I'm probably the wrong one to enter this conversation, since I've spent a TON of money on my commander this past year... But, I absolutely love my 500B. I would not trade it for any other model or type aircraft. The engines have been very reliable (both past TBO) and the airframe (after last year's expensive fiasco) is in great shape. I cannot remember the last time I had to scrub a trip due to a mechanical. But, I also get the commander experts at Central Air to climb through it once or twice each year. Good luck, Glenn. I really hope you decide to stick with commanders. I can honestly say that I enjoy this plane as much as any of the previous aircraft I flew (F-4s, F-16s, B-747s, -757s, -767s...and more)
Hey, Happy New Year!! Looking forward to seeing you in 2017!