Mooney 201 vs Mooney 231

Live Market Snapshot

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

Mooney 201
For sale now
57
Median asking
$139,450
Range
$96,250–$234,955
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
19
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
1977–1998
Mooney 231
For sale now
44
Median asking
$165,000
Range
$91,226–$239,075
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
1979–1997

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)Mooney 201Mooney 231
All events13
Serious00
Fatal00
Fatalities00
% Fatal0%0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Mooney 201 Mooney 231
Median $139,450
Median $165,000
Price Range $96,250 – $234,955 $91,226 – $239,075
Category
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Horsepower 200 HP
Cruise Speed 161 kts (298 km/h) 191 kts (354 km/h)
Range 820 nm (1,519 km) 981 nm (1,817 km)
Service Ceiling 18,800 ft (5,730 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 64.0 gal (242 L)
Fuel Burn 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000
Annual Fixed $18,000
Hourly Variable $140
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Mooney 201

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $46,000/yr

Mooney 231

Which Should You Buy: Mooney 201 or Mooney 231?

Pick the 201 if…

Pick the 231 if…

  • Budget matters — from $91,226 vs $96,250, you save ~$5,024.
  • Faster cruise — 191 kts vs 161 kts.
  • Longer range — 981 nm vs 820 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1977.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Mooney 201 or Mooney 231?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 201 cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range. The 231 cruises at 191 kts with 981 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 Mooney 201 and Mooney 231?
201 engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp). 231 engine: Continental TSIO-360-GB;TSIO-360-LB. Cruise: 161 vs 191 kts. Range: 820 vs 981 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
201: about $140/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?
201: 4 seats / 900 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?
201: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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