This has been an awesome website for a relative newcomer like myself.
I have come to understand what the Beech brand represents.
I am finally to the point where I am tired of renting the planes at the FBO and using a friends plane (but I do make it up to him in fuel and maintenance).
I know a lot of talk about getting a plane revolves around the "mission".
Easier said than done in my case since the Mrs.still refuses to get in "any small plane" although she trusts me to take the kids, nieces,nephews etc. up and she'll get in anything "commercial" even a 20 passenger commuter.
If she decides to get onboard with me there will be a lot more flying, than if she continues the status quo. One of the reasons I got the MEL is the theoretical safety advantage and a little bigger plane(less "bouncing" which she hates in any vessel, vehicle,etc). In 4-6 weeks I should have the IFR rating done. I am a firm believer in staying current/proficient= safety. over the last 2 years I've averaged 10-15 hrs per month and that will probably be where I stay for the next couple of years. Flying out of central FL, would expect to get down to the Keys and over to the islands occassionally. Occassional trips to Mid-south and Mid-atlantic areas. In addition to the theoretical increase in safety over water, the other reason I like multi-engine is I really like flying at night!
So I'm thinking A36 versus older Baron. Seems like you can get more bang for the buck
getting a twin these days. I understand the trade off is the higher fixed AND variable costs...
What are some of the pitfalls of a well equiped,well maintained 40+ year old Baron with mid-time or less engines and complete logs?
I'm really not looking at buying and selling planes, although if I get an A36 it would be easier to sell than anything with two engines. And my prediction (after 34 yrs experience) is that the Mrs. will get onboard shortly (but I've been wrong before...)
so I'm leaning towards an older Baron as above, and staying with it.
I'm sure others have been where I am now...please enlighten me!

Seems you have a good handle on the situation. You already understand you will have higher operationg costs and maybe take awhile to turn if you decide to sell. That is the two major pitfalls. Most older Barons pre-1975 do have 4 fuel tanks as opposed to two so you will have to manage fuel a little more carefully. You will love the Baron no matter the year!

Welcome to BT. There's an extended thread here someplace on encouraging spouses to ride along. It often involves going someplace expensive that's a pain to drive.

You could offer the choice of she driving 6 hours or you flying 1.5.

It sounds like a duchess should fit your mission..... Plus the interior room and car like comfort of the baby beeches along with the relative stability in turbulence make them great choices for the with "reluctant spouse" issues. My wife won't get in a mooney or even a Cherokee but will fly in the sundowner (as long as I show her there's no turbulence forecasted)

Stacy,

Now, you'll need to get a view from the "experts", as I've only owned three Barons (and a bunch of Bonanzas)... but.....

Seems like the REAL value in a Baron is the C and D Barons...... and an occasional B and E. I've seen some really nice C or Ds sell in the 40 to 50K range... almost unheard of, and with reasonable engine times. They are almost getting to the point that the engines are worth the total value of the plane. And often they have some reasonable equipment.... GPSs boots, radar, etc. However hard to find a creampuff there..... But at some of those prices, there's a lot of room for adding what you want.

Like mentioned, the early ones (prior ~74) have aux tanks which must be managed and a total of 166 gal, so you're not going 1000+ miles non stop, but you can get in the 800+ range with planning.

I'm wondering if a Dutches will fit the mission as well, even close to the same price point. But.....

If there's a few more dollars, an E in the 74 range with the 166 gal could be a good value, and there have been some creampuffs there... but pushing rapidly in the 6 figure plus range. Same with the 58, if you want the best of loading flexibility and an easy way to haul kegs around .....

Yes, they'll cost more to operate, per hour, than the comparable Bo. But total costs won't be significantly different unless gas goes off the roof (which it may). Hangar, interior, exterior maint, and a lot of things are the same. The BIG difference is fuel. They all have drinking problems.... however, one can throttle back, LOP and approach the economy (or better) than some SE planes like big fixed gear beasts. And they are not far from the TN guys that want to go balls to the wall, however the Baron won't keep up in speed, but you could buy three or four of them for the price of a good TN.

Kinda depends what one wants, and their mission and flying hours......