Cessna 165 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.
The Cessna 165 Airmaster is a late-1930s four-seat, high-wing classic — an early Cessna cabin single built in small numbers before the war. With around 145 hp and a ~110-kt cruise it is a collector and antique proposition rather than a practical modern traveler. Buyers are taking on a rare prewar airframe, so condition, documentation, restoration history and parts availability matter far more than performance numbers.
1 used Cessna 165 aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 4-seat · Reference price ~$120,000 ($70,000–$220,000) · updated 2 days ago
Cessna 165 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 165 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 110–150 kt (204–278 km/h), a range of 500–600 nm (926–1,111 km), and a useful load of 850–1,200 lbs (386–544 kg).
Cessna 165 for Sale
Cessna 165 asking prices range from $150,000 to $150,000, with a median of $150,000 (market reference $120,000).
Cessna 165 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 | 1947–1951 | 5 | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | — | A classic radial-engined taildragger — a roomy, characterful vintage Cessna for collectors and enthusiasts. | 1 |
| 195 | 1947–1954 | 5 | 150 kts (278 km/h) | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | $69K – $275K | A classic radial-engined taildragger — a roomy, characterful vintage Cessna for collectors and enthusiasts. | 6 |
Compare Cessna 165
Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 165 are being prepared.
Browse all Cessna models →Cessna 165 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 165 cost? Used 165 prices: from $150K; market reference $120K, across 1 priced of 1 active 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.
Warner Super Scarab parts are rare and require specialist sourcing, and fabric inspection and vintage-construction annuals require an A&P with specific vintage expertise. The Cessna 165's annual inspection cost is largely determined by mechanic access, not parts price - finding the right inspector is the primary challenge. Fuel burn around 9 gph is moderate for the era.
Buying a Used Cessna 165
Buying a Cessna 165 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 165
What is the Cessna 165 Airmaster?
What makes the Cessna 165 significant?
What should I inspect on a Cessna 165?
Is the Cessna 165 a practical aircraft to own?
Cessna 165 Inventory by Country
| United States | 1 |
Cessna 165 by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 7 |
| Under $300k | 9 |
| Under $500k | 9 |
Other Cessna Aircraft
| Cessna Citation III / VII | 26 |
| Cessna Citation II | 21 |
| Cessna Citation I | 11 |
| Cessna Caravan | 8 |
Cessna 165 Safety Record
Across all 165 variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1986–1986. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
1
Total Events
1
Incidents
0
Serious
0
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 1986 | EMMETT, ID | Incident | — |
NTSB records 1986–1986. Includes all Cessna 165 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.