Thanks for the info!

Guess I should give the factory a ring to see what the score is on a new IV. I thought, based on the website, they could do it I just may need to wait a while? Anyway, I would like to get flying so maybe a used one would be better.

On the high altitude flying, sounds like its not the performer that the 912 is, but can do the job if you play it safe? As long as I can fly it safely solo and do the occasional passenger for a hop around the pattern or some short sight seeing it would meet my mission. I don't plan trying to be johnny bush pilot, but would like to do some back country flying (after some mountain training!).