Piper Mirage vs Piper Malibu

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

Piper Mirage
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
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 Mirage Piper Malibu
Piper Mirage
View 49 listings →
Median $592,500
 Piper Malibu
View 271 listings →
Median $950,000
Price Range $399,000 – $977,140 $417,000 – $3,032,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats — 6
Horsepower — 310 HP
Cruise Speed 213 kts (394 km/h) 198 kts (367 km/h)
Range 1,345 nm (2,491 km) 1,300 nm (2,408 km)
Service Ceiling — 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,340 lbs (1,969 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

Estimate

Piper Mirage

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 Mirage or Piper Malibu?

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 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.

Pick the Malibu if…

  • More inventory — 271 listings vs 49.

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 Mirage or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Mirage cruises at 213 kts with 1,345 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 Mirage: from $749,500. 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 Mirage and Piper Malibu?
Cruise: 213 vs 198 kts. Range: 1345 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