What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Any DA42 related topics.

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Jonathanf4
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What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by Jonathanf4 »

Hello All,

Happy New Year!

I've been a member for some time and this is the first time I'm posting. I've been thinking about purchasing a new airplane and have given some serious consideration to older DA-42's.

Are there specific things I need to ask/check for when purchasing a DA-42 (2007/2008)? How much does it cost to get WAAS installed? Also, what's the cost to replace 2.0 engines. Does anyone have a list of maintenance intervals and associated costs?

Any input you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

-Jonathan
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Chris
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by Chris »

There are a few old threads which might have some relevant info on this topic, although pricing information has probably changed since these were posted: A WAAS upgrade may be a challenge at any price due to a dearth of the necessary GIA-63W parts, as mentioned in several of the recent G1000 upgrade threads.
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dgger
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by dgger »

Also, if you are specifically eyeing 2007/08 models you may want to keep in mind that the first major structural inspection is scheduled for 6.000h or 12 years. You might wish to look for aircraft that had theirs already done.
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cptndavid
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by cptndavid »

The 1.7 to 2.0 upgrade cost is about $150,000 this price is from Glen Lawler at South Tech. Conti. is no longer supporting the 1.7 as of 1,Jan. 2020.
I think you will be totally happy with a DA 42. There are some Garmin / DAI issues with WAAS etc. and the upgrades are very dear think $175,000 ish. with NiX and auto pilot changes. I do not think I will be doing those upgrades in my DA 42.
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by Jonathanf4 »

Thank you Chris, digger and cptndavid!

Appreciate your input. There are couple of DA-42 on the market and both have around 900 hours. Both do not have WAAS. For some reasons I thought WAAS was around 40k, boy am I glad I asked you guys.

Please correct me as I’m still learning but the 135-01 engines are considered to be 1.7 correct? Are the 135-02 considered 2.0?
1. The 2.0 have 1500 TBR and cost around ~$80K USD to complete - is that accurate?
2. To upgrade from 135-02 (2.0 engines) to Cd-155 is around ~$160K?
3. From what I’m hearing it’s costs around $160k to get WAAS but also included New Garmin NXi and Gfc700 autopilot?
4. Upgrade from 2.0 to Astros 300 is not even worth it due to cost.

Am I understanding all this correctly? Not sure why Diamond makes it so complicated for owners and potential owners by not having cost effective upgrade paths for both engines and avionics.

Again, Thank you! Truly appreciate you guys taking time to help me through this process.

-Jonathan
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ememic99
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by ememic99 »

1. TBR for new CD-135/155 engines is 2100 hours. The old Thielert 1.7/2.0 are 1500 hours.
2. For $160k you can get CD-155 engines with all other necessary parts and labor and new props.
3. Nobody can tell you precisely if it’s feasible or not and for how much because there are too many unclear details.
4. $500k
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cptndavid
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by cptndavid »

The 1.7 or 135-01 are a 1000 hour T B R. I have been told I may own one of the last 1.7 s flying. I hope to fly it until it is totally worn out. Engine upgrade is fairly easy; Call Glenn Lawler at South Tech and order the engines take your airplane to him when the engines arrive at his shop and about 4 weeks later get the airplane back.
Last edited by cptndavid on Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by cptndavid »

You should take a look at the Hanger Forum; Out dated Garmin G1000 ...
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by Jonathanf4 »

Thank you Emir and CptnDavid.

@CptnDavid - Which engines are you planning on upgrading to?

Are the CD-155 engines TBO or TBR at 2100?

I’ll check out the outdated G1000 section. Was curious is SVT can be added to older G1000?

Thanks!

-Jonathan
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Re: What to look for when purchasing used DA-42?

Post by ememic99 »

Jonathanf4 wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:58 pm Are the CD-155 engines TBO or TBR at 2100?
TBR
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