Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation CJ4
The Citation CJ3, Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300 are the light-jet shortlist — two CitationJets (the efficient CJ3 and the larger CJ4) and the best-selling Phenom 300. The CJ3 is the value choice, the CJ4 the bigger CitationJet, and the Phenom 300 the performance and sales leader. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 64
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 2010–2024
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 420 kts (778 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 581.0 gal (2199 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $325,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $385,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,150 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Cessna Citation CJ4
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation CJ4?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for efficiency — the lowest operating costs and easy single-pilot flying. Choose the CJ4 for more range and cabin within the CitationJet line. Choose the Phenom 300 for the all-round leader — speed, range and the best-selling cabin in the class. On safety all three are twin-engine, single-pilot-certified jets with strong records; the divide is performance and cabin, not safety. Value CJ, larger CJ, or the segment leader.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Budget matters — from $4,840,000 vs $4,937,500, you save ~$97,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2150/hr.
- More inventory — 67 listings vs 39.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 420 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 1875 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2004.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.