Hi Bob,
I have owned and enjoyed my Meyers since September 2001. The Meyers 200 is a great airplane. Unfortunately, I am dealing with the FAA on some special issuance issues. I still have my class three medical but at age 77 I have put my aircraft, N2983T, on the market.
Concerning your questions, take off and go around take some getting used to because the high engine torque requires some heavy force on the right rudder. When you first start flying the Meyers, it is a good idea to bring the power in slowly as you gain more speed and rudder effectiveness.
I have heard that the door hinges are weak and can break if the door is caught by a strong wind. The door also can come partially open in flight if not closed properly. The top latch will not release. My original partner and I had the door partially open when we picked my aircraft up in Albuquerque after purchase. We flew it all the way to Houston with some extra wind noise. It is a good idea for the owner to take charge of closing the door. I also had the baggage door come open just after take off causing a banging noise. My mechanic replaced a sheared latch bolt with a larger size and stronger bolt.
I had a left main torque link break on landing. It didn’t create a control problem. I have flown it for more than 10 years since that happened with no recurrence but I keep spare torque links on hand.
Some owners wish for a different fuel selector and gauges for each tank. I am used to the original system and use my EDM 700 in conjunction with the gauge to keep track of fuel burn from each tank.
I have heard of preferences for Cleveland brakes but I find the Goodyear brakes to be safe and effective.
I had a problem during taxi with the failure of a screw that holds the bracket for the throttle control. I think most owners have installed a spring modification that will not allow the engine to be stuck at low power should this occur.
I had a neighbor who is 6’2″ fly with me a number of times and he had good head room and adequate leg room. I had another long legged gentleman who was 6’4″ try the airplane on. With the pilot seat full back, his knees slightly overlapped either side of the yoke. The seat back is about 4″ thick so his problem might be improved by reducing this thickness.
I have done a number of upgrades which although not required, I think contribute to safety. The biggest bill was for an up to date Nav/Com system for increased situation awareness, ADS-B, and inflight weather awareness for route and destination, I also like having a back up ADI and 406 MHz ELT. A capable autopilot is a must for some buyers and could be useful if a person is required to make an actual instrument approach. As far as everyday VFR flying, enroute IFR, and cross countries, I find the aircraft to be quite stable and easy to fly and trim out.
As for the Meyers 200s being 60 years old, They were very well and strongly built in the first place. If well maintained, I don’t think age is a problem for this nice flying aircraft.
I hope this response has been helpful. Good luck with your aircraft search.
Mark Jensen