Value: RV-6a vs. -7a

[Jerry Cochran]

Folks, here's another theoretical question.

Let's say you have two near identical RV's,a -6a and a -7a, built by identical twins (joke.)

2007 slider models

Identical professional paint.

ECI IO-360's professionally assembled.

Hartzell blended 72"

IFR panel

Assume everything else is identical.

The question is, What is the price/value difference between these two given that the only difference is the model #?

What should each sell for on today's market?

If the -7a sells for $90K, what should the -6a be worth?

When answering, please mention any recent experience you have on either the buy or sell side and the model, and how often do you check prices @VAF?Barnstormers/Trade-a-Plane?

Thanks for your input, I think it might be illuminating...

[hecilopter]

Of course I'm biased

Seriously though, the 7 has over the 6:

1) Complete matched hole pre-punched construction. Should be straight with no jigs (no trim tabs required on rudder)
2) A higher VNE 230 vs 210
3) 4 more gallons of fuel 42 vs 38
4) Higher gross weight 1800 vs 16XX?
5) Counter balanced rudder
6) More interior room 1" or so headroom
7) Accomodates up to 200 hp engine vs 180 hp

Subtle changes but they all add up...

[Jerry Cochran]

Originally Posted by hecilopter

Of course I'm biased

Seriously though, the 7 has over the 6:

1) Complete matched hole pre-punched construction. Should be straight with no jigs (no trim tabs required on rudder)
2) A higher VNE 230 vs 210
3) 4 more gallons of fuel 42 vs 38
4) Higher gross weight 1800 vs 16XX?
5) Counter balanced rudder
6) More interior room 1" or so headroom
7) Accomodates up to 200 hp engine vs 180 hp

Subtle changes but they all add up...

Hey Rooster,

You're missing the point. Not trying to find out IF it's better, that's for another topic.

Here's the question in a nutshell: What does today's RV market think the $$$ diff is, not "why is it different?" Let's just agree it IS different and go from there...

BTW Rooster, you have a nicely equipped -7, what do you say one like it is worth?

Good input tho... Thanx

[Ron Lee]

For point of discussion, let's assume that the RV-7A will command $20,000-25,000 more than the otherwise identical 6A. I would buy the 6A. To me there is not enough "mo better" about the built 7A than the 6A to justify the price difference.

I think you should tell the group what you think your 6A should sell for after a new engine and panel and let others confirm or refute it.

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by hecilopter

Of course I'm biased

Seriously though, the 7 has over the 6:

1) Complete matched hole pre-punched construction. Should be straight with no jigs (no trim tabs required on rudder)
2) A higher VNE 230 vs 210
3) 4 more gallons of fuel 42 vs 38
4) Higher gross weight 1800 vs 16XX?
5) Counter balanced rudder
6) More interior room 1" or so headroom
7) Accomodates up to 200 hp engine vs 180 hp

Subtle changes but they all add up...

I know, this isn't suppose to be a comparison, but...

My 6A is straight because of a jig. It needs a rudder trim tab because the whole vertical stab isn't offset like a 7's.

Most 6's are in the 1800+ GW catagory because they found that the 6 was capable of much more than Van's orignal conservative figures. Besides, I prefer the 6's spar that connects in the middle, rather than a few bolts attaching to a seperate center spar.

They say the 7 has more headroom, but I haven't seemed to have noticed when in 7s or 9s.

The 6's shorter "Classic tail" is much better looking than the oversized balanced rudder than comes with the 7.

Yep.............the 6 may be worth $20,000 less than a comparable 7.

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by Jerry Cochran

Assume everything else is identical.

The question is, What is the price/value difference between these two given that the only difference is the model #?

What should each sell for on today's market?

Having watched the market (or, more correctly, the lack of a market) recently I will take a guess that the '6' is going to sell for 10 to 15K less than the '7'. Reading Barnstormers, Trade-a-Plane, and VAF ads is meaningless unless you can find out what the real selling price was. For obvious reasons, some people aren't anxious to 'fess up on the actual price paid or accepted. It is an ego thing with many people.

In your question you say "everything else is identical," the key word is "else" many people are going feel that the '6' is old news and the '7' is the latest article. Our culture really responds to "new and improved."

John Clark
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[hecilopter]

I think when you look at asking prices between the two, it boils down to what people are wanting. These days a plane equipped with efis, 180+ hp and constant speed with classic aero interior and quality paint will demand more money regardless of model #.

You stated above that the 2 hypothetical airplanes are identical and the 7A is $90K for comparison. I guess you are asking if an identically equipped 6A was sitting beside it what would it be worth? If it were me I would use the given 7A price as a bartering tool and try to get a better deal on the 6A before making the decision. If they were both priced the same and the sellers would not budge, I would choose the 7A for the reasons listed above. If I could barter a cheaper deal on the 6A I would choose it. However, that is just my opinion and how I would approach buying an airplane if I didn't have one already.

The question of what it is worth is so subjective though because any airplane is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay the and the seller is willing to accept.

I have seen on Barnstormers some very nicely equipped airplanes sell for way less than I would have imagined. On the other hand there are some out there that the seller is wanting a premium for and will not sell for less.

[n5lp]

Originally Posted by hecilopter

...I have seen on Barnstormers some very nicely equipped airplanes sell for way less than I would have imagined...

I'm not familiar with Barnstormers, but I have never seen a trading site report selling prices. As John Clark says above, selling prices are not that easy to find out.

[flyguy6a]

Originally Posted by n5lp

I'm not familiar with Barnstormers, but I have never seen a trading site report selling prices. As John Clark says above, selling prices are not that easy to find out.

Exactly right... However, if you use asking prices as a proxy, then I would say around the $70K range, the -7 is worth $10k more, everything else being equal.

When you get to $100K then these are usually well equipped, maybe IFR, low time aircraft and engine, pro paint & Interior probably the -7 is $10K and the -6 is $85K.

These are just my observations of asking prices, and I watch them daily, kind of an obsession of mine. Often you can find "SOLD" stickers on ads at B-Stormers also.

Just my dime as usual, and yes, I luv my sixaye.

[pierre smith]

...$10,000-$15,000 delta. I just sold my -6A too cheap....$60,000, but in this economy?? Lotsa good buys available.

Best,