Since you mention a "SUV", watch useful load. I went with the Saratoga for speed. It had AC and only had 1200 useful. Most of the 6's were closer to 1500-1600. The Lance was in between. They did vary so ask when you start your search.

All information above is spot on. My wife was not impressed with the Baron upgrade. All she saw was less room.

How 'bout dem Cowboys!

Charles, from the missions you are describing, I believe the PA-32-300 is your bird. The cabin is very large and very comfortable and the nose baggage and aft baggage can swallow a load of bags like no other a/c in the category. I flew a Cher Six for about 3 yrs and took many family trips with the thing absolutely loaded to the gills. Ours had a 1450 UL and even at GW on a hot (102 deg) day, it still didn't blink an eye. We always got a solid 140-145 kts on about 16 gph out of her. Not fast by any means but on your short trips, speed will not give you much gain.

The (4) independent fuel tanks was a concern at first but you get used to it. Just never let yourself get lax about fuel management. I've heard of Sixes going down with lots of remaining fuel due to fuel mismanagement.

Lastly, keep in mind that some Sixes have club seating in the back and some have the middle seats facing forward. If you have the middle row facing forward, count on only small children (less than 100 lb) sitting there as there is little / no legroom between middle / front row in that seating config. My kids will sit sideways (which you can do) if they are sitting in the middle row.

The Six is one of the best bang-for-the-buck singles I can think of. There are a very good value, especially for your mission.

Dang Jason, that's gorgeous. I'm a Cowboys fan from way back in the Staubach days. I left them for quite a few years but I'm coming around with the latest bunch. I'm an OSU grad so that's probably helping.
Kenneth and Don, thanks for your hints. I'm thinking like you are, the UL and maintenance simplicity of fixed gear trump the extra 10 knots, which would only be 5 minutes on my normal flights.
On the fuel system: The 4 selectable tanks I get (although I don't remember how the return system works). I don't get the dual selector/4 tank setup. Is it 2 tanks per side that feed together and if so, how does fillup work and can you short-load fuel dependably?
Lastly, how much UL does A/C cost and how well does it work?
Thanks again!

I believe the original 6 had two tanks only in the wings near the root (25gal). Quickly Piper added two tip tanks (17 gal) in the wings too making four. Each has its own fill. POH says burn the mains first and fill the tips first. There is an involved procedure for sumping for water. The Lance (for 6 months known as the Cherokee Six Lance) got stronger wings and joined tanks so no need to drain the mains first or fill the tips first since there is only one fill per side the other spots for fills being replaced by sight glasses (I think). In 1979 the FG Six got the lance wing and the same tanks. In 1980 everything was a Toga with the tapered wing. And there is no return AFAIK.

Prior to buying my G36, I looked seriously at the 6 place Pipers. After my wife and I decided we would only get one with a glass cockpit, we started looking at 2004 and newer. We flew the 6X, the Togo and T Toga, and Matrix. As you probably know, the Beech fit/finish is superior to Piper but you pay more for that. For shorter resale time and long term holding value, the Garmin beats the Avidyne glass. I actually liked the non-retract 6X with the G1000. I have owned about 50% retract and 50% non retract and continue to like the non retract due to lower maintenance and insurance costs. I don't know what your budget is but one of the advantages of getting a newer model with the glass is you don't have to worry about avionics/paint/interior upgrades for a while and they are easier to fly safely.

Some more pics of my cherokee six.

Jason do you have aircon? How's the ventilation system if you don't?

Yes have AC. Can't imagine tx without it. Just cold enough to break heat on ramp and we turn it off a few thousand feet up. Tons of fresh air from vents.

I have over a thousand hours flying PA-32s in Alaska back in the 80s.

This is the Saratoga I flew (N4375B, 25 years later):

https://www.google.com/maps/@64.8089191 ... !2e0?hl=en

It flew a little faster than the Lance, but I didn't like its slow speed handling as much.

I could not detect much difference between a 300 HP Cherokee 6 and a 260 model.

It may not matter to you but keep in mind the Cherokee 6 has what is effectively a zero fuel weight buried in the POH.

I did not fly a T-Tail Lance, but I heard stories from folks who have, who complained that it was tough to get it to pitch up, at low airspeeds, because the thrust from the propeller didn't affect the horizontal stabilizer they way it did on the low tail models.

In addition: Unless you are planning on lots of heavy take offs from high-altitude airports, you really don't need a turbo.

There is a reason why the T-Tail planes seem like good deals, definitely get a ride in one before committing.

Otherwise, the PA-32 is a great airplane.

Forrest

One of the many reasons why I went for an A36, instead of a Saratoga for family flying, when I bought in September. There must be a reason why. For me, an active supportive Brand forum, and society, is important.
Having said that, the Pipers do have some real advantages, and may be the best choice for your mission. The family loved the roominess for sure. But...would I go back and trade the A36 for one now...? No way.

One of the many reasons why I went for an A36, instead of a Saratoga for family flying, when I bought in September. There must be a reason why. For me, an active supportive Brand forum, and society, is important.
Having said that, the Pipers do have some real advantages, and may be the best choice for your mission. The family loved the roominess for sure. But...would I go back and trade the A36 for one now...? No way.

One of the many reasons why I went for an A36, instead of a Saratoga for family flying, when I bought in September. There must be a reason why. For me, an active supportive Brand forum, and society, is important.
Having said that, the Pipers do have some real advantages, and may be the best choice for your mission. The family loved the roominess for sure. But...would I go back and trade the A36 for one now...? No way.

Very true. BT is a great reason to own a Beechcraft. If the A36 checked all the boxes it would be a no-brainer.
Thanks for all the input guys. I think I've got a handle on the details and will continue to shop (and try to sell my K35).
As always, comments welcome.

I have flown a T-tail lance for just over a year now and love it. I have never flown a straight tail model, so I cannot compare, but the T-tail has not adverse affects from my perspective. I fly into a 2600' strip in the summer for golf from time to time and it is no problem with a full plane.

On the performance side, I see around 160 kts true, but I do have the Lopresti Cowl on it. Useful load is 1350.

As for utility, this thing is a beast. This past weekend I hauled 2 large guys, guns, gear, supplies, and 2 field dressed deer back from a hunting trip up north. Cruised back at 10,000 feet with much power to spare. Wonderful machine. Good luck in your search!

Jeff