Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation II
The Citation II (1980s/90s 500-series light, ~385 kt) is an older Citation light jet; the CJ3 (modern, ~417 kt, single-pilot) is the modern CitationJet evolution; the Learjet 45 (~460 kt swept-wing modern light) is the speed-Learjet alternative.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cessna Citation II |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 | $273,750 – $2,649,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 345 kts (639 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 1,600 nm (2,963 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 43,000 ft (13,106 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 13,300 lbs (6,033 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 470.0 gal (1779 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Cessna Citation II
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$790,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation II?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for the modern Cessna light-jet platform with single-pilot certification and class-leading reliability. Choose the Learjet 45 for ramp presence and ~45 kt more cruise. Choose the Citation II only for materially lower acquisition cost — older platform with mandate-upgrade costs.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2200/hr.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 345 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1600 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1978.
Pick the Citation II if…
- Budget matters — from $273,750 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,476,250.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- More inventory — 70 listings vs 62.
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 CJ3 or Cessna Citation II?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The Citation II cruises at 345 kts with 1,600 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 CJ3 and Cessna Citation II?
Seats: 9 vs 10.
Cruise: 391 vs 345 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 1600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Citation II: about $2200/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
Citation II: 10 seats / 4,000 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 CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
Citation II: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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