This plane is a cross-country beast with no issues at all and performs like new. The engine has only 500 hours since the major overhaul and it is expected to run until 1,800 hours before the next overhaul. I purchased it about 8 months ago to build hours and use as a mode of transportation. I've changed the oil every 25 hours, just like the previous owner, and I've never had a single engine issue. It's always run strong. This plane is IFR certified with two NAVs, two COMMs, and two CDIs.
When I bought it, the previous owner had slowed down on his flying, so I replaced several time-limited parts after I started flying it frequently. I believe I've changed nearly everything necessary to make it like new. Here's a list of the new parts I've added:
1. New front tire
2. New vacuum pump
3. Altimeter - required to pass IFR inspection
4. Vertical speed indicator - required to pass IFR inspection
5. New battery
6. New generator
7. New comm jack plug-ins and cleaned all radio connections for crisp sound
This plane has been on several long flights since I've owned it. I've flown it back and forth from Louisiana to New Mexico several times, East Texas to Dublin, Virginia several times, Louisiana to the border of Mexico and back, plus plenty of local flights.
I'm planning to take a long cross-country flight from East Texas to Southern California, up the West Coast, and over and around several national parks out West. If you're in that area and want to see the plane, I can stop by.
This plane has been great, and I believe it would be a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable aircraft.