Cessna 177B 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.

← Cessna 177 family

The Cessna 177B is the most refined fixed-gear member of the 177 Cardinal family — a sleek four-seat high-wing single with a strutless cantilever wing, a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 and a constant-speed propeller. It is the best-performing of the fixed-gear Cardinals, prized for its looks, roomy cabin and excellent visibility. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 177B and Cardinal listings currently on the market.

Cessna 177B aircraft for sale

15 used Cessna 177B aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 4-seat · Used median asking $135,000 · updated 14 hours ago

Cessna 177B Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 177B is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 120–144 kt (222–267 km/h), a range of 600–800 nm (1,111–1,482 km), and a useful load of 900–1,000 lbs (408–454 kg).

Performance
Cruise120–144 kt (222–267 km/h)
Max Speed128–152 kt (237–282 km/h)
Range600–800 nm (1,111–1,482 km)
Service Ceiling14,600–17,100 ft (4,450–5,212 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLYCOMING O-360-A1F6D
Horsepower150–200 HP
Fuel Capacity50.0–60.0 gal (189–227 L)
Fuel Burn9.0–11.0 GPH (34–42 L/h)
TBO1,800–2,000 hrs
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,350–2,800 lbs (1,066–1,270 kg)
Useful Load900–1,000 lbs (408–454 kg)
Production1971–1978

Cessna 177B for Sale

Browse all listings →

Cessna 177B asking prices range from $85,000 to $183,000, with a median of $135,000 (market reference $95,000).

1976 Cessna 177B

1976 Cessna 177B for sale below typical asking range
$85,000 ↓ -$45K
For Sale
Total Time 2,315
Reg# N20229 US
Location Canton, OH
Via USA Aircraft Brokers, Inc.

1970 Cessna 177B

1970 Cessna 177B for sale
$95,000
For Sale
Total Time 1,412
Reg# N30979 US
Location Thomasville, PA
Via Aaron Oyler

1976 Cessna 177B

1976 Cessna 177B for sale below typical asking range
$98,000
For Sale
Total Time 2,417
Reg# N22177 US
Location Oshkosh, WI
Via Douglas Gedney
Listed 1mo ago

1975 Cessna 177B

1975 Cessna 177B for sale
$110,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,281
Reg# N177GL US
Location Boyne Falls, MI
Via Eric Jarema
Listed 1mo ago

1970 Cessna 177B

1970 Cessna 177B for sale
$114,900
For Sale
Total Time 5,245
Reg# N30765 US
Location Kokomo, IN
Via AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP SOLUTIONS
Multiple sources

1971 Cessna 177B

1971 Cessna 177B for sale within typical asking range
$114,900
For Sale
Total Time 5,155
Reg# N96177 US
Location Summerville, FL
Via Keith Peterson

1973 Cessna 177B

1973 Cessna 177B for sale
$115,000
On Request
Total Time 4,906
Via Csplane

1973 Cessna 177B

1973 Cessna 177B for sale
$129,000
On Request
Total Time 3,063
Via Csplane

1972 Cessna 177B

1972 Cessna 177B for sale
$135,000
For Sale
Reg# N34430 US
Location Austin, TX
Via Christopher Travland

1977 Cessna 177B

1977 Cessna 177B for sale within typical asking range
$140,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,950
Reg# N20375 US
Location Cleburne, TX
Via Matthew May
Listed 27d ago

Cessna 177B Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
177 1968–1978 4 120 kts (222 km/h) 600 nm (1,111 km) 900 lbs (408 kg) $62K – $199K Choose the fixed-gear 177B for the most refined and best-supported fixed-gear Cardinal — a roomy, good-looking four-seater with constant-speed prop. Choose the 177RG Cardinal RG for retractable-gear cruise speed around 140–148 knots, at the cost of added gear maintenance. 29
177RG 1971–1978 4 144 kts (267 km/h) 800 nm (1,482 km) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) $94K – $190K The fast, retractable-gear Cardinal — for a buyer who wants the Cardinal's looks and roomy cabin with higher cruise speed than the fixed-gear models. 34

Compare Cessna 177B

Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 177B are being prepared.

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Cessna 177B Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 177B cost? Used 177B prices: $85K – $183K, average $135K (median $135K); market reference $95K, across 13 priced of 15 active listings.

Cessna 177B 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 177B Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (9.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,580/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$18,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$150/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$32,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 177B's operating economics are slightly above the 172 due to the 180-hp engine and constant-speed propeller. At around 9 gph plus a constant-speed governor inspection at annual, costs are moderate for a four-seat fixed-gear aircraft. The main ownership variable is the used market's depth - fewer Cardinal specialists than 172 shops means shopping carefully for an A&P with Cardinal experience. The cantilever wing inspection is a specific annual item; budget for it, though it is not materially more expensive than strut-wing Cessna annuals when done routinely.

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

Buying a Used Cessna 177B

Buying a Cessna 177B comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 177B Cardinal (1970-1978) is a four-seat, fixed-gear single with a 180-hp Lycoming O-360 producing approximately 124 knots cruise and 650 nm range. Unlike most Cessna singles of its era, the Cardinal uses a cantilever wing with no struts, giving it a distinctive look and improved cabin visibility over the strutted 172 it was designed to complement.

Cardinal versus Skyhawk. The 177B is not a restyled 172. The Cardinal's wing is set further aft on the fuselage, giving rear-seat passengers more legroom and removing the front-seat wing-strut view obstruction. The wide, low cabin entry and flat floor are frequently cited advantages. Early Cardinals drew handling criticism that was resolved in the A and B models; some pilots moving from 172s find the lighter pitch forces take adjustment.

The B advantage. The 177B introduced a constant-speed propeller (the 177 and 177A had fixed-pitch), meaningfully improving climb and cruise efficiency. The constant-speed prop adds a maintenance item (governor inspection and overhaul), but the performance gain is enough that the 177B commands a premium over pre-B Cardinals.

Pre-buy focus. The cantilever wing carry-through is the primary structural inspection item specific to the Cardinal - confirm it has been inspected per Cessna service instructions with no corrosion or fatigue. Engine condition and constant-speed governor health are the remaining primary items.

Buy it if you want a roomy four-seat Cessna with the best cabin ergonomics in the classic single-engine line and appreciate the clean cantilever wing - understanding the Cardinal is a narrower used market than the 172, though the O-360 engine is universal.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 177B

What is the Cessna 177B?
The 177B is the most refined fixed-gear member of the 177 Cardinal family — a four-seat high-wing single with a strutless cantilever wing, a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 and a constant-speed propeller.
What is the difference between the 177, 177A and 177B?
The 177B is the best-performing fixed-gear Cardinal, with a fuel-injected IO-360 and a constant-speed propeller, where the earlier 177 and 177A had less power. All have fixed gear; the 177RG adds retractable gear.
How much does a Cessna 177B cost?
Used 177B prices depend on engine time and avionics, and well-equipped examples are among the more sought-after fixed-gear Cardinals. See the live price range and median above.
What engine does the Cessna 177B use?
A fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 with a constant-speed propeller. Engine time since overhaul is a key value factor.
How many seats does a Cessna 177B have?
Four — two front and two rear seats.
What is the difference between the Cessna 172 and 177 Cardinal?
The Cardinal was designed as a more modern, sleeker four-seater than the 172, with a strutless cantilever wing, wider doors and better visibility. The 172 has a larger fleet and lower running cost.
Is the Cessna 177B still in production?
No — Cardinal production ended in 1978. A devoted owner community and parts network keep the 177B supported.

Cessna 177B Inventory by Country

United States15

Cessna 177B by Price

Under $100k9
Under $200k79
Under $300k79
Under $500k79

Cessna 177B by Decade

1970s15

Cessna 177B Safety Record

Across all 177B variants, 171 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.

171

Total Events

91

Incidents

16

Serious

38

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jan 13, 2026 Ocoee, TN Incident —
Jun 24, 2025 Calera, AL Incident —
May 31, 2025 Columbus, MS Minor The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of en…
Oct 13, 2024 Creswell, OR Incident The pilot’s loss of aircraft control during the landing flare and subsequent aborted landing.
Sep 22, 2024 Redlands, CA Minor The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with rocky terrain…

NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 177B 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 14 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data