Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Cessna Citation CJ3

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

Cessna Citation CJ4
For sale now
29
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
13
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
2010–2024
Cessna Citation CJ3
For sale now
64
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
5
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
2004–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation CJ4 Cessna Citation CJ3
Cessna Citation CJ4
View 30 listings →
Median $6,522,500
Cessna Citation CJ3
View 56 listings →
Median $5,422,500
Price Range $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 $4,840,000 – $5,580,000
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 9
Cruise Speed 420 kts (778 km/h) 391 kts (724 km/h)
Range 2,165 nm (4,010 km) 1,875 nm (3,472 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg)
Useful Load 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg)
Fuel Capacity 581.0 gal (2199 L) 438.0 gal (1658 L)
Fuel Burn 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) 125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $325,000 $275,000
Annual Fixed $385,000 $335,000
Hourly Variable $2,150 $1,850
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation CJ4

Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,150/hr
Annual Fixed$385,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $815,000/yr

Cessna Citation CJ3

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $705,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ4 or Cessna Citation CJ3?

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 CJ4 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 420 kts vs 391 kts.
  • Longer range — 2165 nm vs 1875 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2004.

Pick the Citation CJ3 if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,840,000 vs $4,937,500, you save ~$97,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2150/hr.
  • More inventory — 56 listings vs 30.

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 Citation CJ4 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 nm range. The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ4 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Seats: 10 vs 9. Cruise: 420 vs 391 kts. Range: 2165 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/hr variable cost. Citation CJ3: about $1850/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?
Citation CJ4: 10 seats / 4,700 lb useful load. Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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?
Citation CJ4: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$325,000. Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000. 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