Used or new kit(s)?

tkatc · #1 04-06-2012, 08:29 AM

I am close to pulling the trigger on an -8 empennage. I appreciate the cost savings of buying a used kit but I also want to savor the entire build for myself. I am in no hurry to get it flying since I already fly a -7A so the time savings of a partially built kit is not an advantage in my eyes. Ideally, I could buy a used kit at a discount that has not been started yet but I doubt there are many of them around.

I'd like to hear the pros and cons of buying new vs used...

Shipping will of course come into play as I am in NJ.

WingsOnWheels · #2 04-06-2012, 08:49 AM

Particularly for the empennage go with new. The empennage is the "learning" kit more than the others and I have seen a lot of very poor examples on the used market. If you do by used only by locally and inspect with an experienced builder. I have bought a emp and had it shipped. Pictures looked good (even knowing what to look for), described as being well built at a builders assistance workshop. Lets just say it is resting in a scrap yard somewhere and I ordered a new kit from Vans. Some of the worst workmanship I have ever seen. Rebuild would have required 90% replacement so it wasn't worth it. Pictures can be taken carfully and not show everything.

Dave Taylor · #3 04-06-2012, 01:51 PM

Biggest pro would be the cost savings. The biggest con in my opinion is dealing with other peoples mistakes. I had an RV-6 kit I bought used. Workmanship looked good however as I got into it I started finding issues. Just my 2 cents.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkatc

I am close to pulling the trigger on an -8 empennage. I appreciate the cost savings of buying a used kit but I also want to savor the entire build for myself. I am in no hurry to get it flying since I already fly a -7A so the time savings of a partially built kit is not an advantage in my eyes. Ideally, I could buy a used kit at a discount that has not been started yet but I doubt there are many of them around.

I'd like to hear the pros and cons of buying new vs used...

Shipping will of course come into play as I am in NJ.

Jerry Fischer · #4 04-06-2012, 04:40 PM

I purchased a wing kit not started with a completed empennage, since I already built the tail I sold the one with the wings to pay for the rental truck to go to Northern PA. I know any time you can purchase from an Individual, you may avoid tax consequences in your state for that portion of the plane.