Piper Cadet vs Piper Malibu
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Cadet
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1989–1989
Piper Malibu
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 103
- Source marketplaces
- 18
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
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 | Piper Cadet | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $93,831 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 525 nm (972 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,325 lbs (1,055 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $190 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cadet
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cadet or Piper Malibu?
Pick the Cadet if…
- Budget matters — from $93,831 vs $417,000, you save ~$323,169.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 525 nm.
- More inventory — 274 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cadet or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cadet cruises at 115 kts with 525 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cadet: from $93,831.
Piper Malibu: from $299,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cadet and Piper Malibu?
Cruise: 115 vs 198 kts.
Range: 525 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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