There are two good reasons to look at used avionics. One is that a trusty component of your panel has finally spun its last electron. The other is that youve been wanting to step up-maybe this IFR GPS thing really is gonna stick around-but the cost of new has kept better technology out of reach. Either way, there are good options for the bargain hunter who doesnt have to fly with the latest and greatest.

The way to keep that smile on your face months after a used avionics purchase is to honestly tally the cost and risk for all your options. Factors that go into this decision are the cost of a refurbished unit vs. a used one, the reputation or warranty from the seller, viability of support for the aging box, and the cost of installation. The logic is basically the same with any piece of avionics, so we’ll start with the top of the stack: the audio panel.

Take My KMA 24, Please

Problem radios are sometimes a problem audio panel. With new options in digital audio panels that support seven kinds of in-flight entertainment, more pedestrian models are available on the cheap.

The market is flooded with used Bendix/King KMA 24s. Prices seem to vary wildly, but weve seen them from reputable sellers for under $300. (Note that the KMA 24 has no intercom.) Considering a new KMA 24 can be $1300 or more, thats a substantial savings.

But take this all in context. If you have a dead KMA 24 youre just trying to replace, the cost with an exchange could be $350. A refurbished unit without an exchange could be only $575 and come with a warranty. So you need to ask yourself if savings on the used item outweigh any risk of a straight, used unit that hasnt been looked at in detail. In fact, if youre planning on buying used, check