Cessna 172L Aircraft in Texas

Texas has one of the largest active GA pilot populations in the US, with extensive aircraft infrastructure across Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio metros and strong support networks for most major aircraft brands. Major flight schools, dealer networks, MRO facilities and overhaul shops are concentrated here.

← Cessna 172 family

The Cessna 172L is an early-1970s Skyhawk (1968-1973) — a 150-hp Lycoming O-320 four-seater from the high-production years and one of the most affordable used 172s. It flies like any Skyhawk (~120-kt cruise, forgiving, cheap to run), so the buy decision is condition, engine time and panel rather than performance. A sound first airplane or trainer with the deepest parts and instructor support of any single.

Cessna 172L aircraft for sale

· 4-seat · Reference price ~$110,000 ($75,000–$170,000) · updated recently

Cessna 172L Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 172L is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 114–140 kt (211–259 km/h), a range of 518–720 nm (959–1,333 km), and a useful load of 850–1,010 lbs (386–458 kg).

Performance
Cruise114–140 kt (211–259 km/h)
Max Speed120–145 kt (222–269 km/h)
Range518–720 nm (959–1,333 km)
Service Ceiling13,000–17,000 ft (3,962–5,182 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLYCOMING O-320-E2D
Horsepower145–195 HP
Fuel Capacity36.0–66.0 gal (136–250 L)
Fuel Burn8.0–11.0 GPH (30–42 L/h)
TBO1,400–2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC172
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,300–2,650 lbs (1,043–1,202 kg)
Useful Load850–1,010 lbs (386–458 kg)
Production1971–1972

Cessna 172L for Sale

No Cessna 172L currently listed for sale.

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Cessna 172L Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
172 1956–now 4 118 kts (219 km/h) 518 nm (959 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $10K – $395K Choose the fixed-gear 172 for the most affordable, best-supported and easiest-to-insure four-seat single — the standard trainer and touring aircraft worldwide. Choose the 172RG Cutlass for retractable-gear speed and complex-aircraft time-building. Choose the R172 Hawk XP for extra power and useful load over the standard 172. 521
172G 1966–1966 4 114 kts (211 km/h) 575 nm (1,065 km) 850 lbs (386 kg) $55K – $199K Choose the 172G for the lowest-cost entry into the Skyhawk family, accepting the O-300's narrower support for classic character. 19
172K 1969–1971 4 115 kts (213 km/h) 580 nm (1,074 km) 850 lbs (386 kg) $62K – $204K Choose the 172K for an affordable early Lycoming Skyhawk with the clean O-320-E2D engine and the large 172 support network. 14
172M 1973–1976 4 122 kts (226 km/h) 580 nm (1,074 km) 900 lbs (408 kg) $51K – $299K Choose the 172M for a clean O-320-E2D Skyhawk without the 172N's early-engine AD complications, at lower cost than the youngest 172P. 54
172N 1976–1980 4 122 kts (226 km/h) 640 nm (1,185 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $64K – $259K A late-1970s Skyhawk — a high-volume, low-cost four-seat trainer and tourer that is one of the most common used 172s. 65
R172 Hawk XP 1977–1983 4 129 kts (239 km/h) 569 nm (1,054 km) 1,010 lbs (458 kg) $93K – $309K Buy the R172 Hawk XP if you want a Skyhawk with real muscle — 195 hp for stronger climb, short-field and float performance than any standard 172. Consider a standard 172 for the lowest running cost and the deepest support network, or a 182 if you need four full seats with baggage. 40
172RG 1980–1985 4 140 kts (259 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 950 lbs (431 kg) $55K – $222K Buy the 172RG Cutlass if you want an affordable complex single for the retractable and complex endorsement or for time-building. Consider a fixed-gear 172 if you want the lowest maintenance and insurance, or a 182 if straightforward cross-country hauling matters more than complex-aircraft experience. 32
172P 1981–1985 4 122 kts (226 km/h) 640 nm (1,185 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $102K – $324K A common early-1980s Skyhawk — a low-cost, well-supported four-seat high-wing trainer and tourer. 15
172R 1996–2007 4 120 kts (222 km/h) 520 nm (963 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $169K – $299K A modern fuel-injected Skyhawk — a four-seat high-wing trainer and tourer just below the 172S in the current-generation line. 19
172S 1998–now 4 124 kts (230 km/h) 518 nm (959 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $3K – $589K The current-production, fuel-injected Skyhawk — the newest four-seat high-wing trainer to buy if you want a glass-panel, in-production 172. 41

Compare Cessna 172L

Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 172L are being prepared.

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Cessna 172L Price & Cost

Cessna 172L 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 172L Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (8.5 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,270/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$18,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$130/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$30,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 172L's Lycoming O-320-E2D (150 hp) is one of the most economical aircraft engines in regular service - around 8.5 gph, low overhaul cost, and a clean AD record. Annual inspection costs are consistent with the broader 172 fleet. The main cost considerations specific to a 172L are age-related: an airframe this old may need fuel-bladder replacement, hose inspection, or control-cable work at annual if not previously addressed. Factor these one-time reconditioning costs into the acquisition budget rather than ongoing operating costs.

Cessna 172L Value by Model Year

Median asking price by year of manufacture. Newer airframes command a premium; value falls with age then plateaus on older models.

$590K $389K $188K
$230K
$215K
$188K
$200K
$292K
$310K
$325K
$316K
$590K
’97
’99
’01
’06
’19

Lowest around $188,475 (1999 models) · highest around $589,500 (2019). Bars scaled across the range to show the depreciation curve; hover for exact medians.

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

Buying a Used Cessna 172L

Buying a Cessna 172L comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 172L Skyhawk (1971-1972) is the 150-hp generation of the iconic four-seat trainer - powered by the Lycoming O-320-E2D (150 hp) with a service ceiling around 13,000 feet and standard 172 economics near 8.5 gph. It predates the 160-hp upgrade of the 172N (1977), giving it slightly less power and a lower ceiling than later classic Skyhawks.

The 150-hp generation. Comparing the 172L against the 172N or 172P, the main difference is 10 horsepower and roughly 1,000 feet of ceiling. In practice the 172L performs nearly identically at sea level and low altitude - the gap shows most at density altitude or on hot, high-elevation departures. The 172L's O-320-E2D has a clean AD record, unlike the later 172N's O-320-H2AD which required specific overhaul attention.

Age consideration. A 172L is a 50-plus-year-old airframe. Corrosion, fuel-system integrity, and control-cable condition are the age-related pre-buy items - not specific to the L versus other letters, but to airframe age generally. A documented, recently overhauled example is worth more than a cheaper one with ambiguous records.

Buy it if you want a classic Skyhawk at the lower end of the 172 price range, are comfortable with an older airframe and careful pre-buy, and the 150-versus-160-hp difference suits your operating environment. For regular high-altitude or hot-weather operations, the 160-hp 172N/P is the better choice for the small price difference.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 172L

About the Cessna 172L
The Cessna 172L Skyhawk was produced 1971–1972 — one of the shorter letter runs in the 172 family. It uses a Lycoming O-320-E2D (150 hp, carbureted) and carries the conical-camber (drooped) wingtips of the early-1970s 172, which gave the mid-era 172 its distinctive wing profile. The 172L sits between the 172K (1969–1970) and the longer-running 172M (1973–1976) with identical systems and performance.
What changed between the 172L and the 172M?
Very little in capability — both use the O-320-E2D engine and four-seat layout, and both carry the conical-camber wingtips. The 172M (1973–1976) is a later and typically lower-total-time airframe and is more common on the used market. If price and condition are comparable, the 172M is marginally preferable for the younger airframe.
What should I inspect on a used Cessna 172L?
Same priorities as any early-1970s 172: seat rail AD compliance (mandatory), O-320-E2D time since overhaul, magneto condition, and 50-year-old airframe corrosion at the spar carry-through and control cable routing. Logbook completeness is especially important at this age.
How fast is the 172L and what does it carry?
Approximately 120 knots cruise, four seats, with a practical range of 600–700 nm with standard tanks. Standard 150-hp Skyhawk performance — the same mission as the K and M around it.
172L vs 172N — which should I buy?
The 172N (1977) brought the O-360 upgrade (160 hp, 2,000-hr TBO, stronger climb) and a newer airframe. Most buyers end up in the 172N/P era — the used-market sweet-spot for the 172 family. The 172L makes sense mainly if price is the primary constraint and a well-maintained example is available.

Cessna 172L Inventory by Country

United States9
Germany1

Cessna 172L by Price

Under $100k132
Under $200k362
Under $300k405
Under $500k422

Cessna 172L Safety Record

Across all 172L variants, 162 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.

162

Total Events

97

Incidents

13

Serious

26

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Aug 14, 2025 Walters, OK Fatal (1) —
Mar 07, 2025 Romeo, MI Incident The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the soft, …
Oct 07, 2024 El Monte, CA Incident A total loss of engine power due to contaminated fuel.
Sep 17, 2024 DeLand, FL Incident The parachutist’s failure to control his canopy which resulted in a downwind landing, an overshoot of the drop zone, and…
Jun 29, 2024 Oxnard, CA Incident The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 172L 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 recently · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data