Originally Posted by
NZFlyingKiwi
If you can find an experienced LAME who is happy to sit down and talk to you for a few hours you'll be able to get a comprehensive idea of what exactly to look for when purchasing aircraft, but some basic things to look for are engine hours remaining as I mentioned above, whether the annual inspection is current, whether there's any corrosion work that needs doing (this is an absolute killer in NZ and Australia and the reason many older GA machines end up selling for peanuts) and also try to avoid obscure/small volume production aircraft types unless there is a very good owner's club/marketplace through which spares and support can be readily obtained. Again a LAME's knowledge will be a huge help with all of that.
Offer to pay the LAMEs hourly rate for the time he takes to sit down with you ( and when you get down to one or two possibles, you will need a proper comprehensive pre-buy inspection, which will be money well spent) that will increase his time available.
They do have to earn a living.
Tootle pip!!