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The Perfect Time to Buy Used

Cessna 182RG John Miller
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The current used-airplane market is highly favorable for buyers due to significantly depressed prices across various aircraft types, driven by economic slowdowns.
  • This presents an opportune time for buyers to acquire more capable or better-equipped aircraft within their budget, though a recent slight uptick in prices suggests the bottom may have been reached.
  • Buyers must exercise thorough due diligence, including an independent pre-purchase inspection by a knowledgeable mechanic, careful review of all logbooks, and understanding insurance requirements.
  • Common mistakes to avoid include being impulsive, failing to negotiate the asking price, and skipping a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection to ensure the aircraft meets needs and budget.
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The opening line of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” is an apropos description of today’s used-airplane market.

For buyers these are great times to be in the hunt for an airplane that’s gotten some gentle use and good care. But for sellers, faced with an economic need to relinquish the airplane they’ve enjoyed and nurtured, often for years, the times aren’t so good.

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