Originally Posted by Jetpilot718

Never thought I'd ever be starting this kind of thread but yeah! I'm looking into purchasing a new-ish (2007-2009) Cessna 172SP, one with the G1000 package because it charters easier. It will go on a flight school's certificate, so condition doesn't have to be "cream puff" status. That's why I'm not going with a brand new airframe.

I know the basics, like TBO, etc but what I'm wondering rather is the idiosyncracies, for example...

Is there a good time of the year to buy, or does that not matter as it would for say, an automobile?

Do I just scour the Trade-A-Plane website/magazine or is there a better way?

Those kind of questions. Basically, for those in this super small club, what was it like? Any mistakes you wish you didn't make, or advice for someone looking to buy for the first time?

Thanks in advance!