by beaky » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:10 pm
Hmmm... it's been wrecked, and the engine's almost run-out (TBO for the O-320 is 2000 hrs)... that's why it's a "bargain".
Could still be a good deal, but I would check to see when the next annual is due (could be extremely expensive), what was found at the last annual (was it rubber-stamped by the same mechanic who did the repairs? The owner's cousin, maybe?) and find out if it really was never used commercially.
People who are selling used cars and airplanes often do this thing... it's called "lying". ;D
Could take you three or four years to run it to TBO, but when you get there, expect to spend over $15,000 just to overhaul that 320.
And if the (extensive) wind damage repair was not thoroughly documented and in keeping with FAA standards, I'd walk away.