Mooney M20 Aircraft

The Mooney M20 is the airframe behind every Mooney — a low-wing, retractable-gear piston single in production (with breaks) from 1955. Early carburetted models (M20A/B/C/D/E/F/G) used various Lycoming O-320 and O-360 engines, with the M20J (201) fuel-injected milestone marking the start of the modern Mooney. Later long-body M20M/R/S/TN/V models brought big-bore Continental IO-550 engines and the speed crown to the M20 lineage. All share Mooney's signature efficiency-per-horsepower characteristic, retractable trailing-beam gear and the famous backwards-trailing tail.

Mooney M20 aircraft for sale

96 used Mooney M20 aircraft for sale · Used median asking $88,250 · updated 13 hours ago

Mooney M20 Specifications

Model spec

The Mooney M20 is a single engine piston with a cruise speed of 152–160 kt (282–296 km/h), a range of 659–880 nm (1,220–1,630 km), and a useful load of 1,000–1,010 lbs (454–458 kg).

Performance
Cruise152–160 kt (282–296 km/h)
Max Speed127 kt (235 km/h)
Range659–880 nm (1,220–1,630 km)
Service Ceiling17,500–18,800 ft (5,334–5,730 m)
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Useful Load1,000–1,010 lbs (454–458 kg)

Mooney M20 for Sale

Browse all listings →

Mooney M20 asking prices range from $39,900 to $190,000, with a median of $88,250.

$29,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,137
Reg# N3541N US
Location Sarasota, FL
Listed 22d ago
$39,900
For Sale
Total Time 6,759
Reg# N6997U US
Location Upland, CA
$40,000
Project
Total Time 2,219
Reg# HB-DWD Switzerland
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago
$45,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,706
Reg# N6933N US
Location Greenville, SC
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago
$47,800
For Sale
Total Time 7,750
Reg# N6958V US
Location Lockhart, TX
Via John Rees
$54,900
For Sale
Total Time 2,831
Reg# N79806 US
Location Kokomo, IN
$55,000 ↓ -$7K
For Sale
Total Time 3,179
Reg# N6849U US
Location IL
Multiple sources
$56,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,340
Reg# N74750 US
Location Corpus Christi, TX
$59,500
For Sale
Total Time 7,000
Reg# N591BQ US
Location AZ
Listed 28d ago
$59,900 ↓ -$10K
For Sale
Total Time 6,025
Reg# N6563U US
Location IL
Multiple sources

Mooney M20 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
M20C 1962–1976 4 152 kts (282 km/h) 659 nm (1,220 km) 1,010 lbs (458 kg) $39K – $139K 33
M20E 1964–1975 4 160 kts (296 km/h) 880 nm (1,630 km) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) $59K – $149K 30
M20F 1965–1977 4 155 kts (287 km/h) 734 nm (1,359 km) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) $60K – $157K Classic stretched-body Mooney for buyers who want efficient retractable travel with better cabin utility than early short-body variants. 20

Compare Mooney M20

See how the Mooney M20 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Mooney M20 Price & Cost

How much does a Mooney M20 cost? Used M20 prices: $39K – $190K, average $93K (median $88K), across 82 priced of 96 active listings.

Mooney M20 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.

Buying a Used Mooney M20

Buying a Mooney M20 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

  • Lycoming or Continental engine time — the dominant cost; aircraft near TBO need an overhaul reserve.
  • Retractable gear AD and service history — Mooneys have specific gear-related ADs to verify.
  • Steel-tube cage corrosion — Mooneys use a steel-tube fuselage cage covered in aluminium; inspect cage corrosion carefully.
  • Fuel-tank reseal history — Mooney wet wings can leak; reseal is expensive but a one-time fix that adds value.
  • Avionics fit — Garmin glass retrofits add significant value over 1970s panels.
  • Logbooks — gap-free maintenance records are essential.

Which M20 variant? M20J (201) is the fuel-injected efficiency icon and the value sweet-spot of the family. M20K (231/252/Encore) for turbo capability. M20R (Ovation) for big-bore NA speed. M20TN/V (Acclaim) for the outright top speed.

Frequently Asked Questions — Mooney M20

How much does a used Mooney cost?
From $39,900 to $190,000, median $88,250, driven by model variant, engine time, avionics and tank-reseal status.
Why are Mooneys so efficient?
Clean aerodynamics, low frontal area and the trailing-beam gear minimise drag.
Is the Mooney cabin really that small?
It is narrower than a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer at shoulder level; tall pilots usually adapt; the trade-off buys real speed.
Is the retractable gear reliable?
Yes — Mooney's trailing-beam gear is widely regarded as one of the most robust retractables in light aviation.
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