Cessna T206 vs Piper Saratoga
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna T206
- For sale now
- 6
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 2001–2013
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 64
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
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 T206 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 63 | 1 |
| Serious | 4 | 0 |
| Fatal | 20 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 34 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 32% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna T206 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $525,605 – $647,237 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 148 kts (274 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,340 lbs (608 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $185 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna T206
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$59,000/yr
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna T206 or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the T206 if…
- Newer design — production from 1998 vs 1980.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $115,250 vs $525,605, you save ~$410,355.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $185/hr.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 148 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 800 nm.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 6.
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 T206 or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The T206 cruises at 148 kts with 800 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna T206: from $654,258.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna T206 and Piper Saratoga?
T206 engine: Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A (310 hp).
Cruise: 148 vs 163 kts.
Range: 800 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
T206: about $185/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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?
T206: 6 seats / 1,340 lb useful load.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
T206: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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