Cessna Citation V vs Cessna Citation II

The Citation II (1978-2006, ~385 kt) and Citation V (1989-2011, ~420 kt) are predecessor and successor in the Citation 500 series — same fuselage, but the V added more powerful JT15D-5 engines, slightly longer cabin and better climb/cruise performance.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation V
For sale now
104
Median asking
$2,047,500
Range
$473,625–$3,660,250
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
42
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1989–2008
Cessna Citation II
For sale now
63
Median asking
$770,000
Range
$351,775–$2,295,250
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
36
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
1977–1992

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 V Cessna Citation II
Cessna Citation V
View 102 listings →
Median $2,047,500
Cessna Citation II
View 62 listings →
Median $770,000
Price Range $473,625 – $3,660,250 $351,775 – $2,295,250
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 390 kts (722 km/h) 345 kts (639 km/h)
Range 1,800 nm (3,334 km) 1,600 nm (2,963 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 43,000 ft (13,106 m)
Max Gross Weight 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg) 13,300 lbs (6,033 kg)
Useful Load 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Fuel Capacity 500.0 gal (1892 L) 470.0 gal (1779 L)
Fuel Burn 140.0 GPH (530 L/h) 125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO 4,500 hrs 4,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $300,000 $350,000
Annual Fixed $300,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,000 $2,200
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation V

Fuel$770/hr
Variable$2,000/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $700,000/yr

Cessna Citation II

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $790,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation V or Cessna Citation II?

Bottom line: Choose the V for higher cruise, better hot-and-high performance and the larger active modern fleet. Choose the II for the lowest entry into a Citation 500-series and accept the older engines, lower cruise and mandate-upgrade costs.

Pick the Citation V if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$2000/hr vs $2200/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 390 kts vs 345 kts.
  • Longer range — 1800 nm vs 1600 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1989 vs 1978.
  • More inventory — 102 listings vs 62.

Pick the Citation II if…

  • Budget matters — from $351,775 vs $473,625, you save ~$121,850.
  • More seats — 10 vs 9.

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 V or Cessna Citation II?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation V cruises at 390 kts with 1,800 nm range. The Citation II cruises at 345 kts with 1,600 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation II: from $715,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation V and Cessna Citation II?
Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 390 vs 345 kts. Range: 1800 vs 1600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation V: about $2000/hr variable cost. Citation II: about $2200/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 V: 9 seats / 4,250 lb useful load. Citation II: 10 seats / 4,000 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 V: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. Citation II: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. 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