I find myself in the market for a "new" airplane following the demise of my Beech 36. One that I have been looking at is a 1969 Cessna Turbo 210. It has a factory new engine and prop, older but ok radios, and a "reasonable" price. My question is (knowing full well where I am writing this), would I be happy with a Turbo 210, or should I hold out for another Beech? If I am considering a T210, should I avoid 60's models and hold out for a 70's airplane? What are the pros and cons of a T210 vs a A36? Someone also suggested that I be looking at a Turbo Lance/Saratoga.

Thanks for all of your opinions.

Warren

T210 definitely has a fanbase. It will haul a lot of pounds over a long distance, with high altitude cruise and good power for high altitude takeoffs. There are many who say it's the tops in its category for traveling piston single.

At this point, having learned so much about Beechcraft and what kind of care and maintenance they need, I'd hate to start over with a new plane whose gotcha's are unknown to me.

I’ve owned two ‘47 35 Bonanzas at various times, but also had a ‘63 210C.

Pro: You can load it in the rain without getting wet. You can load it with damn near anything (skis will fit under the seats). Wife and other important pax can board without climbing on the wing. It has a door on each side. Performance was equivalent to the early model Bonanzas (somewhat higher fuel burn).

Con: looked like “just another Cessna.” Not built like a Beech. Gear retraction looks ridiculous on takeoff (even though the mechanism is dead simple..once the gear doors are removed.)

That’s all I got.

Gordy

I like those vintage T210s. Maybe more utilitarian than a Bo?
They fly fine, like any Cessna. My business partner Adam had a 1968 he loved until the Mexican Mafia "Stole it" (seemed more like a negotiated settlement between some unknown parties, but anywho....).

I think the only PITA he bitched about was the non electric hydraulic system requires a mule to swing the gear and some seriously high altitude jacks.

They are great for getting in and out of, parking cars under the wings, moving freight around remote airstrips lol.

As we often say around working horses: Pretty is as pretty does.

All those "bad hombres" could no be wrong about the 210: Most popular aircraft to be stolen from unwary touristas while on vacation.

Have a 210 expert go over the gear system completely. Some gear parts are getting crazy expensive/rare. Also a good idea to peak above the headliner at the spar carry thru.

Paul New at Tennessee Aircraft Services in Jackson, Tennessee is the 210 expert. You should give him a call if you have any questions about 210s.

I have owned a 1960 210 for 25 years and I owned a 1975 T210L for 5 years. 210s are good planes. They do feel a little heavy on the controls compared to Beech products.

My first plane was a ‘73 210L with TKS and 13k TT, it was a great airplane! My wife liked that plane the most out of everything she has been in. 210, 310s, Baron, Navajo because she could see outside instead of the back of my head or the instrument panel.

They fly in turbulence pretty well, mine had 1500 pounds useful load and 90 gallon tanks.

Build quality is not a beech. It squeaks when you taxi, kinda bounces around.

The annual gear swing is scary, but it’s hard not to notice a tire missing beside you when you turn base.

I have about 50 hours and did not like loading passengers.
One of the great things about a 36.
I liked the view out of the window. For scenic flight, it is great.
Performance seems to be the same.
For me, I did not trust the gears... they looked flimsy. I was always worried of those things folding away on landing... Personal thing. I am sure that they are plenty strong, and well designed.
If you could add a side door like a 206 i would be on board. Though I do like the front double doors if it is only you and the wife.

But for me, the aesthetic of a A36 is hard to beat...

What are the TAS comparisons?

Warren, I Just went Back and re-read your Thread, on First Year Ownership of the A-36
I certainly couldn't add anything of Value, to the answers already given!
I do however, see why your Your Head!
I Love Bonanzas and I would stick with what You Have

I do think Cessna 210's are Cool But know nothing about them

What Ever You Do........I wish You Some Good Luck

Most Sincerely Sidney Wakeham

210's are 5-7 kts slower than the Bonanza with the same HP.

See if you can purchase a copy of the 210 buyers guide by the late John Frank. The guide contains a wealth of technical information for purchasing a 210. I do not know the status of the CPA so not sure if it can still be purchased or not.

https://cessna.org/product/210-buyers-guide-digital/

If you cannot purchase it, let me know and I will loan you my copy.

All those "bad hombres" could no be wrong about the 210: Most popular aircraft to be stolen from unwary touristas while on vacation.