RV-7 180HP C/S
Ignoring hangarage..
XXXs insurance estimate is pretty close ~2% of hull. SAAA deal through QBE still exists.
171kts TAS 40lph above 7500' - Extensively verified - this is right on book value for 180hp. I wouldn’t be surprised if 190 or 200hp -7s can TAS 175kts with the right prop -but agree a standard one wont do it.
150kts TAS 29lph LOP
Much of the time involved in the 100hrly / Annual is removing and replacing cowl / fairings / inspection panels (internal and external) which you can do yourself.
Pay a LAME to do the rest and I cant see you spending much at all.
Add a few oil changes / brake pads & tires every 200hrs, and that’s it for fixed costs.
My 2c - Don’t buy one with the training wheel at the front. The taildraggers are MUCH tougher, and they easier to handle than a Citabria/Decathlon. I can see a time where itll cost you more to insure a nosedragger anyway.
BE