Given the recent thread about the choice between a Cirrus and a Baron or Diamond twin, I found myself having a similar dilemma.
Currently a Mooney driver, soon (within a year), the mission will change to regular trips between Denver and Dallas. Will stay on the east side of the Rockies, and don't plan on regular trips to cross them.
The reason to change is perceived safety (maybe even true safety). A significant number of trips will be in the evening, so having a parachute or another engine would make me feel more comfortable. Budget is about 200k-250k. By far most of the trips will be just me and maybe one other person on weekend trips. Would prefer some kind of icing protection.
Options: Cirrus Gen 2 - 2006 model seems to fall around my financial target. Generation 3 models seem to be almost 100k outside the price range :(
B55/58/Cessna 310. Looks like I could buy a 1975ish model for about 100k. Willing to spend another 100k for avionics/interior and make it a very nice airplane. Not needing all the increase in load utility, but nice to have it.
Not so worried about the difference in fuel burn. Don't plan to be in a hurry, and I can always throttle back a little. More worried about overhauling 2 engines, plus all the extra expense that an older airplane requires.
I have sat in a B55 and seems a bit crammed (weird coming from a guy that currently has a Mooney, but in all honesty I find Mooneys to have plenty of space especially for taller guys). I have also sat in C310 and enjoyed the roomier cabin. Have not had a chance to sit in a Cirrus. I have not flown in any of them.
I have about 400 hours in total, IFR rated. Not sure how much my insurance would be at this point. Planning on flying around 150 hours a year, maybe a bit more.
What do you guys suggest?

Using the search function.

Mike

Don't listen to Mike, listen to me instead.....

Sounds like you need a Baron or a Cirrus........the Mooney ain't a bad choice either. I'd recommend getting your training with Ciholas Training Systems Inc.

Make sure that you invest in a good flying in the mountains course. I'd recommend Grommet Mountain Flying Inc.

You also need to ensure that you know the regs. Get with Newpower Rules Inc.

For upset training, especially in twins I would go with

Musick Twin Training for Dummies Inc. or Rozendaal "Do the Drill' LLC, training course

Follow these instructions and send me a check for $3,000 and you will be in great shape

I'm in the same boat as well. I'll be following this thread with interest.

Baron of course, no brainer!

$100K won't buy you a decent 58. If that is the purchase budget, consider the 55.

I think you have to make two many compromises with a Cirrus at that price point.

Check out Tom D's E-55. You'll have the money left over for engines when the time comes.

He said $100 purchase plus $100 upgrade for the baron.

1). Do you have a spouse? If so, Do what they want.

2) how about an SR20? For the mission you mention it should work and be well within budget.

SR20 is essentially a 172.

The second $100 was for cosmetics. My point was you can't find a mechanically sound 58 (worthy of $100K in fancy stuff) for $100K. At least I haven't seen one.

Spouse advice is right on the money.

No spouse. I can actually do what I want, so trying to make a somewhat rational decision.
SR 20 does not have ice protection. It would be a significant downgrade from the Mooney, except for the parachute option.
Total budget is 200k. Which means it could be split for a B55 in 100k purchase price and 100k upgrade options, or a B58 150k purchase price and 50k upgrade options. C310 could also be had for about 100k purchase price, which makes it an attractive choice as well.
The SR 22 Gen 2 has a lot of what I want except the ice protection (TKS only). It is also much newer. Significant depreciation to follow post purchase, but also less operating cost/overhaul cost. A 2009 Gen 3 would be a great option, but those go for about 430K, which would mean I would need to finance it. I made a vow to keep my aviation budget to cash/check only, no loans...

Cross the 58 off your list. You don't need the useful load, and you would be competing with a number of private and commercial operators who will pay big bucks for mission the 58 will complete that you don't need.

If you like the 310 there are good values to be found. And far and away the best ice protection is excess horsepower. 600hp lightly loaded can handle a lot of ice.

Also - any depreciation you see with a 10-year-old SR 22 will be nothing close to what you lose dumping 100 grand into a legacy twin. If you want to have 200 K total into a twin, buy the nicest plane you can find and don't spend a dime more on it.

Oh hush Charles, you know full well the Baron is the finest of the finest. Don't talk the man outta perfection!!

That's the way to buy an aeroplane!

Perhaps I'm a contrarian but I've done exactly as Charles and a slew of others have warned against. I could afford to own and operate a wide array of aircraft to suit my needs but I chose a late '70's vintage B55 P2 baron to upgrade to like new condition. It has new remans, new interior, full glass integrated cockpit, new windows all around, every major system (and probably every minor one also) has been overhauled or replaced. It will have a nicer paint job than most brand new airplanes as soon as don Copeland can work it in. I will have less than a third invested in it than a new baron costs. And mine will outperform the new baron in many respects. I just don't see how legacy twins are dead. There is a market for these planes because they do what nothing else can for the same amount of money. Where am I misguided?

It's not misguided, so much as it's just the case that it's (almost?) always cheaper to buy an airplane done the way you want than to buy one a little raggy and make it into what you want. Cheaper in money, time, and aggravation.

The comparison others are making are against "done" 10-30 year old airplanes, not against factory-new G58s.

For me, unless I wanted something insanely rare or unusual, I'd always try to buy done (or very close) rather than a project.

Also depends on your mission/budget

1) if you can afford a new Baron but to think to yourself, why would I spend that much when I can make it like new for less ... Than by all means

2). If you're trying to get the best airplane you can get for $200,000, then your money will go furthest buying a $200,000 plane out right