I bought my first aircraft 2 years ago, and I found it a very big and nerve racking step, especially as I didn’t really know much about them. So I am very familiar with the uncertainty you must be feeling.
I am sure that if you publish the name of airfield at which your prospective aircraft is based, some one on this forum will know of a locally available and reliable A&P whom you could hire to do a pre-purchase inspection. Most G.A. A&P’s will be very familiar with the 172, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one.
The Cessna owner’s website no doubt contains a good check list to guide him, and advice to you on how to proceed on resolving the problems found. Take the time to attend the pre-purchase inspection, this will help familiarize you with your new ‘pride and joy’, and make you a little more comfortable with the decision to part with all that hard earned cash.
Like all advice, you can take it or leave it, but whatever you do, do not proceed without a pre-purchase inspection.
Better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t.
Good Luck,
White Bear.
