Cessna 162 vs Vashon Ranger R7
The Vashon Ranger R7 and Cessna 162 Skycatcher are affordable all-metal two-seat LSAs — both value-focused metal trainers/tourers; the Ranger newer and well-equipped with full Dynon glass, the Skycatcher backed by the Cessna name (but discontinued).
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 162
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2011–2011
Vashon Ranger R7
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 2018–2025
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) | Cessna 162 | Vashon Ranger R7 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 8 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 162 | Vashon Ranger R7 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $80,570 – $90,925 | $116,500 – $184,375 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 105 kts (194 km/h) |
| Range | 470 nm (870 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,320 lbs (599 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 470 lbs (213 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 24.0 gal (91 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 5.5 GPH (21 L/h) | 5.5 GPH (21 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $18,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $9,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $80 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 162
Fuel$30/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$9,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$25,000/yr
Vashon Ranger R7
Fuel$30/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 162 or Vashon Ranger R7?
Bottom line: Choose the Vashon Ranger R7 for a newer, well-equipped value LSA with a proven O-200D and full glass, and current factory support. Choose the Cessna 162 only for the Cessna badge on the used market, accepting its discontinued status and smaller fleet.
Pick the 162 if…
- Budget matters — from $80,570 vs $116,500, you save ~$35,930.
- Longer range — 470 nm vs 420 nm.
Pick the Ranger R7 if…
- Faster cruise — 105 kts vs 100 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 2009.
- More inventory — 5 listings vs 4.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Vashon Ranger R7 and Cessna 162 Skycatcher?
Active production vs discontinued, and avionics. The Cessna 162 Skycatcher (Continental O-200-D, 100 hp, 2 seats, aluminium high-wing, LSA, ~105 kt) was discontinued in 2013. The Vashon Ranger R7 (Rotax 912iS, ~100 hp, 2 seats, aluminium, high-wing, LSA-category, ~115 kt) is a modern LSA — currently in production, with Garmin G3X glass avionics as standard.
Vashon Ranger R7 or Cessna 162 — which LSA?
Buy the Ranger R7 if: a new-production LSA with modern avionics, a Rotax fuel-injected engine, and current manufacturer support are priorities — the 162 is discontinued, so it is a used-only purchase. Buy a used 162 if: Continental O-200 maintenance familiarity and a potentially lower used-market acquisition cost appeal.
What makes the Vashon Ranger R7 distinctive?
The Ranger R7 uses aluminium construction, a Rotax 912iS fuel-injected engine, and ships with a Garmin glass cockpit as standard. It is built by Vashon Aircraft — a newer manufacturer focused on the training-market LSA segment with an emphasis on simple, durable design.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 162 Skycatcher: O-200-D (100 hp), 2 seats, aluminium, high-wing, ~105 kt. Vashon Ranger R7: Rotax 912iS (~100 hp), 2 seats, aluminium, high-wing, ~115 kt, Garmin G3X glass.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Ranger R7's Rotax 912iS can run on mogas — a running-cost advantage where mogas is available — while the 162's O-200-D runs on 100LL avgas. A used 162's acquisition cost may be lower than a new Ranger, but the Ranger carries current warranty and factory support.
Which should I buy?
Vashon Ranger R7 for a new-production LSA with a modern glass cockpit and Rotax fuel injection — full manufacturer support and current warranty. Cessna 162 (used) for a discontinued aluminium LSA at potentially lower acquisition cost — with Continental O-200 maintenance infrastructure.
Which is better, Cessna 162 or Vashon Ranger R7?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 162 cruises at 100 kts with 470 nm range.
The Ranger R7 cruises at 105 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 162: from $97,500.
Vashon Ranger R7: from $169,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 162 and Vashon Ranger R7?
162 engine: CONTINENTAL O-200-D (100 hp).
Cruise: 100 vs 105 kts.
Range: 470 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
162: about $80/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?
162: 2 seats / 470 lb useful load.
Ranger R7: 2 seats / 500 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?
162: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data