R44s seem to provoke mixed reactions. Some like them, some loathe them. But they are cheap and the only 4-seat piston, so they do have a captive market.
If you wanted an R44, surely pre-owned is better value. There seem to be plenty around at a big saving off new, and the running costs should be fairly predictable.
Of course the turbines will be in another league - in terms of cost and quality. A decent squirrel must be US$600,000+?
Would a Bell 206 B3 not be a better buy? Or, how about a Gazelle? although, yes, insurance would be a lot more.