1963 Cessna 182 for sale

1963 Cessna 182

Single Engine Piston

FOR SALE
$159,000Fair Price
Location Gig Harbor, WA
Total Time 3,390 hrs
Engine SMOH 26 hrs
Seats 4
Serial # 18254654
Reg # N3254U
Engine CONTINENTAL O-470-L/R
Cruise 140 kts (259 km/h)
✓ Clean NTSB 10 ADs ✓ Verified recently

Aircraft Details

Seller reported

Avionics & Equipment

VFR
ADSB out

Description

Empty Weight: 1,777.45 lbs Fuel: Flint tip tanks installed AFTT: 3,390.7 Engine SMOH: 24.7 - Continental IO-470-L, fuel injected Prop SMOH: 690 Location: KTIW Tacoma Narrows Airport Fuel-Injected IO-470-L ' Flint Tip Tanks ' 1,022 lb Useful Load N3254U is a clean, honest, backcountry-capable Cessna 182F Skylane with the right foundation for adventure flying. Powered by a fuel-injected Continental IO-470-L with approximately 24.7 hours since major overhaul, this aircraft offers the performance, simplicity, and utility that make early 182s so desirable for mountain strips, grass fields, camping trips, and Northwest backcountry flying. This is not a fragile hangar queen - it is a practical, proven Skylane with strong bones, extended-range capability, and the classic utility that made the 182 one of the most respected aircraft in general aviation. Highlights Aircraft: 1963 Cessna 182F Skylane Registration: N3254U Serial Number: 18254654 Airframe Total Time: 3,390.7 TT Tach Time: 2,790.7 Engine: Continental IO-470-L, fuel injected Engine Time: Approx. 24.7 SMOH Engine Overhaul: October 22, 2025 Useful Load: 1,022 lbs Max Gross Weight: 2,800 lbs Annual Due: November 1, 2026 Interior: Approx. 7/10 Paint: Approx. 5/10 - clean, presentable, honest utility condition Storage: Hangar-kept Ownership: Long-term ownership history, same owner since 1980 Backcountry Buyer Appeal The early 182F is a favorite platform for pilots who want real-world capability without unnecessary complexity. N3254U brings together the major ingredients backcountry buyers care about: a strong Cessna airframe, fixed-gear simplicity, excellent useful load, extended fuel flexibility, and a GAMI tuned fuel-injected IO-470-L with very low time since overhaul. The fuel injection is a key advantage. For pilots operating in varied terrain, changing temperatures, and higher-density-altitude environments, the IO-470-L offers better mixture control and smoother fuel delivery than a carbureted setup. The Flint tip tanks add meaningful flexibility for remote operations, longer legs, and fuel planning when operating away from major airports. Combined with a 1,022 lb useful load, this aircraft is well suited for camping gear, fishing trips, mountain airport runs, and family adventure flying. Condition Summary N3254U presents as a clean, hangared, red-and-white Skylane with polished leading edges and a tidy engine compartment. The aircraft shows normal cosmetic aging, but the photos support the story of a cared-for, honest, corrosion-free airplane with a fresh engine and strong utility value. Annual Due Nov 2026, Transponder cert due 7-2028. For a buyer wanting a dependable backcountry foundation, this is a compelling aircraft. It can be flown and enjoyed as-is, or gradually upgraded with backcountry-focused improvements such as larger tires, shoulder harnesses, STOL enhancements, panel updates, or interior refresh work. New • Mags • Ignition Harness • Fuel Hoses • Oil lines 1963 Cessna 182F Skylane - N3254U Backcountry-capable 182F with fuel-injected Continental IO-470-L, approximately 24.7 SMOH, Flint tip tanks, and 1,022 lb useful load. Airframe total time 3,390.7. Engine overhauled October 2025. Hangar-kept, long-term ownership history, clean and presentable with honest utility cosmetics. Interior approx. 7/10, paint approx. 5/10. Annual due November 2026. A strong early Skylane platform for grass strips, camping, mountain flying, and Northwest adventure missions.

Engine

2025 Major Overhaul by Premier Engines in Troutdale Oregon

Propeller

Honest airframe, dings, and scratches but no corrosion. New glass.

Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.

Price Comparison 1 active offer

Source Price Action
Av8Rs
trade-a-plane.com
$159,000

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AeroGurus Data & Analysis

Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis

About This Cessna 182

This 1963 Cessna 182 (N3254U) is a 4-seat single engine piston with 3,390 hours on the airframe. There are currently 102 182 aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $37,500 to $797,890. This aircraft is priced below the market average at $159,000.

The 182 cruises at 140 kts (259 km/h) with a range of 640 nm (1,185 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights. Service ceiling of 18,900 ft allows operation above most weather.

Operating costs: Fuel burn is 13.5 GPH (51 L/h), which at current 100LL avgas prices (~$6.20/gal) means approximately $84/hr in fuel alone. With 3,390 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (1,500 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.

NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record. There are 10 airworthiness directives applicable to this aircraft type — review AD compliance carefully before purchase. Mechanics have filed 10 service difficulty reports for this type — common maintenance items to discuss during pre-buy.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

Safety record: 0 NTSB incidents
Airframe: 3,390 hours — verify engine time vs TBO (1,500 hrs)
Check 10 ADs compliance — mandatory before flight
Budget $202 for pre-purchase inspection

Cessna 182 — Model Specs

Model specification

Standard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.

Seats
4
Cruise Speed
140 kts (259 km/h)
Max Speed
150 kts (278 km/h)
Range
640 nm (1,185 km)
Ceiling
18,900 ft (5,761 m)
Max Weight
2,650 lbs (1,202 kg)
Useful Load
1,140 lbs (517 kg)
Horsepower
230 HP
Fuel Capacity
54 gal (204 L)
Fuel Burn
13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO
1,500 hrs

Estimated Cost of Ownership

AeroGurus estimate

CESSNA 182 Continental (early)

Fuel Burn
13.5 GPH
~$88/hr

AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA 182 Continental (early). Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.

Ownership & Registration

FAA registration data pending for N3254U.

Location & Ownership

FAA records

Aircraft Location

Gig Harbor, WA

Seller reported 130 more aircraft in Washington →

Title Status

No FAA title records

Available for US-registered aircraft only

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.

Safety Record

NTSB safety data coming soon.

We'll check N3254U against the NTSB accident database.

Airworthiness Directives — Cessna 182

ADs are mandatory safety instructions issued by the FAA. 10 recent ADs found for this aircraft type.

FR-04-4375

Cessna Aircraft Company 120, 140, 140A, 150, F150, 170, 172, F172, FR172, P172D, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, A185E, 190, 195, 206, P206, U206, TP206, TU206, 207, T207, 210, T210, 336, 337, and T337 Series Airplanes

View full AD →
2011-10-09 2011-06-17

Cessna Aircraft Company Models 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 190, 195, 206, 207, 210, T303, 336, and 337 Airplanes

View full AD →
2008-26-10 2010-11-16

Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, 303, 336, and 337 Series Airplanes

View full AD →
2009-04-05 2009-03-27

Cessna Aircraft Company Models 182Q and 182R Airplanes

View full AD →
2008-10-02 2008-05-12

Cessna Aircraft Company 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, and 303 Series Airplanes

View full AD →
2008-05-09 2008-04-08

Cessna Aircraft Company 172, 182, and 206 Series Airplanes

View full AD →
2008-02-18 2008-02-28

Cessna Aircraft Company 172 and 182 Series Airplanes

View full AD →
2007-08-03 2007-05-02

Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

View full AD →
2007-09-01 2007-04-25

Cessna Aircraft Company Models 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, and 182R Airplanes

View full AD →
2007-05-10 2007-04-11

Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

View full AD →

Source: FAA Airworthiness Directives database. Showing most recent ADs for this aircraft type.

Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna 182

SDRs are reports filed by mechanics about problems found during maintenance. 10 recent reports for this aircraft type.

Power Plant CORRODED
2026-03-05

THE DISSIMILAR METAL TAPE SUPPLIED IN STC SA00496SE (U-LINE ELECTRICAL TAPE) IS CAUSING CORROSION ON THE ENGINE MOUNT TO THE POINT OF REPLACING THE ENGINE MOUNT WITH IN 500-100HRS AFTER INSTALLING THE STC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE OF OUR FLEET AIRC...

Fuselage CRACKED
2026-02-10

DURING FIREWALL CLEANING/INSPECTION DURING ANNUAL/100HR INSPECTION, A CRACK, APPROXIMATELY 1.0" IN LENGTH WAS DISCOVERED IN THE UPPER RADIUS OF THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE LOWER FIREWALL DOUBLER DIRECTLY THROUGH THE TOP RIVET THAT HOLDS THE PARKING BRA...

Fuselage CRACKED
2026-02-02

DURING FIREWALL CLEANING/INSPECTION DURING ANNUAL/100HR INSPECTION, A CRACK, APPROXIMATELY 2.3 IN LENGTH WAS DISCOVERED IN THE UPPER RADIUS OF THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE LOWER FIREWALL DOUBLER DIRECTLY THROUGH THE TOP RIVET THAT HOLDS THE PARKING BRAK...

Wings CRACKED
2026-01-06

CRACK ON WING SIDE OF RH STRUT. AIRFRAME TOTAL TIME IS 10298.9. CRACK WAS FOUND DURING ROUTINE 100/HR INSPECTION. AIRPLANE DOES PIPELINE PATROL.

Fuselage CRACKED
2025-12-02

DURING FIREWALL CLEANING IN PREPARATION OF INSTALLATION OF NEWLY OVERHAULED ENGINE, A CRACK, APPROXIMATELY 2.3 IN LENGTH WAS DISCOVERED IN THE UPPER RADIUS OF THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE LOWER FIREWALL DOUBLER DIRECTLY THROUGH THE TOP RIVET THAT HOLDS ...

Wings CRACKED
2025-08-06

DURING 100HR / ANNUAL INSPECTION FOUND RH INBOARD FLAP COVE SKIN CRACKED ALONG WITH FLAP TRACK RIVETS WORKING OUT. INSPECTED AREA AROUND FLAP AND FOUND THE INBD FLAP TRACK/RIB ASSEMBLY TO BE CRACKED THROUGH.

Landing Gear BROKEN
2025-06-29

NOSE GEAR UPPER TORQUE LINK BROKE CAUSING GEAR TO COLLAPSE UPON TOUCHDOWN.

Ignition FAILED
2025-06-06

I HAD THE ELECTROAIR DUAL EIS INSTALLED BY THEIR RECOMMENDED INSTALLER. I HAD 3 NEW SEPARATE MTH (MAG TIMING HOUSING) FAILURES RESULTING IN VERY POOR ENGINE OPERATION. THE 1ST MTH FAILED DUE TO GEARS COMING APART. THE 2ND FROM WHAT THE IA SAID WAS A ...

Power Plant FAILED
2025-05-16

CARB AIRBOX BUTTERFLY VALVE ATTACHMENT TO ACTUATING SHAFT FAILED BY POORLY SHOT RIVET PULLING THROUGH THE BRACKET HOLE ON RIGHT SIDE. LEFT SIDE RIVET IS LOOSE AS WELL BUT HAD NOT FAILED AT THE TIME OF DISCOVERY. VALVE WAS HANGING DOWN AWAY FROM THE S...

Electrical Power BURNED
2025-05-10

LOST AVIONICS, TRANSPONDER, AND RADIO STACK. SMELLED BURNING WIRES AND DECLARED EMERGENCY. LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. FOUND SOURCE TO BE A BAD 40 AMP BREAKER SWITCH WHICH RUNS THE AVIONICS AND RADIO STACK.

Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.

AeroGurus Market Estimate AME

$155,000
Range: $126,000 — $197,000
Confidence: 90%
vs. Market
+3%
Fair Price

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Prices and listings updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data
Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision. Actual transaction prices may differ from asking prices.