Mooney 231 vs Piper Cherokee
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Mooney 231
- For sale now
- 58
- Median asking
- $165,000
- Range
- $99,500–$239,720
- Model years available
- 1978–1997
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 772
- Median asking
- $111,500
- Range
- $54,900–$259,900
- 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 231 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 1 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 0 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Mooney 231 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,500 – $239,720 | $54,900 – $259,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | 210 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 191 kts (354 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 981 nm (1,817 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.3 GPH (50 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney 231
Fuel$73/hr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney 231 or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the 231 if…
- Faster cruise — 191 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 981 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $54,900 vs $99,500, you save ~$44,600.
- More inventory — 31 listings vs 8.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mooney 231 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 231 cruises at 191 kts with 981 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney 231: from $199,900.
Piper Cherokee: from $140,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney 231 and Piper Cherokee?
231 engine: Continental TSIO-360-GB;TSIO-360-LB (210 hp).
Cruise: 191 vs 117 kts.
Range: 981 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee: about $120/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?
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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