Username Protected wrote:
Here's why I'm asking: As I look at buying a Super Cub instead of, say, a Citabria or even a Kitfox, people say "a Super Cub (or 185) will always keep its value because it has so much commercial application." I have my doubts, but I'm anxious to be convinced.
I'm primarily going to address the Super Cub here, but when compared to other tandem, fabric airframes (such as a Citabria, Scout, or Husky) the Cub is the gold standard, and the Cub asking prices reflect this. My observation is that the low speed handling characteristics of the Cub are superior to the other options, hence the value. When you need to get in and out of a small area I'd prefer to be in a Cub, and this is why the commercial operators use them.
The fact that you're considering a Cub vs. a 180/185 leads me to believe you don't really need the low speed handling and short takeoff and landing abilities that the Cub has to offer. Other airframes that cost less might be an option as well in this case but if it costs less to buy you'll also likely get less for it when you sell.
Maybe give a Stinson with a big engine a shot as an alternative?