Posted for Jeff Dingbaum <expressct@yahoo.com>:
LML members,
Since I am so slow in building my project I decided to buy a Cherokee
180 to build time in.  I just got my ticket this April and usually
fly with my wife and two kids.  I have seen a lot of junk and some
very nice planes in the month that I've been looking.  Recently I
came across a very nice looking 180 with nice radios, paint, interior
and looked well maintained. Assuming that it passes a mechanic's
inspection as well the only drawback I see is that it almost TBO.

My question is this.  Is it wise to fly it beyond TBO?  I've heard people tell me to do an oil analysis every oil change (change your
oil a little more frequently) and keep monitoring the compressions. I wouldn't mind purchasing it, but I really don't want to overhaul it
right away.  I know I will probably get several opinions on this and
it may spark a continental vs lycoming type debate, so feel free to
email me direct and I can post the results to the list.

Thanks,
Jeff Dingbaum
Express 5% done