Cessna 172P Aircraft in Idaho

← Cessna 172 family

✈ The 172P (1981–1986) returned to the reliable Lycoming O-320-D2J, correcting the camshaft-spalling issues of the 172N's H2AD engine, and was the last of the classic O-320 Skyhawks before Cessna halted piston production in 1986. For buyers it is the youngest and generally most sorted of the pre-1996 172s.

The Cessna 172P is the early-1980s Skyhawk (1977-1985) — a 160-hp Lycoming O-320 with a higher gross weight and 40-gallon fuel option that made it a favorite trainer and club aircraft. Performance mirrors other late 172s (~120-kt cruise, four seats, forgiving handling); its edge over a 172L or 172M is extra useful load and range. A practical, well-supported choice where the decision is condition and total time, not capability.

Cessna 172P aircraft for sale

1 used Cessna 172P aircraft for sale in Idaho · 4-seat · Reference price ~$145,000 ($95,000–$240,000) · updated 2026-07-06

Cessna 172P Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 172P 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-D2J
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)
Production1981–1985

Cessna 172P for Sale

Cessna 172P asking prices range from $149,900 to $149,900, with a median of $149,900 (market reference $145,000).

1983 Cessna 172P

1983 Cessna 172P for sale below typical asking range
$149,900
For Sale
Total Time 5,755
Reg# N65724 US
Location Blackfoot, ID
Via PreFlight Aviation
Listed 2mo ago

Cessna 172P 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) $18K – $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. 15
172G 1966–1966 4 114 kts (211 km/h) 575 nm (1,065 km) 850 lbs (386 kg) — Choose the 172G for the lowest-cost entry into the Skyhawk family, accepting the O-300's narrower support for classic character. 3
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
172L 1971–1972 4 122 kts (226 km/h) 640 nm (1,185 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $79K – $179K An early-1970s Skyhawk — an affordable, well-supported four-seat high-wing trainer and tourer. 11
172M 1973–1976 4 122 kts (226 km/h) 580 nm (1,074 km) 900 lbs (408 kg) — 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. 3
172N 1976–1980 4 122 kts (226 km/h) 640 nm (1,185 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) — A late-1970s Skyhawk — a high-volume, low-cost four-seat trainer and tourer that is one of the most common used 172s. 1
R172 Hawk XP 1977–1983 4 129 kts (239 km/h) 569 nm (1,054 km) 1,010 lbs (458 kg) $93K – $255K 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. 26
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. 28
172R 1996–2007 4 120 kts (222 km/h) 520 nm (963 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $169K – $240K A modern fuel-injected Skyhawk — a four-seat high-wing trainer and tourer just below the 172S in the current-generation line. 10
172S 1998–now 4 124 kts (230 km/h) 518 nm (959 km) 878 lbs (398 kg) $207K – $539K The current-production, fuel-injected Skyhawk — the newest four-seat high-wing trainer to buy if you want a glass-panel, in-production 172. 25

Compare Cessna 172P

Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 172P are being prepared.

Browse all Cessna models →

Cessna 172P Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 172P cost? Used 172P prices: from $149K; market reference $145K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.

Cessna 172P 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 172P Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (8.5 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,270/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$16,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$110/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$28,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 172P's O-320-D2J is the most trouble-free engine in the classic 172 line - no AD complications like the 172N's H2AD, no turbocharger, and the lowest overhaul cost in the 172 family. Around 8.5 gph keeps fuel costs minimal, and annual inspection is consistent with the broader 172 fleet. The main discretionary spend is avionics: buyers wanting a modern GTN and EFIS typically budget for an upgrade. Otherwise the 172P is the simplest Skyhawk ownership experience available.

Cessna 172P 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
$315K
$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 172P

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

What to check before buying

The Cessna 172P (1981-1986) is the final O-320-powered Skyhawk - and the resolution of the H2AD engine reliability issue that defined the 172N. Powered by the Lycoming O-320-D2J (160 hp), it delivers approximately 122 knots cruise and 640 nm range in the familiar fixed-gear, four-seat airframe. As the youngest pre-production-restart 172, it consistently commands a premium over the 172N.

The D2J advantage. The O-320-D2J returned to the proven cam-and-lifter design that the H2AD had departed from, closing the AD chapter that complicated 172N ownership. A well-maintained 172P with an original or properly overhauled D2J engine is the cleanest of the classic Skyhawks from an engine-history standpoint.

Last of the classic 172s. Cessna halted piston production in 1986; the 172P was the final production Skyhawk until the 1996 restart (172R). For buyers who prefer the classic carbureted O-320 over the 172R's fuel-injected engine, the 172P is the newest available example - and, with a long track record, among the most thoroughly understood.

Avionics. Factory 172Ps shipped with steam-gauge instruments; installed avionics vary widely across the used fleet. Evaluate each example individually on avionics generation.

Buy it if you want the youngest, most sorted classic Skyhawk at lower cost than the post-1996 172R/172S, with the proven O-320-D2J engine and no H2AD concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 172P

About the Cessna 172P
The Cessna 172P Skyhawk was produced 1981-1986 — the final letter-series 172 before Cessna's 1986 single-engine production halt. It uses a Lycoming O-320-D2J (160 hp, carbureted) — the reliable variant, distinct from the O-320-H2AD that caused issues on earlier 172Ns. The 172P is sought specifically because it combines the refined late-letter 172 features with the dependable D2J engine from new, making it cleaner to evaluate than N-models that may have H2AD engine histories.
What changed between the 172N and 172P?
Both use the Lycoming O-320 at 160 hp; the P is a slightly newer airframe (1981-1986 vs 1977-1980) and was produced exclusively with the more reliable D2J engine variant throughout its run. The 172P is the last Cessna 172 before the 1986 halt — slightly less common than the N owing to fewer production years, which affects used-market availability.
What should I inspect on a used Cessna 172P?
Seat rail AD compliance (mandatory). Engine time since overhaul and — critically — confirm the engine code (should be D2J or equivalent, not H2AD). On a 40-year-old airframe: spar carry-through corrosion, control cable condition, and full logbook continuity. The 172P's age means deferred maintenance from multiple ownership chains is a real risk.
172P vs 172S — which should I buy?
Very different aircraft in era and cost. The 172P (1981-1986) is a carbureted 160-hp steam-gauge aircraft; the 172S (1998-present) is fuel-injected, 180 hp, with G1000 availability. The P is typically far less expensive; the S gives you fuel injection, a 15-year-younger airframe, and modern avionics eligibility. Choose the P if budget is the constraint; choose the S if you want the current-generation 172.
Is the 172P a good first airplane?
Yes — same case as any late-letter 172. Verify the engine code (D2J), check seat rail AD, and inspect for corrosion. A well-documented 172P is one of the most trouble-free entry-level ownership experiences in general aviation.

Cessna 172P Inventory by Country

United States11
Canada2
United Kingdom1

Cessna 172P by Price

Under $100k132
Under $200k361
Under $300k404
Under $500k421

Cessna 172P by Decade

1980s1

Recently Sold Cessna 172P

1982 172P$89,000

Cessna 172P Safety Record

Across all 172P variants, 696 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.

696

Total Events

439

Incidents

55

Serious

96

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jan 09, 2026 Flemington, GA Incident —
Dec 20, 2025 Browns Corner, VA Incident —
Aug 01, 2025 Gainesville, TX Incident —
Feb 22, 2025 Mayo, MD Minor —
Feb 03, 2025 Clarksville, TN Incident The flight instructor’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, which allowed the partially secured engine cowl…

NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 172P 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 2026-07-06 · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data