Mooney 201 vs Piper Cherokee
The Mooney M20J 201 and Piper Cherokee (fixed-gear PA-28 series) are different classes — the Cherokee is a forgiving fixed-gear trainer (~120-130 kt depending on variant); the M20J is a 160-kt retractable cross-country machine.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 57
- Median asking
- $139,450
- Range
- $96,250–$234,955
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 1977–1998
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 164
- Source marketplaces
- 23
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
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) | Mooney 201 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Mooney 201 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $96,250 – $234,955 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 161 kts (298 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 820 nm (1,519 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 64.0 gal (242 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney 201
Piper Cherokee
Which Should You Buy: Mooney 201 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the Cherokee for the simplest four-seat ownership — fixed gear, low-stall handling and the broadest training network. Choose the M20J when you need genuine cross-country speed at four-seat fuel burn.
Pick the 201 if…
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $96,250, you save ~$36,302.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $140/hr.
- More inventory — 669 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.