Looking to buy a third plane, want something cheap and efficient. I don't care much for passenger comfort, but would still like a decently handling plane. I was looking at 172-180s but keep circling back to a M20E or C.

I like the simplicity of manual flaps and gear. Costs don't strike me as too high, whats the catch with the older models? I see them priced in 30-40k range and at those prices I could set aside another 40k for maint. etc and keep on flying.

I try to do my own work when able when my IA is around, so I focus on parts costs over labor hours, although he did say mooneys are a bit tight to work around.

The 200hp injected engines look reliable, I am pt.91 so prefer to IRAN instead of tearing down a good engine.

M20C, a parallel valve lycoming with a carburetor is about as good as it get for overall operating expenses and the manual flaps and gear are as low maintenance as it gets for a complex airplane.

They are tight compared to most airplanes. It depends on the repair. The engine is tight against the firewall so it can be tough back there but doing a cylinder on one is easier than on a Bonanza.

Like most old airplanes lookout for corrosion.

I have a 1965 M20E that I have owned since 2000. The 200HP fuel injected engine has very reliable and also tolerant of abuse. Biggest thing I would be looking at is the wet wing. I believe that hard landings (rough fields/low time pilots) cause flexing and over time increase the odds/frequency of needing to reseal the tanks.

Glenn

Decades ago I was partner in a M20A (wood wing).

You don't want that model but the M20C is the same plane, all metal.

It is a 2+2 plane and the back seat is for teenagers/children only.

One of the easiest complex planes to maintain with what might be the most reliable engine available in GA.

You're trading spaciousness for speed when compared to the other 180hp birds but you might get an extra 20Kts cruise depending on what you're comparing.

Don't let the manual gear scare you off. There is a technique during retraction that once you learn it, requires very little effort to raise the gear.

I loved that plane and have a soft spot in my heart for all Mooneys now due to the years flying her.

I forgot about the tanks. In the past there weren't many people that were good at repairing or completely resealing the tanks Today there are are two that I know of that do fantastic work. I forget the exact cost of a complete reseal but it was similar to the cost of 2 new Bonanza bladders installed. I think they have at least a 7 year warranty. In reality they last a long time. I have a 1985 M20J and it has(knock on wood) never had work done to the tanks.

Mooney M20E is faster than pretty much anything else out there for the money, not many $40k airplanes out there that will cruise at/around 150 KTAS.

I owned one with bladders installed and manual gear, it was a fantastic and very economical plane.

Sold it to a close friend and now he and his partner let me fly it occasionally.

Getting a prebuy from a legit Mooney expert mechanic is critical, and getting transition flight training from an experienced Mooney pilot/instructor also important.

Good luck!

Tim

I'm interested in them specifically for the manual gear, simple and effective.

Friend of mine is an ATP and did a lot of time in a mooney, said he loved that retraction system. I like the Bonanza for its spaciousness but I always feel bad for that gear motor in sub zero arctic conditions.

Not eyeing it for passengers. Would be just myself or maybe one other and throw bags in the back, without having to put time on the Bo and fuel burn with the thirsty continental.

I have seen sub 40k planes with mid time engines and low time frames with bladders, that's the direction I am leaning, don't care much about avionics as the Bo already has a solid IFR panel, I'm content keeping it VFR only.

I have a lot of experience..... Sitting in the back of a 200hp "Super 21".

I'm the big kid.

Rule #1:
Keep the floor clear for the Johnson Bar when it's time to raise the gear.

Nice! Looks like fun memories.

Have also been looking at Lancair 320/360's but wary of operating it off of gravel strips.

Suggest you also go to Mooneyspace.com. There is a sub-forum there for vintage Mooneys. We love our 1965 C.

Expensive stuff

Corrosion
Leaking wings
Bad cam due to corrosion in a lucky 360
Gear in bad shape. Check donuts and tubes for any dimples

Otherwise pretty solid and fun to fly.

We had a 68 M20G. Grew up with that plane and will always have a special place in my heart. Bang for the buck doesn’t get much better for economical speed. We needed more room as family grew. The Johnson bar landing gear takes some getting used to but not a big deal.

I’ve got an E model I’ve had since 1989, very economical to operate. Ive put about 3500 hours on it, 1/2 a million miles. Very few issues. Airspeed is weight dependent, pilot only& full fuel its 155 knots up to 7500’. Very solid in the air. Great for two.

Cheap and efficient? RV-3/4!

We had an M20B (first all metal model) in a partnership. Perfect for the situation you are describing. I wish I still had it.