Piper Cherokee 140 vs Piper Malibu
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Cherokee 140
- For sale now
- 107
- Median asking
- $72,231
- Range
- $37,103–$122,058
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 15
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 1964–1977
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.
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) | Piper Cherokee 140 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee 140 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $37,103 – $122,058 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 455 nm (843 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee 140
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
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 Cherokee 140 or Piper Malibu?
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $37,103 vs $417,000, you save ~$379,897.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $190/hr.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 455 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1964.
- More inventory — 271 listings vs 106.
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 Cherokee 140 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 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 Cherokee 140: from $115,000.
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 Cherokee 140 and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 115 vs 198 kts.
Range: 455 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/hr variable cost.
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?
Cherokee 140: 4 seats.
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?
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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