Mooney · 1979–1998
Mooney M20K 231/252/Encore (1979-1998)
Specifications
Cruise
200KTAS
Range
1100nm
Seats
4
Useful Load
1050lbs
Full-fuel payload
597lbs
Fuel Burn
11.5gph
Fuel Cap.
76gal
MPG
20.0mpg
Stall (Vs0)
57KIAS
T/O roll
1010ft
Ldg roll
770ft
Power
220hp
Engine
piston single
Gear
Retractable
IFR
Yes
Category
certified
Pricing
Typical
$165k
Range
$105k – $245k
Annual all-in
~$22k/yr
All-in estimate at ~100 flying hours a year — fuel, annual inspection, engine reserve, insurance, and hangar. It scales with your actual hours, and insurance and hangar vary most by region and pilot.
Cost to own — estimate
Set your yearly hours and local fuel price. Fixed costs (insurance, hangar, annual inspection) don't change with hours; fuel and the engine reserve do.
- Fuel (11.5 gph)
- $7,475
- Engine reserve (toward overhaul)
- $2,333
- Fixed (insurance, hangar, annual, subscriptions)
- $12,192
- Total per year
- $22,000
- Per flight hour
- $220
- Miles flown / year (at cruise)
- 23,016 mi
- Cost per mile
- $0.96/mi
Estimate, not a quote — insurance and hangar (the fixed bucket) vary most by region and pilot. Anchored to our model figure at 100 hrs and $6.50/gal.
Strengths
- 1,100 NM range — longest in single-engine piston class
- 200 KTAS cruise at FL200 — fastest naturally aspirated 4-seat Mooney equivalent
- Turbocharged performance enables high-altitude operations (24,000 ft ceiling)
- Well-proven airframe with ~1,000 examples in service
Weaknesses
- Manual wastegate on 231 models requires constant pilot management to avoid over-boost
- Turbocharged Continental engines run hot; cylinder life depends on consistent cool-down discipline
- No cabin pressurization — oxygen mandatory above 12,500 ft
- Turbocharger overhauls ($5k–$8k) and cylinder condition are routine maintenance costs
Overview
The Mooney M20K series is the turbocharged sibling of the M20J 201 -- the same redesigned long-body airframe with a turbocharged Continental TSIO-360 engine producing 210-220 HP. Three distinct variants spanned the 1979-1998 production run:
- M20K 231 (1979-1985): 210 HP TSIO-360-GB, manual wastegate, "23,100 ft service ceiling = 231" marketing
- M20K 252 TSE (1986-1989): 220 HP TSIO-360-MB, automatic wastegate, "252 mph max cruise = 252" marketing
- M20K Encore (1990-1998): 220 HP TSIO-360-SB, refined automatic wastegate, modernized cabin
Approximately 1,000 M20Ks were produced across the three variants. The K is the fastest Mooney short of the M20TN Acclaim (2006+) and remains the most efficient turbocharged 4-seat single in active production.
Variants & History
| Variant | Years | Engine | HP | Wastegate | Cruise (FL200) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 231 | 1979-1985 | TSIO-360-GB | 210 | Manual | 195 KTAS |
| 252 TSE | 1986-1989 | TSIO-360-MB | 220 | Automatic | 200 KTAS |
| Encore | 1990-1998 | TSIO-360-SB | 220 | Automatic | 200 KTAS |
The M20K 231 with manual wastegate is the most challenging to operate -- the pilot must constantly manage wastegate position to avoid over-boost during climb and altitude changes. The 252 and Encore introduced automatic wastegates, eliminating this workload.
A common modification: convert 231 to manual-wastegate-friendly via Merlyn Black Magic or Turboplus Intercooler kits. Cost: $8,000-$15,000 installed. Significantly improves operability and resale value.
1999 Mooney M20R Ovation
GTN 750 · GFC 500 · Speed Brakes · 190 KTAS
Performance
- Cruise (FL200): 200 KTAS at 75% power
- Climb: 1,080 FPM at sea level
- Fuel burn: 11.5 GPH at cruise
- Service ceiling: 24,000 ft (231 advertised 23,100)
- Range: 1,100 NM with reserves at 75.6 gal fuel
The M20K's 1,100 NM range is among the longest in single-engine pistons -- enabling non-stop cross-country segments that competitors require fuel stops to complete.
2019 Cirrus SR22
One Owner · Platinum · FIKI · Low 690 Hours · Hangared
Valuation Factors
| Variant | Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 231 (manual wastegate) | Flying but tired | $90,000-$130,000 |
| 231 (manual wastegate) | Well-maintained | $125,000-$175,000 |
| 231 (with intercooler upgrade) | Well-maintained | $145,000-$195,000 |
| 252 TSE | Well-maintained | $165,000-$215,000 |
| Encore (1990-1995) | Well-maintained | $175,000-$235,000 |
| Encore (1996-1998 late) | Well-maintained | $195,000-$265,000 |
The 252/Encore commands $35,000-$60,000 premium over 231 for the automatic wastegate.
ADs & Common Problems
Universal Mooney pre-buy applies. K-specific:
- TSIO-360 cylinder condition: Turbocharged Continental engines run hot; high CHT history shortens cylinder life.
- Turbocharger condition: Inspect for shaft play, oil seepage. Turbo overhaul: $5,000-$8,000.
- Wastegate condition (231): Verify smooth operation through full power range. Wastegate seizing causes catastrophic over-boost.
- Intercooler installation history (231): If retrofit installed, verify STC compliance and proper plumbing.
- Cool-down practice: Turbo cool-down (3-5 min) essential. Aircraft with inconsistent cool-down history have shorter turbo life.
- Cabin pressurization (none): M20K is NOT pressurized -- oxygen mandatory above 12,500 ft.
For sale (0)
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