Mooney M20 (M20C / M20J / M20K / M20R) Pre-Buy Checklist

Single Piston · 1955-present · 23 active

Full Cost Data

Purchase Price

$30K-$200K

Prebuy Items

3

3 critical

ADs

1

1 recurring

Insurance

$1,915

per year (experienced)

Pre-Buy Inspection Checklist

3 items to check · 3 critical · 0 important

airframe

Gear retract system and motor inspection

Mooney manual/electric gear system. Check for worn bushings, motor condition, and gear door rigging.

~$5,000

corrosion

Lower longeron inspection

Mooney longerons are steel tube. Check for rust at the lower longerons near the belly.

~$10,000

engine

Lycoming IO-360 cam shaft inspection

Borescope for cam lobe wear. Lycomings are susceptible to cam erosion with infrequent use.

~$12,000
Critical Important Minor

Airworthiness Directives

1 ADs on record · 1 recurring

AD NumberTitleEst. Cost
2005-18-15RecurringStabilizer Spar Cap Inspection$4,000

Purchase Price by Year

1960-1969
$30K-$65K
1970-1979
$45K-$95K
1980-1989
$75K-$150K
1990-1999
$110K-$210K
2000-present
$170K-$300K

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Mooney M20 (M20C / M20J / M20K / M20R) cost?

Typical purchase price: $30K-$200K

What should I check before buying a Mooney M20 (M20C / M20J / M20K / M20R)?

There are 3 key items to inspect, including 3 critical items.

How much is insurance for a Mooney M20 (M20C / M20J / M20K / M20R)?

Experienced pilots: $1,915-$2,340/year.

Are there any known issues with the Mooney M20 (M20C / M20J / M20K / M20R)?

There are 1 airworthiness directives (1 recurring) to be aware of.

Cost Summary

Purchase$30K-$200K
Annual Fixed$5,115/yr
Hourly Variable$67.00/hr
5-Year Total$89K-$325K

Insurance Estimates

New PPL$2,588-$3,738
Experienced$1,915-$2,340

Engine

ModelLycoming IO-360-A3B6D
Power200 HP
TBO2,000 hrs
Overhaul$25,000-$35,000

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always hire a qualified A&P mechanic for a professional pre-buy inspection. Data sourced from FAA records and industry benchmarks.