I’d give most weight to work that is properly documented and useful for the flying you plan to do.
A replacement engine, renewed covering or improved equipment may justify a higher price. To judge that, you need to know exactly what was installed, when, by whom and with what supporting records.
For a substantially rebuilt C42, I’d ask for:
- An itemised record of replaced and retained components.
- Engine and propeller identification, installation dates and recorded hours.
- Covering and structural work records, including the applicable modification approvals.
- The current weight-and-balance report and aircraft-specific operating limitations.
A claimed increase in maximum take-off weight deserves its own paperwork check. It needs to be valid for that aircraft and its registration. The rating of a fabric product or an individual component does not, by itself, establish the aircraft’s approved maximum weight.
The seller describes this C42 on CollectAirs as having undergone extensive work in 2023. That gives a buyer specific work to investigate, rather than simply relying on the word “rebuilt.”
An upgrade’s original invoice is useful evidence of expenditure. What you’d pay extra should also reflect its condition, remaining maintenance obligations and usefulness to you.
Reference: COMCO IKARUS manuals and service documents.