Cessna TR182 vs Piper Saratoga
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna TR182
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $209,200
- Range
- $130,500–$266,135
- Model years available
- 1978–1986
Piper Saratoga
- For sale now
- 195
- Median asking
- $219,975
- Range
- $117,750–$487,395
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna TR182 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 122 | 1 |
| Serious | 10 | 0 |
| Fatal | 29 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 61 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 24% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna TR182 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $130,500 – $266,135 | $117,750 – $487,395 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 88.0 gal (333 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna TR182
Fuel$72/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/yr
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna TR182 or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the TR182 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $170/hr.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $117,750 vs $130,500, you save ~$12,750.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 155 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 915 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1979.
- More inventory — 121 listings vs 26.
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 TR182 or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The TR182 cruises at 155 kts with 915 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna TR182: from $175,000.
Piper Saratoga: from $498,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna TR182 and Piper Saratoga?
TR182 engine: LYCOMING O-540-L3C5D (230 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 155 vs 163 kts.
Range: 915 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TR182: about $140/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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?
TR182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
TR182: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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