Piper Malibu vs Piper Mirage
The Piper Malibu (original PA-46-310P, Continental TSIO-520, 1984-1988) and Piper Malibu Mirage (PA-46-350P, Lycoming TIO-540, 1989-onwards) are predecessor and successor — the Mirage replaced the original Malibu's Continental engine with a Lycoming TIO-540 after engine reliability issues, plus other refinements.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- For sale now
- 49
- Median asking
- $592,500
- Range
- $399,000–$977,140
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 16
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 1989–2014
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
| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Piper Mirage |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $417,000 – $3,032,000 | $399,000 – $977,140 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | — |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 213 kts (394 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,345 nm (2,491 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 4,340 lbs (1,969 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 Malibu
Piper Mirage
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Piper Mirage?
Bottom line: Choose the Mirage for the more proven Lycoming TIO-540 powerplant and the refined later airframe. Choose the original Malibu only for materially lower acquisition cost — accepting the older Continental engine reputation and thinner parts support.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More inventory — 271 listings vs 49.
Pick the Mirage if…
- Budget matters — from $399,000 vs $417,000, you save ~$18,000.
- Faster cruise — 213 kts vs 198 kts.
- Longer range — 1345 nm vs 1300 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.