Piper Cherokee 6 for a beginner?

[prplrhd]

Hopefully I am not overstepping any boundaries here as I am not a pilot(yet). However, I would truly appreciate your advice here on a unique opportunity.

Eight years ago I started ground school in preparation for obtaining my private pilot's license. Shortly after I started, my mother passed away unexpectedly and from that point until now I've had the usual share of distractions that kept me from pursuing my license again. I have recently started shopping around for a good flight school or flying club nearby to take lessons (taking note of how much the prices have increased since 2000!)

As luck would have it, I have the opportunity to acquire a 1969 Piper Cherokee 6 with about 8000 hours on it for what seems to be a very good price. The plane has suffered from neglect over the past 2 years or so. A mechanic says it needs an engine overhaul, new prop and various other repairs. The plane is owned by a company my retired father has a 1/3 interest in and is in the process of liquidating it's assets. Thus, I have perfect knowledge about the seller, the plane, the former owner and intentions so there is no risk here from that standpoint.

I basically have two questions: 1) Is this a good plane for a beginner? Since I would be looking at spending several thousand on rental fees to get my license, does it make sense to learn in this plane instead? Is it a difficult plane for a beginner to learn? 2) What are your thoughts/experiences about purchasing a 40 year old plane with 8000 hours in need of some significant repairs? The former owner flew the plane often for business and recreational purposes primarily across the western US. Passengers only, no cargo. Looking on the open market, it appears I can acquire the plane ridiculously below the lowest asking prices I have seen. Family friends are pilots and retired mechanics so I will be able to get high quality advice on what should be repaired/replaced. The plane is getting a routine annual now, and will be flown to another airport for storage so it is safe to operate. What would you think is a reasonable amount to spend on repairing this plane? What concerns might you have about safety, reliability, longevity, etc? Is this just a harebrained idea from some wanna-be pilot?

Again, apologies if this is a bit much to ask. I figure a forum like this of experts is the best place to get a set of honest opinions. Thanks for your time and patience, your honest responses are greatly appreciated.

[Mac46]

You can buy the plane but I would first learn in something a bit less complex. Getting insured for something like a Cherokee Six as a student pilot would be prohibitively expensive if not impossible.

I bought a wrecked T-210 and rebuilt it. I had just recently got my high performance sign-off but the insurance just about killed me in cost. And that was in 1980.

I am not saying you couldn't learn to fly in it but it might prove to be impossible to solo in it.

[elmog]

Have you checked into how much an overhauled or new engine and prop for a Cherokee Six cost? How about the labor rates charged to service an aircraft? I would largely disagree with anyone encouraging you to buy this aircraft, even at a rock bottom price. It's a hassle restoring an aircraft and you can easily exceed the value of the airplane in replacement parts and labor. The annual inspection alone on a currently licensed airplane could easily cost you the price of a Private license. And then some!
An aircraft that has 8000 hours is no big deal if it has been flying and serviced regularly. You seem to be drawn to the fact that you know a little about the aircraft's background. True, this is a handy piece of information, but like I just mentioned, there will be no saving once you start writing checks to get this particular plane airworthy.
If you're in the market for a first airplane, try to find one that's a good fit. For example, a Six is an airplane that was designed to used commercially and is great for charter, cargo, jumping etc... as it was built with these tasks in mind. For you, it would only have real value if you plan of using all of the space and lifting capacity available. My guess is that you just want to get off the ground and fly and perhaps carry couple of passengers. I would suggest a Piper Warrior or Cessna 172 as they make a better trainer and will keep you happy for years to come. Also, the smaller planes have a 150/160 hp engine compared to the Six's 260/300 hp. Quite a lot of fuel burn compared to the 4 seaters. Have you checked the price of avgas lately?
It's cheaper to buy an airplane with a mid-time engine that has been flying regularly than one that has been sitting and needs a lot of work that's selling for a song. Airplanes deteriorate quickly when left to languish on the line. And things cost a lot of money these days, so educate yourself by talking to unbiased, experienced aircraft owners and you will gain the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision. Jim