Cessna 182T vs Piper Saratoga
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 182T
- For sale now
- 99
- Median asking
- $390,000
- Range
- $209,200–$692,524
- Model years available
- 1981–2026
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- 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) | Cessna 182T | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 54 | 1 |
| Serious | 4 | 0 |
| Fatal | 11 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 22 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 20% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182T | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $209,200 – $692,524 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 885 nm (1,639 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,050 lbs (476 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 87.0 gal (329 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182T
Fuel$72/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/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: Cessna 182T or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the 182T if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $170/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1980.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $115,250 vs $209,200, you save ~$93,950.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 145 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 885 nm.
- More inventory — 121 listings vs 117.
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 182T or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182T cruises at 145 kts with 885 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?
Cessna 182T: from $273,000.
Piper Saratoga: from $498,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182T and Piper Saratoga?
182T engine: LYCOMING IO-540-AB1A6 (230 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 145 vs 163 kts.
Range: 885 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182T: about $160/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?
182T: 4 seats / 1,050 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?
182T: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data