Piper Mirage vs Piper Meridian
The Piper Malibu Mirage (PA-46 piston Lycoming, ~213 kt) and Piper Meridian/M500 (PA-46 turboprop PT6, ~262 kt) are piston and turboprop versions of the same PA-46 cabin — the Mirage is piston; the Meridian/M500 is the entry-level turboprop variant.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Mirage | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $257,092 – $1,385,000 | $738,946 – $2,613,432 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 241 kts (446 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 170.0 gal (643 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $650 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Mirage
Piper Meridian
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Mirage or Piper Meridian?
Bottom line: Step up to the Meridian/M500 for turboprop reliability, higher cruise and the longer-range capability. Choose the Mirage for materially lower acquisition cost and the simpler piston systems — same cabin, much lower operating cost.
Pick the Mirage if…
- Budget matters — from $257,092 vs $738,946, you save ~$481,854.
Pick the Meridian if…
- More inventory — 109 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 Meridian?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Mirage and Piper Meridian?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Meridian: about $650/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?
Meridian: 6 seats / 1,362 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?
Meridian: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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