Cessna 120 Aircraft under $500,000
Under $500k for a piston single is the high-end price band — typically modern composite singles (Cirrus SR22/SR22T from mid-2000s+), late-model Bonanza or Mooney with full glass, low-time airframes with current engine status and full mandate compliance. Highest acquisition cost in piston class but lowest pre-buy discovery risk.
2 used Cessna 120 aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 1-seat · $18K – $39K · updated 12 hours ago
About the Cessna 120
The Cessna 120 is a classic post-war two-seat taildragger — a light, high-wing single built from 1946 to 1949 as the simpler, lower-cost companion to the Cessna 140. Without the 140's wing flaps and rear side windows, the 120 is a basic, economical and characterful vintage aircraft that introduced many pilots to flying. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 120 listings currently on the market.
Cessna 120 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 120 is a 1-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 90 kt (167 km/h), a range of 400 nm (741 km), and a useful load of 500 lbs (227 kg).
2 Cessna 120 For Sale
There are currently 2 used Cessna 120 for sale, ranging from $18,500 to $39,000, with a median asking price of $28,750.
Compare Cessna 120
Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 120 are being prepared.
Browse all Cessna models →Cessna 120 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 120 cost? Used 120 prices: $18K – $39K, average $28K (median $28K), across 2 priced of 2 active listings.
Based on 1 priced listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Cessna 120
Every Cessna 120 faces a mandatory 1,800-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 1,800-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 120
Is the Cessna 120 a good entry into vintage aviation?
Cessna 120 vs. 140 — what is the difference?
Cessna 120 Inventory by Country
| United States | 9 |
| Canada | 1 |
| China | 1 |
| France | 1 |
Cessna 120 Inventory by State
| California | 2 |
Cessna 120 by Price
| Under $100k | 11 |
| Under $200k | 11 |
| Under $300k | 11 |
| Under $500k | 11 |
Recently Sold Cessna 120
| 1947 120 | $49,000 |
Cessna 120 Safety Record
Across all 120 variants, 163 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2026. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20, 2026 | Eureka, CA | Incident | — |
| Aug 24, 2025 | Taylor, AZ | Incident | — |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Arcadia, FL | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing. |
| Apr 21, 2024 | Talkeetna, AK | Incident | A degraded ignition system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was maintenance… |
| Jan 25, 2023 | Eagle River, WI | Incident | The pilot’s decision to takeoff from an unsuitable surface which resulted in collision with an object. |
NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 120 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.