Considering a mooney m20j 201...late 70's, 300-400 smoh, great paint and interior. Only a 430 non waas GPS....good autopilot with altitude hold. Nice plane but not sure what the price should be....

A good friend just bought one.
J has the injected Lyc, correct?
Seems like decent ones are $50k to $100k?
Depending on avionics and stuff.

Great airplane.

There should be enough of a market to triangulate a value. MAPA used to be a decent source for current selling prices.

I'd expect to pay $70-100K for a late 70s model depending on many factors. There were many improvements in 1978 (the 2nd year) that make 1977 models somewhat less desirable.

Likely in the 80-85 range with the little data provided. Recent versus original autopilot, age/vendor of overhaul, fuel tank status, etc will all influence the value significantly.

I still love mine after 10+ years! Tremendously efficient with usable XC speed. I don't think there is a lower cost/mile certified 4-seater out there.

Sounds like you're describing

- strong cosmetics
- strong panel (430, even if non-waas, newer AP)
- strong engine

yeah, something close to 6 figures.

As others have posted, there is variability depending on the year, avionics, etc. I'd go with Scott's estimate since he's a Mooney owner, and there's data to support it.

The Mooney Flyer (http://www.themooneyflyer.com) has a valuation form which may help you. There is a 1978 J model for sale for $85,500 in this month's edition (878 SMOH, non-WAAS 430). You might also consider posing the question on Mooneyspace (http://www.mooneyspace.com) if you'd like a spirited discussion!

Todd, the M20s are solid aircraft. Agree with other posts on value. I recommend a good prebuy by mooney experts like Willmar or the outfit in TX. Most airframe, engine, and avionics decisions are similar to other aircraft, however experts can look for;
- incorrect insulation, sound proofing (moisture)
- corrosion in the steel tube lower sections
- leaky fuel tanks
The last 2 can be expensive.
Also consider the 231 or 252 if you want turbo charged M20.

Agree- i’d say with good tanks and gear pucks in this market you’re probably closer to $85-90. So many people bottom fish on the J model that there’s a ton of competition at $80k. Go up to $90-95 and you’ll get an extra $20-30k in upgrades that you’ll end up spending on the $80k bird anyway.

There's a reason why pre-201 models brag about having "201 mods."

The OP's description doesn't contain enough detail for more than a wide range guess. To say an engine has 400smoh may or may not be meaningful. I've seen an airplane advertised with 5 hours SMOH. When I called on it, I found out it wasn't a major overhaul, it was an IRAN after a prop strike.

I would have a major Mooney shop do an annual inspection in lieu of pre-buy. Flat rate is going to run about $2500 or so.

Remember too there are only four little bitty screws holding the tail on!

There's only four 1/4 inch bolts holding the engine to the airplane as well.
Lots of competition for a runout M20J's but ones with new paint, radios, interior, and engines all ready done can get somewhat expensive. Doing it all yourself is even more expensive. Don't fish off the bottom. Because a $35,000 panel and a $35,000 engine in the same couple of years really hurts.
But you can't beat the value in operating one. 10 gallons an hour 150-160kt. Similar to a bonanza, really, but with a small edge in parts costs and, depending on the Bonanza, real fuel savings.

I still have mine, love it, still the most comfortable tall guy seat of any airplane I have flown.........solid, dependable and very, very economical............that IO-360 is a great, great engine..............

Lot roomier than folks imagine and I have Monroy long range fuel tanks on mine, that thing has a range close to 2000miles.........seriously great frigging airplane. Easy to fly (IMHO) and keep it on speed and that airplane will land in a very short distance..........kept mine at 22FA for a while and it was perfect at that strip.........

Spend on the upper limit with the avionics that you want, it will save you in the long run...........I just put a 750 and new engine monitor in mine, was not cheap........

In my experience as a buyer, finding a 300..400 SMOH M20J for $50k+ is a fantasy. If you find one like that, it is a wreck. Flooded in a hurricane, hangar roof caved in on it, things of that nature. I looked at some just a year ago and eventually settled for M20E in a decent shape. I would guess $80k or thereabouts. Good examples push above $100k if avionics are good.

Crunch the numbers using data from the National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA) tool on Trade-A-Plane. The data runs about 3% - 4% higher than what members use but it is a reasonably good tool. You will also be able to see the trends for that year model along with the current range of selling prices.

Good luck

Go to www.mooneyspace.com

Best website for Mooneys.

Butch

I have a 77 J and love it. With that engine time and the avionics you’d be looking at 85-95k. Same hours and something special (autopilot, mods, GTN/IFD/Aspen) and you’ll go north of $100k.