Cessna 165 vs Piper Cherokee
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 165
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1940–1940
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 165 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 165 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,580 – $161,025 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 850 lbs (386 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 46.0 gal (174 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,200 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 165
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 165 or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the 165 if…
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $150,580, you save ~$90,632.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $180/hr.
- Faster cruise — 117 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 525 nm vs 500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1939.
- More inventory — 27 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 165 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 165 cruises at 110 kts with 500 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 165: from $150,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 165 and Piper Cherokee?
165 engine: WARNER Super Scarab (145 hp).
Cruise: 110 vs 117 kts.
Range: 500 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
165: about $180/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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?
165: 4 seats / 850 lb useful load.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
165: 1,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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