VMC,
Your new "budget" and requirements look exactly like the Twin Star, but the TS has a few added advantages over the single:
Second engine / with all benefits that go with it
De-ice option
Glass Cockpit
JET-A - Cheaper and more available around the globe
Long range - 1200nm+
160 ktas at 8000' at 12 USG per hour of JET
Commander - fits the mission but availability of spares a major issue
But if you decide on a single....the Commander is a very lovely aeroplane. Spares haven't been an issue for us, and we're rebuilding one that was crashed. When ours is finished it should support a zero timed engine, new 3 blade prop, new avionics including glass cockpit (G500) as well as lots of other new and overhauled stuff. Grand total will be about £70k but that is far cheaper than a newer glass cockpit aeroplane. If we sold her we'd probably only just get out money back, but that isn't the mission. The mission is to have a nice aeroplane to fly with a lot of the modern features available on new gen aeroplanes for a lot less cost. Plus it is faster than aeroplanes line the DA40....and looks nicer
