Feedback requested on DA62 upgrade from DA42

[Jonathan33]

My family currently owns a 2006 DA42NG that has been very trouble free. Our long term plan has been to upgrade to a DA62 in the next few years if everything worked out. The DA42 was purchased to see if a light twin was a good fit for our family and it has proven to have been a great plane. We do use our plane for personal and business and more useful load and AC would be very welcome/needed.

Recently we were made aware of an opportunity on a 2020 model DA62 that was originally equipped for the European market so as I am being told it has practically every option. The airframe/power plants are very low time at 280ish hours with no damage history.
The engines are not affected by the MSB. Serial #'s E4P-C-00286 / E4P-C-00287.

I see no major issues in the logs except a recent replacement of the hydraulic power unit.

My goal has been to to find a DA62 that was low time and NOT affected by the MSB. A plane that had the older Mercedes cores (not sure if that applies here).

I would appreciate the groups feedback on this purchase we are considering.

The price is in the $1.35M range. I don't know if we should hold out longer to see if values drop more or if this is a good opportunity to upgrade from a price / non-MSB stand point.

We have considered other options like Cirrus and while they are very comfortable I am just don't trust the cylinders. The irony of this statement on a DA62 forum doesn't escape me.

Thanks everyone for their 2 cents.

[NDCDA62]

In my opinion, go for it! Good year of build with MB engines and a good price. If you delay you could miss this opportunity.

[Jonathan33]

Nigel, thank you for that feedback.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this decision?

Thanks!

[Boatguy]

As a 2020 it probably has NXi Phase II, but you'll want to be sure. FIKI is also a must have for a 62. If it doesn't have radar I'd check on the availability. Presumably since you have a 42NG you're aware of the significant "maintenance" required at 600, 900 and 1,200hrs, and full replacement at 1,800hrs. The AC is pretty anemic, but the cockpit is better shaded than the 42. You'll want jet shades.

The market is flooded with DA62's, but the 2020 is a "sweet spot" so $1.35 seems like a good price.

If I had a 2020 like that I'd still be flying it!

It's a wonderful plane and you'll have essentially no issues transitioning from the DA42. Enjoy the plane.

PS: I have a headset with LEMO plugs listed in the For Sale forum.

[Jonathan33]

Boatguy,

Thank you for the feedback. I will check to see if it is NXI Phase II.

Configuration is as follows:

Integrated Garmin G1000 NXi Glass Panel Cockpit
including:
• 2x Garmin GDU 105X 10-inch Flight Display (PFD &
MFD)
• Garmin GEA 71B Airframe/Engine Interface Unit
• 2x Garmin GIA 64W COM/NAV/SBAS-
GPS/GS/LOC
• Garmin GMA 1360 Digital Audio System
• Garmin GRS 79 Attitude Heading Reference
System
• Garmin GDC 72 Digital Air Data Computer
• Garmin GMU 44 Magnetometer
• Garmin FliteCharts Approach Plates (subscription
required)
• ELT 406 MHz
• 2nd Digital Standby Attitude Module (MD-302
SAM)
• Garmin GWX 70 Weather Radar
• Garmin GCU 476 Keypad
• Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology
• Garmin GTX 345R ADS-B In/Out Transponder
• Avidyne TAS 605A Traffic Advisory System
• Garmin GRS 56 Iridium Datalink
• WX500 Stormscope
• Honeywell KN63 Remote DME
• Becker RA3502 ADF
• Garmin GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System

Optional equipment:

• Air Conditioning/RACC II System (powered
by an additional alternator)
• TKS De-Icing system
• Oxygen System
• Seating Configuration 7 seat configuration
(optional 3rd row installed)
• Jet Shades
• Removable right-hand stick
Integrated

[Boatguy]

The GIA64W and GMA 1360 indicate Phase II.

That configuration looks great!

Enjoy.

[NDCDA62]

Agree, a very good specification.

[Jonathan33]

Just found out it is NXI phase I. How much does that affect things?

[Boatguy]

Just found out it is NXI phase I. How much does that affect things?

If the equipment list you posted is correct, then it looks like Phase II. Phase I had:

GIA63W
GMA 1347 audio system
GEA 71 engine interface
GTX 335R

etc.

Attached is the 2020/2021 Price list (2021 on the cover, 2020 inside...). Look at the equipment list.

[Jody]

I agree with Nigel. Mine is configured similarly to yours and I think this price is reasonable. If you do long cross-country flights, the DA62 is far superior to the DA42 in comfort, especially if you get oxygen, de-icing and air conditioning. Good luck!