Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation III
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation CJ3
- For sale now
- 64
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
Cessna Citation III
- For sale now
- 11
- Model years available
- 1983–1989
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 III |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $1,103,750 – $1,171,250 |
| Category | Light Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 431 kts (798 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,054 nm (3,804 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 800.0 gal (3028 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 4,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $350,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,800 |
| 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 III
Fuel$1,155/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$910,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation III?
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2800/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1983.
- More inventory — 68 listings vs 13.
Pick the Citation III if…
- Budget matters — from $1,103,750 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$3,736,250.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 431 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2054 nm vs 1875 nm.
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 III?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The Citation III cruises at 431 kts with 2,054 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation III: from $1,175,000.
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 III?
Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A.
Citation III engine: GARRETT TFE731-3A-100G.
Seats: 9 vs 10.
Cruise: 391 vs 431 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 2054 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Citation III: about $2800/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 III: 10 seats / 5,200 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 III: 4,000-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