My criteria follow:
1973-1977 Cessna 150
Low TT is good, I have seen it as low as 1200 but I am thinking between 1200 and 3500
SMOH needs to be low
IFR to pursue my IFR rating
Radio with RNAV/DME would cool
I would like a pretty nice interior and exterior
Damage history tends to make me shy away. I am sure most repairs are fine but, I?d prefer to just stay away from damage history
Lost logs are scary; I want all logs from birth
Do these criteria sound reasonable?
Sounds like you are being very reasonable. Except maybe restricting yourself to 73-77 aircraft. I think you would do yourself better by broadening that a wee bit. 66-77 are basically the same airplane with just fine differences. In 1971 they changed from leaf to tube gear. Sometime in there they went to a taller rudder and longer dorsal fin. Those being maybe the major differences. But all in all, the same airplane. You may also want to keep in mind the type of overhaul. a field overhaul can be much different than a actual overhaul company. Though, ours was field overhauled and it has done just fine. And, even though I also prefer the 150, I wouldn't rule out a good 152 if the price was right. Especially maybe a Sparrowhawk. But, chances of finding one cheap would be remote at best.
And I fully understand your wanting only a 150 or 152. I've debated going to a 172, but just have not been able to justify doing so. The 150 suits us about 90% of the time.
You are well on your way of making an informed decision and purchase. You will do well!
