I also was impressed with the airplane, much like a little brother to 748 - a solid & honest performer.
Makes money, works hard with little complaint.
Torres, have heard that the Walters are trouble free and perform well.
An exchange engine for less than half the price a Garrett o/haul sounds like a winner as well.
Your old mate should have got these instead of his J31's.
The Do214 has a teflon covered tailplane (also a tough, squat undercarriage) so the L410 is not alone in these concepts.
It would be nice to see a couple of Lets let lose here.