Piper Meridian vs Piper Saratoga
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Meridian
- For sale now
- 103
- Median asking
- $1,284,291
- Range
- $830,903–$2,305,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 29
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1985–2026
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 64
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
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 Meridian | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Meridian | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $830,903 – $2,305,000 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 241 kts (446 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 170.0 gal (643 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $650 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Meridian
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Meridian or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the Meridian if…
- Faster cruise — 241 kts vs 163 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 950 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1980.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $115,250 vs $830,903, you save ~$715,653.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $650/hr.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 97.
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 Meridian or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Meridian: from $1,150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Meridian and Piper Saratoga?
Cruise: 241 vs 163 kts.
Range: 1000 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Meridian: about $650/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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?
Meridian: 6 seats / 1,362 lb useful load.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
Meridian: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
Saratoga: 2,000-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