Piper Apache Aircraft under $500,000

Under $500k for a piston twin is the mid-range — typically 1980s-90s Baron 55/58, Cessna 310/340/414, Seneca II/III. Engines on first or second overhaul; mandate-compliance largely current; pressurised variants need pressurisation maintenance verified. Reasonable middle of the cabin-class twin market.

The Piper Apache (PA-23) is the original light piston twin — Piper's first twin, produced 1954-1962 with 150-160 hp Lycoming O-320s. A four-seat twin in a small, simple package, the Apache is the cheapest entry into twin-engine ownership but is older and has thinner parts support than the Aztec that succeeded it.

Piper Apache aircraft for sale

4 used Piper Apache aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 4-seat · Reference price ~$75,000 ($45,000–$130,000) · updated 3 hours ago

Piper Apache Specifications

Model spec

The Piper Apache is a 4-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 135 kt (250 km/h), a range of 616 nm (1,141 km), and a useful load of 1,300 lbs (590 kg).

Performance
Cruise135 kt (250 km/h)
Range616 nm (1,141 km)
Service Ceiling17,000 ft (5,182 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower150 HP
Fuel Burn16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
Useful Load1,300 lbs (590 kg)

Piper Apache for Sale

Piper Apache asking prices range from $59,000 to $224,900, with a median of $84,750 (market reference $75,000).

1956 Piper Apache

1956 Piper Apache for sale
$59,000
For Sale
Total Time 6,942
Reg# N2018P US
Location San Antonio, TX
Via Jerry Yang

1962 Piper Apache

1962 Piper Apache for sale
$59,500
For Sale
Total Time 7,235
Reg# N4921P US
Location San jose, CA
Via William Higgins
Listed 25d ago

1959 Piper Apache

1959 Piper Apache for sale
$110,000
For Sale
Reg# N4064P US
Location Potsdam, NY
Via LaValley Aviation
Listed 2mo ago

1961 Piper Apache

1961 Piper Apache for sale
$224,900
For Sale
Total Time 5,144
Reg# N4306Y US
Location Louisburg, NC
Via AircraftMerchants, LLC
Multiple sources

Compare Piper Apache

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

Piper Apache vs Cessna 310 Piper Apache vs Piper Aztec

Piper Apache Price & Cost

How much does a Piper Apache cost? Used Apache prices: $59K – $224K, average $113K (median $84K); market reference $75K, across 4 priced of 4 active listings.

Piper Apache 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.

Piper Apache Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (16.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$9,920/yr
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 Piper Apache

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

What to check before buying

Both engines' time, corrosion (1950s-60s airframe), parts, logbooks. vs Aztec: Apache = smaller/older/lower power; Aztec = bigger and more capable. FAQ: Cost, age caveats, vs Aztec, twin training, parts.

Frequently Asked Questions — Piper Apache

How much does a used Piper Apache cost?
It is one of the most affordable piston twins on the market, though older airframes need careful inspection. See the live price range and median above for current Apache listings.
Is the Apache a good first twin?
Many owners use it exactly that way — for low-cost multi-engine experience. Its modest power makes performance gentle but limited, so single-engine climb deserves respect.
How is the Apache related to the Aztec?
Both are PA-23s. The Apache is the original lighter 150–160-hp twin; the Aztec is the later 250-hp development with much more capability.
How many engines does the Apache have?
Two — it is a true light piston twin, requiring multi-engine currency and twin-specific maintenance.

Piper Apache Inventory by Country

United States4

Piper Apache by Price

Under $300k1
Under $500k1

Piper Apache by Decade

1950s2
1960s2

Recently Sold Piper Apache

Apache$45,000

Piper Apache Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Piper Apache. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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 3 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data