Piper Mirage vs Piper Malibu
The Piper Malibu (original PA-46-310P, Continental TSIO-520, 1984-1988) and Piper Malibu Mirage (PA-46-350P, Lycoming TIO-540, 1989-onwards) are predecessor and successor — the Mirage replaced the original Malibu's Continental engine with a Lycoming TIO-540 after engine reliability issues, plus other refinements.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Mirage | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $257,092 – $1,385,000 | $221,274 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $190 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Mirage
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Mirage or Piper Malibu?
Bottom line: Choose the Mirage for the more proven Lycoming TIO-540 powerplant and the refined later airframe. Choose the original Malibu only for materially lower acquisition cost — accepting the older Continental engine reputation and thinner parts support.
Pick the Mirage if…
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $221,274 vs $257,092, you save ~$35,818.
- More inventory — 301 listings vs 52.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Mirage or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $221,274.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Mirage and Piper Malibu?
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.
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