Piper Malibu vs Piper Mirage

The Piper Malibu and Piper Mirage are the two faces of Piper's pressurised piston single — the same cabin-class PA-46 airframe, a different engine era. The Malibu is the original (1984), powered by a Continental; the Mirage is its successor (from 1989), built around a more powerful Lycoming. Both give you a pressurised, six-seat single that cruises in the low 200-knot range and flies above much of the weather. (Buyers in this corner of the PA-46 family also run into the unpressurised Piper Matrix and the later M350 — close relatives — but the core choice here is Malibu or Mirage.) Current values and availability for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Piper Malibu
For sale now
281
Median asking
$950,000
Range
$417,000–$3,032,000
Model years available
1984–2026
Piper Mirage
For sale now
49
Median asking
$592,500
Range
$399,000–$977,140
Model years available
1989–2014

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

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Malibu Piper Mirage
Piper Malibu
View 23 listings →
Median $950,000
 Piper Mirage
View 53 listings →
Median $592,500
Price Range $417,000 – $3,032,000 $399,000 – $977,140
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 310 HP 350 HP
Cruise Speed 213 kts (394 km/h) 213 kts (394 km/h)
Range 1,300 nm (2,408 km) 1,345 nm (2,491 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m) 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) 4,340 lbs (1,969 kg)
Useful Load 1,200 lbs (544 kg) 1,230 lbs (558 kg)
Fuel Capacity 120.0 gal (454 L) —
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 20.0 GPH (76 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $35,000 —
Annual Fixed $22,000 —
Hourly Variable $190 —
Engines 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) 1 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Malibu

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Piper Mirage

Fuel$110/hr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Piper Mirage?

Bottom line: The Malibu is the lower-cost entry into a pressurised piston single — the same comfortable, capable cabin for less money. The Mirage is the version most owners prefer, and the reason is the engine: the early Malibu's Continental TSIO-520 drew reliability scrutiny in the 1980s, prompting Piper to move the Mirage to the sturdier 350-horsepower Lycoming TIO-540 — more power and, for many buyers, more peace of mind. Both reward an owner who respects high-altitude, pressurised-single flying and stays current. It is the cheaper way in, or the version most owners trust more.

Pick the Malibu if…

Pick the Mirage if…

  • Budget matters — from $399,000 vs $417,000, you save ~$18,000.
  • Longer range — 1345 nm vs 1300 nm.
  • More inventory — 53 listings vs 23.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Malibu and the Mirage?
Mainly the engine — the original Malibu (1984) used a Continental TSIO-520, while the Mirage (from 1989) switched to a more powerful 350-hp Lycoming TIO-540. Both share the same pressurised, six-seat PA-46 airframe.
Why do buyers prefer the Mirage?
The Mirage's Lycoming engine is generally seen as more robust than the early Malibu's Continental, which had reliability concerns, and it makes more power. That reputation is much of why the Mirage usually commands more.
Are both pressurised?
Yes — both are pressurised single-engine pistons that fly comfortably in the high teens to low twenties, above a lot of weather. The cabin and pressurisation are essentially the same; the engine is the main change.
Which is better, Piper Malibu or Piper Mirage?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Malibu cruises at 213 kts with 1,300 nm range. The Mirage cruises at 213 kts with 1,345 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $419,000. Piper Mirage: from $257,092. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Piper Mirage?
Cruise: 213 vs 213 kts. Range: 1300 vs 1345 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load. Mirage: 6 seats / 1,230 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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