140 vs. j-3 vs. champ? Thinking of a cheap learner plane.

[poadeleted20]

Well, one can argue cabin size as the backseat in the M20C and M20B are for kids only really,

...and the OP has two fast-growing kids he wants to accommodate for years to come.

The payload on the C is right in the ballpark. About 1000lbs useful and 600lbs payload.

I've seen the baggage areas in early Mooneys, and I don't see it as adequate for what the OP described.

Don't get me wrong -- I think 180-200HP Mooneys are very nice airplanes, but I don't see one as the answer to the OP's question.

 

[soconnoriv]

Wow! Thanks for the help guys.

I definitely know a lot more now going into it, and I have a lot of consideration/money making to do down the road! In the mean time, I've got my eyes set on the 140. Hopefully when I'm ready, I can step up to one of those complex planes like the piper or the mooney.

Again, thanks for the help!