MX-7 160

[Littlewheelinback]

Does anyone have experience with the 160 MX-7. I know performance will be less...but how bad will it be? most of my flying will be low and light...

[160_Pilot]

These were my requirements for my first airplane:

1. A tailwheel airplane, if at all possible, to build tailwheel time
2. Low initial cost
3. Low operating and maintenance costs
4. Crew: solo, or -- at most -- me and my fiancee
5. Cargo: light camping gear (similar to backpacking style) or light overnight bags
6. Based at an airport with a super-slab runway for the first few years, then a 2,000 foot grass strip on a hilltop. My typical destinations around here have 2,000-foot plus runways. So I'm never sweating obstacles.
7. Within the limitations and practices described above, prefer STOL performance, if possible
8. Due to only recreational and time-builder use, I have no need to pay extra for more airspeed

If your requirements are similar to mine, you'll LOVE a 160 HP Maule!

[maules.com]

Besides the above, you can get the prop re-pitched and gain a lot of performance re shorter takeoff and increased climb if willing to give up 5 mph of cruise. Worth it for off field work.

[Littlewheelinback]

So I am looking at one near Shreveport LA...a '96 with about 700 hours TT. No acident hx. Asking 65K...full IFR panel. It sounds like a good compromise for me. Might offer 60K.

[cfiipilot]

Good luck with the offer, you likely will still be searching.

[mike davis]

I had about 250 hrs in the mx160 sweet flying bird very economical to fly .I had a cessna 150 before the Maule so I was like this thing is a rocket ship...

[Littlewheelinback]

Good luck with the offer, you likely will still be searching.

Or we'll talk some more

[Ernie]

I've been flying a MX7-160 now for over 5 years, and I have to say it does 99 % of everything I need it to do, especially with two people. Sometimes on a long cross country, or with 4 people on board, I think longingly about a little more horsepower, but unless you plan on carrying 4 people a lot, or flying out of postage stamp size fields, you will like the 160 just fine.

[AK_Mauler]

I think you will be happy with the 160 hp model. I fly the 180 FP model and I would expect it to be very similar, especially in cruise. You will spend a bit more time getting airborne, but if you are starting out with 2000' airports you will have no trouble. I bought a 2000 model with 300 hrs TT and significant DH in 2005 for $75k. A clean low time Maule should be worth $65k, it is a great value compared to other options. Good luck!

[MauleWacko]

[Littlewheelinback]

I had a m-4-220 then bought a c-170b what a mistake that was. I sold it real fast. It was like going from a corvette to a vega, I know there is no way I would want any maule under 220 hp period, even if it was for free. It just would not do it for ME. Get as much HP as you can. Remember the tv add Whimpy Whimpy Whimpy, Heafty Heafty Heafty. That Goes for a lot of things.

Always good to hear another voice...

[Mountain Doctor]

Speed costs money. How fast can you afford to go?

For me that balance came out to be 180 HP.

[Littlewheelinback]

For me the equation is not between a 235 and a 160. It is between an 100 horse airplane like a C-140 or a PA-11 or a 145 horse C-170 and a 160 Maule. Loaded as lightly as a C-140 (<500 lbs useful load) the 160 horse Maule will greatly out perform it, while having the option of going heavy at the expense of performance. The 160 horse Maule costs more to buy but not much more to operate. 5 GPH vs 7 GPH. Going big isn't really an option for me financially. Even a 180 horse at 10 GPH with higher rebuild costs and the higher purchase cost is out of my price range. I want to be able to afford to fly the thing after I buy it. As most of my flying will be short haul, speed isn't an issue at all only take-off and climb...with a climb prop and light loads I am thinking the MX-7 160 might be the best compromise for me...not what I would get if costs were no object.

[MauleWacko]

[cs409]

When I buy a maule I would be ok with F/P 160. I would prop it for
Take offs and give up 5mph at cruse. That way the few
Times you have min. take off numbers u will be better off.
Run 8.0 or 8.5. Tires. With money saved over other choices
You can invest in odyssey battery and light weight starter
Etc. Wouldn't want the tip fuel tanks either. 3 hrs and it's
Time for restroom and a stretch and fuel up. Good luck
PS. I would also go with 180 F/P. If priced the same.
I live on the gulf coast so altitude isn't an issue. Plus
If time is an issue just leave earlier!