Mooney 201 Aircraft in Illinois

Illinois has a strong GA market centred on Chicago (DuPage, Waukegan, Aurora) and downstate (Champaign, Bloomington). The Midwest aviation industry includes major MRO and refurbishment shops. Flat terrain makes Illinois ideal for training and cross-country flying.

The Mooney 201 (M20J) is the efficiency icon of general aviation — a 200 hp fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 single famous for hitting 201 mph (175 knots) on modest power, which is how it earned its name. Introduced in 1977, the 201 transformed Mooney's reputation: clean aerodynamics, fuel injection and refined cowling made it one of the most fuel-efficient four-seat singles ever built. Cruise around 165-170 knots in real-world operation at fuel burns competitive with much slower aircraft, and a robust used market thanks to a long production run.

Mooney 201 aircraft for sale

2 used Mooney 201 aircraft for sale in Illinois · 4-seat · Used median asking $139,000 · Project from $139,900 · updated 13 hours ago

Mooney 201 Specifications

Model spec

The Mooney 201 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 161 kt (298 km/h), a range of 820 nm (1,519 km), and a useful load of 900 lbs (408 kg).

Performance
Cruise161 kt (298 km/h)
Max Speed168 kt (311 km/h)
Range820 nm (1,519 km)
Service Ceiling18,800 ft (5,730 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLycoming O-320
Horsepower200 HP
Fuel Capacity64.0 gal (242 L)
Fuel Burn10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeM20P
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,740 lbs (1,243 kg)
Useful Load900 lbs (408 kg)
Production1977–1998

Mooney 201 for Sale

Mooney 201 asking prices range from $58,022 to $224,900, with a median of $139,000 (market reference $135,000).

1977 Mooney M20J

1977 Mooney M20J for sale
$87,000 ↓ -$7K
For Sale
Reg# N201RZ US
Location East Peoria, IL
Via Kent Cook Aircraft Intl
Multiple sources
Listed 2mo ago

1984 Mooney M20J

1984 Mooney M20J for sale within typical asking range
$139,000 ↓ -$6K
For Sale
Total Time 3,960
Reg# N57252 US
Location Wonder Lake, IL
Via Andy Klein
Multiple sources

Compare Mooney 201

Detailed comparisons for the Mooney 201 are being prepared.

Browse all Mooney models →

Mooney 201 Price & Cost

How much does a Mooney 201 cost? Used 201 prices: $58K – $224K, average $139K (median $139K); market reference $135K, across 48 priced of 2 active listings.

Mooney 201 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.

Mooney 201 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (10.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$6,200/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$18,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$140/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$30,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Mooney 201

Buying a Mooney 201 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

  • Lycoming IO-360 engine time — the dominant cost; IO-360s are reliable but TBO is 2,000 hrs.
  • Retractable gear — confirm ADs current and gear maintenance history.
  • Fuel-tank reseal history — Mooney wet wings can leak with age; check reseal status.
  • Avionics — many 201s are still steam-gauge; a modern Garmin retrofit and ADS-B compliance add value.
  • Logbooks — complete, gap-free records.

Which 201? A mid-1980s 201 with mid-time engine, fresh tank reseal and modern Garmin avionics is the practical value choice. Earlier 201s (1977-1980) are the cheapest entry. The 201LM (Lean Machine) is a late variant.

Frequently Asked Questions — Mooney 201

How much does a 201 cost?
$58,022–$224,900, median $139,000.
Why is it called the 201?
It cruises at 201 mph (175 kt) — fast for the era on 200 hp.
201 vs 231?
The 201 is naturally aspirated; the 231 (M20K) adds turbocharging for altitude performance, at higher maintenance cost.
Is the 201 hard to fly?
No — gentle stall, predictable handling; the snug cabin is the only real adjustment.

Mooney 201 Inventory by Country

United States11
Australia1
Canada1

Mooney 201 Inventory by State

Texas10
California9
Florida3
Illinois2

Mooney 201 by Price

Under $100k5
Under $200k45
Under $300k49
Under $500k49

Mooney 201 by Decade

1970s1
1980s1

Mooney 201 Safety Record

Across all 201 variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1989–1989. 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
Nov 17, 1989 CONCORD, CA Incident THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH AN OBJECT DURING A TOUCH AND GO LANDING IN VISUAL …

NTSB records 1989–1989. Includes all Mooney 201 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 13 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data