find a 2001-2007 Bonanza costs at least $100K more to purchase. Values are running $350-550K. So the hull insurance will be much more than a comparable year Cirrus.

And don't forget the value of the chute. It could be the difference between living or dying. Is your life worth at least $20K?

correction- I forgot to include the conversion to electronic ignition in the CAPS system, that will increase the cost one time, and then it goes back down.

I co-own a 2000 Cirrus SR20 G1. The airplane had it's first CAPS service in 2010. It's due for it's next one in April. The 2nd replacement is actually MUCH more expensive than the first because the system has to be upgraded from the mechanical style rocket ignitor to the new electronic ignition system. No matter what you do with a G1, it will always need composite work for the CAPS replacement - it does NOT have the access panel which was added with the G2.

Our CAPS replacement is scheduled with a very well known and reputable shop. The price is $19,500 + tax. We had another quote for $18,000 from another shop that's not convenient for us.

I love our Cirrus, and I fully believe in the CAPS system including feeling like the price is worth it to me. With that said - I know the price 100% sure because I've shopped it, I've investigated it, I've read the service bulletins, and I've even schedule the service. $20k is a valid number for this service on a G1 Cirrus.

No, if I'm in the market for an aircraft I take a look at what's out there and what level of performance or capability I desire. As stated above my S35 has about the same performance as a Cirrus with the same horsepower, carries more and costs less in pretty much every metric you're looking at. Plus the Cirrus is handicapped by being wholly unsuited to non paved runways, it simply can't do my mission.

Glenn, I want to take your responses at face value until you started getting emotional about it.
I was in the market for a G1 cirrus, and it appeared to me, that most cirrus owners were less than forthcoming on the actual maintenance costs. Thank you to Brian for actually confirming the tight-lipped values of the chute repack. Since you ran a cirrus service center, you would be in a unique position to let us know the median invoice for a G1 annual.

Now, with the chute. Notwithstanding the electronic ignition updates, I think a G1 is not a good candidate for me since I like to keep aircraft long term. Consider that the G1 airframe needs major surgery to extract and insert the new rocket/chute. I can't imagine, even with the finest of craftsmen, that this cutting and/or breaking, and subsequent rebobding of the fueslage does wonders for the long-term fatigue durability of the airframe.

I really wanted a cirrus to work for me, and maybe one will, but the caps/chute costs and the high annual costs put it out of my budget unfortunately.

Cirrus fly-in

Greg

No problem. Besides the chute the airplane itself should be pretty standard. Ours flies A LOT and doesn’t ask for tons in return on maintenance. We have over 850 hours on a 3.5 year old engine, to me 3500 annual on something used that much isn’t too bad, and we don’t do owner assisted or any of that... just hand it to our on field shop.

I will also say I don’t think there is a structural concern around the composite work for the parachute. The panel they remove is designed to come off cleanly and shouldn’t affect any structure. The real issue is just that it adds paint color matching concerns and a couple $$$ more than a G2 or newer Cirrus. There are some benefits to the G1 too though:

1) They tend to be the lightest with the most useful load.

2) Many had 6 packs which allows you a ton of flexibility in avionics upgrades.

3) The doors are typical aircraft doors if you prefer that.

To me one of the more comforting things about the Cirrus beyond the parachute is the airframe- it’s TOUGH. Even out of control and 50% over Vne there has never been an inflight breakup. Combine that with standard 4 point harnesses and 26g seats with the composite roll cage... it’s sturdy. Not saying other aircraft aren’t strong, but rather the Cirrus really is stupid strong. I wouldn’t worry about it’s structure - ever.

PS if you want actual ownership costs for Cirrus COPA has that in spades - lots of people share their very detailed spreadsheets there. If you’re not a member and want the numbers we have for our 20 feel free to ask. Some years are better than others. The year we put an engine and new prop on it was not to be shared with our wives. :-)

Oh stop, it’s overused. At least be creative.