If a Lock & Key Navajo isn’t in the budget, the good news is there are plenty of other twin-engine airplanes on the current market that are worth a look. For the past year and a half, we’ve watched prices of piston singles steadily inflate to levels never seen. And while well-cared-for and late-model light and medium-sized twins are up too, the used twin market is a touch softer, but not for newer ones. We’ll focus on non-pressurized models (for easier transition and maintenance)equipped with rear passenger/cargo doors for ease of loading. Lets go shopping, starting with used Navajos.
For this discussion, our launching point for referencing retail pricing is Aircraft Bluebook. The last of the Navajos to come off the line are the 1984 PA-31-350 Chieftains. The current Bluebook says the average retail price is $270,000. But looking closely at Bluebook’s appraisal points shows that the publication may again be lagging when it comes to current-day equipage. That $270,000 starting point is for ones with old King radios, and sure, many hard-working Navajos may still sport old avionics. But Bluebook says to add $1720 for an RMI. Come on, guys, ADFs and RMIs are boat anchors and nobody should add any money for them. Let’s go over to the respected Controller.com for another pricing reference.