Cessna A185F vs Piper Malibu
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna A185F
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $305,000
- Range
- $195,225–$448,725
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 14
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1973–1985
Piper Malibu
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 103
- Source marketplaces
- 18
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna A185F | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 308 | — |
| Serious | 13 | — |
| Fatal | 45 | — |
| Fatalities | 82 | — |
| % Fatal | 15% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $195,225 – $448,725 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna A185F
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna A185F or Piper Malibu?
Pick the A185F if…
- Budget matters — from $195,225 vs $417,000, you save ~$221,775.
- Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $190/hr.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 145 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1973.
- More inventory — 271 listings vs 26.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna A185F or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna A185F: from $219,900.
Piper Malibu: from $299,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185F and Piper Malibu?
A185F engine: Continental IO-520-D (300 hp).
Cruise: 145 vs 198 kts.
Range: 720 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/hr variable cost.
Malibu: about $190/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
A185F: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
A185F: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data