Piper J-3 Cub Aircraft (J-3)

43 used Piper J-3 Cub aircraft for sale · 2-seat · $33K – $245K · updated 1 hour ago

About the Piper J-3 Cub

The Piper J-3 Cub is the iconic yellow taildragger of the 1930s and 1940s and one of the most recognizable airplanes ever built. A simple two-seat tandem trainer powered by a small Continental, Franklin or Lycoming engine, it taught generations of pilots to fly and served in World War II as the L-4 "Grasshopper" liaison aircraft. Today the J-3 is a beloved collector and weekend flyer, valued for low-and-slow flying, grass-strip charm and its place in aviation history.

Piper J-3 Cub helicopter for sale

Piper J-3 Cub Specifications

Model spec

The Piper J-3 Cub is a 2-seat single engine piston.

Engine & Fuel
EngineContinental A-40
ICAO TypeJ3
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Production1937–1947

43 Piper J-3 Cub For Sale

Browse all 43 listings →

There are currently 43 used Piper J-3 Cub for sale, ranging from $33,000 to $245,000, with a median asking price of $69,870.

1941 Piper J-3 Cub

1941 Piper J-3 Cub for sale Project
$7,500
For Sale
Location Hampshire, IL
Via Keith Peterson
Listed 2mo ago

1946 Piper J-3 Cub

1946 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$33,000
For Sale
Reg# N7144J US
Location Cleveland, TN
Via Les Nicholas
Listed 19d ago

1940 Piper J-4 Cub Coupe

1940 Piper J-4 Cub Coupe for sale Overpriced
$34,750
For Sale
Reg# N35001 US
Location Arlington, TX
Via John McCall
Listed 2mo ago

1941 Piper J-3 Cub

1941 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$40,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,620
Reg# C-FJCA Canada
Location Parksville, BC, Canada
Via Mike Andrews
Listed 1mo ago

1941 Piper J-3 Cub

1941 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$41,925 ↓ -$202
For Sale
Reg# EI-GRB
Location Ireland
Via Andrew Power
Listed 29d ago

1946 Piper J-3 Cub

1946 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$42,500
For Sale
Total Time 2,180
Reg# N2081M US
Location Palmyra, PA
Via Duane Reigle
Listed 2mo ago

1946 Piper J-3 Cub

1946 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$45,000
For Sale
Total Time 2,715
Reg# N70857 US
Location Landrum, SC
Via Owen Waggoner
Listed today

1946 Piper J-3 Cub

1946 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$45,000 ↓ -$12K
For Sale
Total Time 2,726
Location Bayport, NY
Listed 2mo ago

1946 Piper J-3 Cub

1946 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$45,000
For Sale
Total Time 2,726
Reg# N6625H US
Location 60
Via Rich D
Listed 1mo ago

1946 Piper J-3 Cub

1946 Piper J-3 Cub for sale
$49,500
For Sale
Total Time 6,359
Via Right Rudder Aviation
Listed 1mo ago

Compare Piper J-3 Cub

Detailed comparisons for the Piper J-3 Cub are being prepared.

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Piper J-3 Cub Price & Cost

How much does a Piper J-3 Cub cost? Used J-3 Cub prices: $33K – $245K, average $87K (median $69K), across 38 priced of 43 active listings.

Piper J-3 Cub Price Guide
Market Deal RatingAeroGurus rating
Great Deal
12%
1
Good Deal
12%
1
Fair Price
12%
1
Overpriced
62%
5

Based on 8 priced listings.

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

Buying a Used Piper J-3 Cub

When buying a Piper J-3 Cub, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.

What to check before buying

  • Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
  • Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
  • Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
  • Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
  • Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Piper J-3 Cub

How much does a Piper J-3 Cub cost?
As a coveted vintage classic, the J-3 commands solid prices and clean original examples can sell at a premium. See the live price range and median above; values depend heavily on engine, fabric and wood condition, originality, logbooks and whether the aircraft is on wheels or floats.
What is the difference between the J-3 Cub and the Super Cub?
The J-3 is the original lightweight 1930s-40s classic with modest power and no flaps. The PA-18 Super Cub is the later, more powerful, flap-equipped two-seater built for short-field and bush work. Collectors and low-and-slow pilots favor the J-3; backcountry pilots favor the Super Cub.
Is the J-3 Cub a good first taildragger?
The J-3 is famously forgiving and is one of the most popular aircraft for learning conventional-gear (tailwheel) skills. It is slow, light and honest, though buyers should budget for fabric, wood and engine condition typical of a vintage airframe.
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 1 hour ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data