Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation CJ2
The CitationJet line (CJ1 / CJ2 / CJ3 / CJ4) are progressive evolutions of the same straight-wing light-jet design — CJ1 ~389 kt / ~1,300 nm, CJ2 ~413 kt / ~1,500 nm, CJ3 ~417 kt / ~1,800 nm, CJ4 ~451 kt / ~2,165 nm. Each step adds power, cabin length and range.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 64
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
- For sale now
- 38
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 11
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 2000–2019
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cessna Citation CJ2 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $2,402,000 – $2,780,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 389 kts (720 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 1,520 nm (2,815 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 3,450 lbs (1,565 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 430.0 gal (1628 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 130.0 GPH (492 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $230,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $1,600 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Cessna Citation CJ2
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation CJ2?
Bottom line: Choose by mission: the CJ1 for the lowest-cost entry-jet single-pilot ownership; CJ2 for slightly larger cabin and longer range; CJ3 for the segment-defining light-jet with strong economics; CJ4 for the largest single-pilot CitationJet with class-leading range. Each step adds materially higher acquisition and per-hour cost; the CJ3/CJ4 are the volume modern CitationJets. ================================================================ # CITATION INTRA — 500 / EXCEL / SOVEREIGN LINE (6) ================================================================
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 389 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1520 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2003.
- More inventory — 56 listings vs 37.
Pick the Citation CJ2 if…
- Budget matters — from $2,402,000 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$2,438,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1600/hr vs $1850/hr.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.