Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation I
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna Citation CJ3
- For sale now
- 64
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
Cessna Citation I
- For sale now
- 22
- Median asking
- $399,950
- Range
- $342,000–$1,119,160
- Model years available
- 1972–1981
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
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cessna Citation I |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $342,000 – $1,119,160 |
| Category | Light Jet | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 350 kts (648 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 1,500 nm (2,778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 11,850 lbs (5,375 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 229.0 gal (867 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 110.0 GPH (416 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $180,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $1,400 |
| 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 I
Fuel$605/hr
Variable$1,400/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$460,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation I?
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 350 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1971.
- More inventory — 66 listings vs 36.
Pick the Citation I if…
- Budget matters — from $342,000 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$4,498,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1400/hr vs $1850/hr.
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 I?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The Citation I cruises at 350 kts with 1,500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation I: from $720,000.
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 I?
Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A.
Citation I engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-1A.
Seats: 9 vs 7.
Cruise: 391 vs 350 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 1500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Citation I: about $1400/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 I: 7 seats / 3,000 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 I: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
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