My buddy just sold his Cherokee 140 that he left sitting for 12 years after a fresh annual for $2300. The local vocational school refused to take it as a donation. He stopped flying afer he was diagnosed with cancer and is lucky to be alive.
There are lots of nicely restored Cherokees available for around $30,000. They have typically have the same basic O-320 engine as a 172 from the same time period and have 50 gallon tanks instead of 36 gallon tanks. The specs you typically find on range when making a comparison are completely inaccurate. We have flown our Cherokee over 700 miles with reserves on many occassions. A 172 will not do that.
Since there are no wing struts they are less draggy and are slightly faster at the same fuel burn. The tires are typically larger in diameter which helps on rough fields. The main gear is 10 feet apart which greatly adds to stability when taxiing around and landing in a crosswind.
A 172 typically has about 100 pounds more usefull load and will clear a 50 foot obstical in less distance and can climb out at a slightly steeper angle at the expense of more dramatic power on stall characteristics.
A 172 flys slower, and its gear will absorb more impact, plus you can see where you’re landing. :)
Y’all have me wondering if this is a model thing. I checked for Cherokee 140s on ASO, and you’re right. There is one for sale for 34.5k, but ONLY one for sale! I haven’t checked Trade-A-Plane tho.