Piper Cherokee Six vs Cessna 182

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Cherokee Six
For sale now
48
Median asking
$195,000
Range
$85,000–$413,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
12
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1965–2006
Cessna 182
For sale now
489
Median asking
$218,897
Range
$104,725–$564,768
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
167
Source marketplaces
21
Model years available
1956–2027

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Piper Cherokee Six — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Cessna 182 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
182 Continental (early) 1956–1976 Continental O-470-L/R 2650 140 640 186
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 Continental O-470-U 3100 142 700 74
T182 Turbo 1981–now Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 42
182 Lycoming 1997–now Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 134

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 SixCessna 182
All events2779
Serious249
Fatal529
Fatalities1000
% Fatal19%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Cherokee Six Cessna 182
Piper Cherokee Six
View 48 listings →
Median $195,000
Cessna 182
View 488 listings →
Median $218,897
Price Range $85,000 – $413,000 $104,725 – $564,768
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 7 4
Horsepower 300 HP 230–235 HP
Cruise Speed 145 kts (269 km/h) 140–158 kts (293 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 640–970 nm (1,796 km)
Service Ceiling 16,250 ft (4,953 m) 18,100 ft (5,517 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg)
Useful Load 1,510 lbs (685 kg) 1,110 lbs (503 kg)
Fuel Capacity 84.0 gal (318 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 12.5 GPH (47 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $150 $160
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Cherokee Six

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $50,000/yr

Cessna 182

Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Cherokee Six or Cessna 182?

Pick the Cherokee Six if…

  • Budget matters — from $85,000 vs $104,725, you save ~$19,725.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $160/hr.
  • More seats — 7 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 800 nm vs 640 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1965 vs 1956.

Pick the 182 if…

  • More inventory — 488 listings vs 48.

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 Six or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Cherokee Six cruises at 145 kts with 800 nm range. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee Six: from $495,000. Cessna 182: from $205,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee Six and Cessna 182?
182 engine: Continental (230 hp). Seats: 7 vs 4. Cruise: 145 vs 140 kts. Range: 800 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee Six: about $150/hr variable cost. 182: about $160/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 Six: 7 seats / 1,510 lb useful load. 182: 4 seats / 1,110 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 Six: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 182: 1,700-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