Cessna 152 Aircraft under $100,000

Under $100k for a piston single is the value-entry price band — typically older airframes (1960s-80s), mid-life or run-out engines, original or basic avionics with retrofit ADS-B Out compliance. These are entry-budget trainers and touring singles. Budget realistically for engine work, ADS-B Out compliance if not yet installed, panel upgrades and corrosion-area inspection.

The Cessna 152 is the Cessna 150's successor — produced 1977-1985 with a Lycoming O-235 (110 hp) and minor refinements over the 150. Slightly better climb and useful load, but the same two-seat trainer mission. The 152 II adds a 28V electrical system; the Aerobat A152 supports aerobatic training. Like the 150, it is one of the most affordable ways to own a certified aircraft.

Cessna 152 aircraft for sale

45 used Cessna 152 aircraft for sale under $100,000 · 2-seat · Used median asking $70,000 · updated 4 hours ago

Cessna 152 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 152 is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 100 kt (185 km/h), a range of 415 nm (769 km), and a useful load of 528 lbs (240 kg).

Performance
Cruise100 kt (185 km/h)
Max Speed110 kt (204 km/h)
Range415 nm (769 km)
Service Ceiling14,700 ft (4,481 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLYCOMING O-235
Horsepower110 HP
Fuel Capacity26.0 gal (98 L)
Fuel Burn6.1 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO2,400 hrs
ICAO TypeC152
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight1,670 lbs (758 kg)
Useful Load528 lbs (240 kg)
Production1977–1985

Cessna 152 for Sale

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Cessna 152 asking prices range from $38,000 to $105,000, with a median of $70,000 (market reference $68,000).

1979 Cessna 152

1979 Cessna 152 for sale
$38,000
For Sale
Total Time 21,143
Reg# N94138 US
Location Merritt Island, FL
Via Flaps15 Aviation Sales
Multiple sources

1979 Cessna 152

1979 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$39,950
For Sale
Total Time 12,858
Reg# N69207 US
Location CA
Via American Aircraft Sales Co.
Multiple sources

1982 Cessna 152

1982 Cessna 152 for sale
$45,000
On Request
Total Time 10,575
Via Canadian Aircraft Sales

1981 Cessna 152

1981 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$46,883 ↓ -$1K
For Sale
Total Time 11,040
Reg# LZ-BVC
Location Bulgaria
Via Evroinvest Ltd.
Listed 2mo ago

1986 Cessna 152

1986 Cessna 152 for sale
$46,979
For Sale
Total Time 15,308
Reg# G-WACE UK
Via Brian Kane
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago

1979 Cessna 152

1979 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$49,900 ↓ -$4K
For Sale
Total Time 24,052
Reg# C-GYYC Canada
Location Cheltenham, ON, Canada
Via APEX AIRCRAFT SALES LTD
Multiple sources

1980 Cessna 152

1980 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$49,950
For Sale
Total Time 11,340
Reg# N4727H US
Location CA
Via American Aircraft Sales Co.
Multiple sources

1978 Cessna 152

1978 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$49,950
For Sale
Total Time 17,433
Reg# N714VH US
Location CA
Via American Aircraft Sales Co.
Multiple sources

1977 Cessna 152

1977 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$55,000
For Sale
Total Time 12,098
Reg# N769NE US
Location Logan, UT
Via Leading Edge Aviation

1978 Cessna 152

1978 Cessna 152 for sale below typical asking range
$55,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,008
Reg# HS-BFG
Location Thailand
Via Taninchai K.
Listed 2mo ago

Compare Cessna 152

See how the Cessna 152 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

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Cessna 152 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 152 cost? Used 152 prices: $38K – $105K, average $70K (median $70K); market reference $68K, across 47 priced of 45 active listings.

Cessna 152 Price Guide

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.

Cessna 152 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (6.1 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$3,782/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$15,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$100/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,400 hrs)$22,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 152's Lycoming O-235 burns approximately 6 gph - slightly more than the 150's O-200 at 5.5 gph, proportional to the 10-hp advantage. Annual inspection costs are consistent with the 150 - among the lowest in the piston fleet. Insurance for a two-seat fixed-gear trainer is minimal, and the 152's training-market volume keeps parts priced competitively. The O-235's TBO and overhaul cost are modest; compare to the O-200 on a time-to-overhaul basis when evaluating a specific aircraft.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna 152

Buying a Cessna 152 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 152 is the world's most widely used two-seat piston trainer - a fixed-gear, tricycle-gear aircraft powered by the Lycoming O-235 (110 hp) producing approximately 107 knots cruise and 415 nm range. It replaced the 150-series in 1977 and became the global standard for primary flight training, with a fleet size and parts network matched by no other two-seat trainer.

The 152 versus the 150. Compared to the Continental O-200-powered Cessna 150 it succeeded, the 152 offers 10 more horsepower, about 10 knots more cruise speed, and modestly better climb. The Lycoming O-235 has different maintenance characteristics than the O-200 - a different TBO structure and service intervals. Owners who know the O-200 well will find the O-235 a distinct engine family, not simply a more powerful version of the same unit.

Flight training platform. The 152's dominance as a trainer reflects its balanced characteristics: light controls, predictable stall behavior, and forgiving handling make it an effective teaching aircraft. Its two-seat, limited-baggage configuration suits its primary role. For personal VFR flying or currency maintenance, the 152 is the least expensive certificated Cessna at minimal per-hour cost.

Buy it if you want the most economical certificated Cessna with the deepest training-market parts support and widest mechanic familiarity - for flight instruction, low-cost personal flying, or currency maintenance in a fixed-gear two-seater.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 152

About the Cessna 152
The Cessna 152 is the successor to the 150, produced 1977–1985 using the Lycoming O-235-L2C (110 hp, carbureted). Approximately 7,600 were produced. The 152 improved on the 150 with slightly more power, better fuel economy, and updated avionics accommodation. It remains the most common dedicated two-seat trainer in the used market and a standard primary training aircraft at flight schools worldwide.
What are the main Cessna 152 variants?
The 152 has fewer letter variants than the 150 — the production run was shorter (eight years). The 152 Aerobat (certified for aerobatics) is the primary sub-variant. Most 152s in service are standard trainers; Aerobat examples command a premium for their aerobatic certification. Within the standard 152, buy on condition and maintenance history rather than specific year.
What are common Cessna 152 problems to look for?
Lycoming O-235 carburetor icing susceptibility (the O-235 is known for this; verify carb heat is functional and use appropriate carb-heat technique). Seat rail AD compliance. High-utilisation training aircraft accumulate cycles rapidly — inspect for wear in control systems, seats, and structure on any high-time example. Confirm correct-type components if the aircraft has had engine work.
152 vs 150 — which should I buy for training?
The 152 is the preferred trainer for most buyers: a Lycoming O-235 with a better overhaul network than the Continental O-200, slightly more power, and the most common training aircraft type for insurance purposes. The 150 is the budget alternative — lower acquisition cost, same capability, narrower engine support. For an individual owner/trainer, the 152's wider parts ecosystem and flight-school familiarity give it the edge.
Is the Cessna 152 still in production?
No — production ended in 1985, and Cessna has not restarted it. The market for new two-seat trainers is now served by modern LSA and certified light trainers. The 152 is fully supported in the used market, with Lycoming O-235 overhaul available from many shops.

Cessna 152 Inventory by Country

United States41
United Kingdom4
Italy3
Canada2
Thailand2
Belgium1

Cessna 152 Inventory by State

California12
Texas4
Florida3
Virginia2
Georgia2
Arizona2
Ohio2

Cessna 152 by Price

Under $100k45
Under $200k53
Under $300k53
Under $500k53

Cessna 152 by Decade

1970s27
1980s17

Recently Sold Cessna 152

1978 152$65,000
1983 152$75,000
1978 152$55,000
1984 152$86,826

Cessna 152 Safety Record

Across all 152 variants, 2435 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

2435

Total Events

1714

Incidents

130

Serious

255

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Dec 22, 2025 East Farmingdale, NY Incident —
Oct 27, 2025 Richfield, UT Minor The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in gusting wind conditions during the takeoff roll.
Oct 23, 2025 St. Augustine, FL Minor The student pilot’s failure to properly set the elevator trim prior to takeoff, which resulted in her inability to effec…
Aug 30, 2025 Baldwin City, KS Incident The pilot’s decision to continue the night landing without runway lights which resulted in the runway overrun.
Aug 08, 2025 Pottstown, PA Incident The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in substantia…

NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 152 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 4 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data