The one and only thing that has scared me away from the Mirage/Malibu as an upgrade to my 36 is the degree of parts repair/replacement I see in the logbooks of relatively young (2012+) low time (<800 hours) airplanes that are for sale.

My data set is admittedly limited to planes for sale with PDF logs that I can review. But when I review the logs, I'm always struck by the number and seriousness of parts that were replaced on planes with very low time. It's like the plane was not built to last.

Nothing like what I've experienced with my Bo. The Bo has spoiled me. If it ate parts the way I see on the Mirages I've looked at, I'd be quite the unhappy camper. So I'm not at all surprised by some of the yearly mtce figures being tossed about. And yes, I realize it's a more complex airplane. That hasn't explained what I've seen.

Has to do with the heating element from what I have read. I have no statistical data on how often you really do have to replace it. As I've said, I'm going on 12 years soon and it still tests fine. I'm not sure what the average life is though. It may have something to do with how much you use it. In the Meridian, I am always in the flight levels, so I have it on the low "defog" setting 90% of the time I am in the air. I have yet to have to turn it on the high mode.

If you are seriously considering a PA46 you are doing yourself a disservice by not joining MMOPA. It is a wealth of information for owners and would-be owners. You can ask any question about any part and there will be a number of people who can and will help.

BT spoiled me here too!! Even the Mirage Internet forum is too costly!! Can't bring myself to shell out $250 to join an Internet forum, especially prior to ownership. CSOB, I know!!

BT spoiled me here too!! Even the Mirage Internet forum is too costly!! Can't bring myself to shell out $250 to join an Internet forum prior to ownership. CSOB, I know!!

This is an interesting thread. I have been following the PA46 and doing inquire myself. Last week I closed on a nice 1986 Malibu N9083Z. I think it will fit my mission very well. I sold my B58 four years ago and have been doing flights between Oklahoma and the west coast in my H35 which is a fantastic airplane but just is not in the same class as the PA46. 25K service ceiling with a 5.5 pressure differential, Known Ice, Vertical profile color radar, quiet cabin, air conditioning.
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N912 ... /KVDF/KMMU
Check out this flight aware which going on today, this is the reason I am going to give it a try. I will always be a Beech guy after 26 years of continuous operations and I still own my beautiful H35