Cessna Citation CJ1 vs Cessna Citation CJ3
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ1 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $595,000 – $2,395,000 | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 359 kts (665 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 1,150 nm (2,130 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,600 lbs (4,808 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,850 lbs (1,293 kg) | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 357.0 gal (1351 L) | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 110.0 GPH (416 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $260,000 | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $280,000 | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,800 | $1,850 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ1
Fuel$605/hr
Variable$1,800/hr
Annual Fixed$280,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$640,000/yr
Cessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ1 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Pick the Citation CJ1 if…
- Budget matters — from $595,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,155,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1800/hr vs $1850/hr.
- More inventory — 79 listings vs 63.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 359 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1150 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2000.
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 Citation CJ1 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ1 cruises at 359 kts with 1,150 nm range.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ1 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Seats: 6 vs 9.
Cruise: 359 vs 391 kts.
Range: 1150 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ1: about $1800/hr variable cost.
Citation CJ3: about $1850/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?
Citation CJ1: 6 seats / 2,850 lb useful load.
Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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?
Citation CJ1: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$260,000.
Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
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