Actually.... I'm shopping for a Mooney

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This-Aardvark-1431@reddit

If you're looking at F or earlier models, definitely get a chance to sit in one if you can. I realized I really didn't like the location of the fuel selector switch. If I get a mooney, then it'll be a J model or later with the fuel selector between the seats and a bit more accessible.

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FlyRvR@reddit (OP)

I’ve seen it, and on one that I looked at, an elderly previous owner had built himself a PVC pipe wrench type of throng so he could turn it without bending down!

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FridayMcNight@reddit

I wouldn't buy an early one for those reasons. There are a lot of improvements on the later models that you'd give up. I've got a J. Great plane.

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FlyRvR@reddit (OP)

I can't make sense of the spaghetti that the 70s panels become. The older panels just make sense to me, and I love the manual flaps and gear. However, with the right deal, I'd consider any of them. I'm mainly looking at '67+ F models, but keeping an eye on others as well.

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Aaronjr369@reddit

I have a mooney m20f for sale

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FlyRvR@reddit (OP)

Talk to me.

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theanswriz42@reddit

I have electric flaps and gear in my J and don't really care either way versus a Johnson bar. I did have a flap motor fail on me once but it's since been rebuilt and all is good there. Personally, it wouldn't be a factor for me when it comes to making a buying decision.

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stickJ0ckey@reddit

Here's a bunch of Mooneys for sale https://donpilot.com/directory/aircraft-for-sale/single-engine-piston/mooney some are quite interesting

I've always wanted one but being based in the EU doesn't make things easier for me

✌️

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plicpriest@reddit

So in my experience and dated understanding- the old manual gear system is relatively low cost at annual. Parts availability could be a challenge, but the system doesn’t have expensive pumps or fluids to worry about.

Personally I liked the Johnson bar. A word to the wise- when you retract the gear (which takes time and technique to develop), don’t grab it like a shift stick once you unlock it during retraction. I had a student do that and it pinched his palm into the floor. Also once you start the retraction process, don’t stop or slow down. You won’t have the strength to complete retraction.

I fly a M20K these days. Mooneys are fantastic little birds. You will need to be methodical and procedure oriented in your flying. You cannot be sloppy. Best of luck in your purchase!!!

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I have a few in mind, been looking at logs, been doing homework, etc...

Right now, in these early stages, I have two that I'm weighing back and forth as to which I would like to take the next steps -- I keep going back to just how great the "manual" flaps and gear are in the early models. But that's from a non-Mooney pilot.

In reality, how much different is it? What is the maintenance difference in the long run? All in all, if you have flown both, which do you like better, and why? Is it worth really holding out for the manual version?

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