Hello, all. I'm finishing my IFR training at (flightschool). (Flightschool) has a few locations. They're headquartered at KABC. I'm finishing my training at KXYZ. At KXYZ, they have a Warrior. At KABC, they have a 172. The two locations are separated by about 30 driving miles. KABC is booked full, but KXYZ is pretty open schedule wise, so that's why I'm finishing up my training at KXYZ. All I need is 1.8 more hours with the instructor to get the sign off for the ride, and he plans on signing me off right at that 3 hour mark.

The warrior at KXYZ is pretty terrible. It's fine for training, but I'm not sure I would want to go actual IMC with it and/or take an IFR check ride with it. About 80% of my logbook is in the 172, as is about 50% of my instrument training. I'm completely comfortable in the 172, plus the 172s at KABC are maintained much better.

Here's my question:
If I get endorsed to take the checkride at KXYZ, doing the training in the Warrior, am I obligated to take the checkride in THAT aircraft? Or could I get the endorsement from KXYZ and drive up to KABC to take the ride in a 172?

Instrument rating practical test endorsements are not aircraft specific when it comes to the FAA, but the school may have different policy. Best to ask the school.

No, your logbook endorsement is for a rating in a Category and Class.

Not so fast.. You should carefully research Part 61, Pre-requisites for Practical Tests, before dismissing the change to aircraft make/mode has no other requirments. Some practical tests require a specific minimum number of hours in make/model before being recommended for the test. Your example is too vague to really answer. You may be OK, but I'd rather you and your CFI research and make certain you don't overlook a requirement..

There is nothing in the FAR's that prevent the OP moving from the Piper to Cessna. Just make sure you know how to utilize all the nav equipment in the airplane you choose.

I haven't updated my electronic log book since September (don't worry.... I still have my old fashioned paper logbook as my official copy), and a quick peek on my electronic book shows 140 hours 172 time and 20 hours Warrior time.