397 Used Piston Aircraft for Sale in California
(397)
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$85,000
For Sale
Total Time
2,693
Reg#
N2771C
US
Location
Placerville, California
Via Skywagons LLC
Multiple sources
Listed today
$549,900
For Sale
Total Time
615
Reg#
N68AW
US
Location
Spanish Fork, Utah
Via Aerista
Multiple sources
Listed today
$234,900
For Sale
Total Time
4,145
Reg#
N183DA
US
Location
CA
Via Aerista
Multiple sources
Listed yesterday
Contact for Price
Auction
Total Time
2,421
Reg#
N555EE
US
Location
CA
Multiple sources
Listed 4d ago
$130,000
For Sale
Total Time
2,767
Reg#
N7176T
US
Location
Elk Grove, CA
Via Robert Rabe
Listed 11d ago
Cessna aircraft 7053366 1950 cessna 170a for sale in placerville ca
$85,000
For Sale
Location
California
$329,900
For Sale
Total Time
13,967
Reg#
N269DD
US
Location
San Jose, CA
Listed 20d ago
$79,950
For Sale
Total Time
9,747
Reg#
N82487
US
Location
Livermore, CA
Listed 20d ago
$35,000
On Request
Reg#
N2431A
US
Location
Ridgecrest, CA
Via Matthew Mcdonald
Multiple sources
Listed 22d ago
$139,000
On Request
Total Time
5,760
Reg#
N66EE
US
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Via Andrew Gotelli
Listed 28d ago
$195,000
For Sale
Total Time
1,890
Reg#
N243CD
US
Location
Long Beach, CA
Via Joe Robinson
Listed 29d ago
$89,950
For Sale
Total Time
3,767
Reg#
N8868W
US
Location
Livermore, CA
Listed 29d ago
$59,950
For Sale
Total Time
4,517
Reg#
N150EH
US
Location
Livermore, CA
Listed 1mo ago
$34,950
For Sale
Total Time
9,318
Reg#
N99597
US
Location
Livermore, CA
Listed 1mo ago
$1,099,000
For Sale
Total Time
260
Reg#
N99W
US
Location
CA
Via Aerista
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago
$175,000
For Sale
Total Time
3,994
Reg#
N205PM
US
Location
Fairfield, CA
Listed 1mo ago
$120,000
For Sale
Total Time
12,417
Reg#
N5227D
US
Location
Watsonville, CA
Via Chris Creamer
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago
$185,000
For Sale
Total Time
5,550
Reg#
N948R
US
Location
El Cajon, CA
Listed 1mo ago
$130,000
For Sale
Total Time
6,434
Reg#
N15289
US
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Via Francisco Story
Listed 1mo ago
$89,950
For Sale
Total Time
5,227
Reg#
N5917R
US
Location
Livermore, CA
Listed 1mo ago
Browse single engine piston aircraft for sale — the most popular category in general aviation, with used single engine airplanes ranging from $18K trainers to $700K+ high-performance models. Compare prices on Cessna 172, Cirrus SR22, Piper Cherokee, Beechcraft Bonanza, Mooney M20, and Diamond DA40 across multiple aviation marketplaces. Whether you want to buy a Cessna 172 for flight training or a used Cirrus SR22T for cross-country travel, search and compare all available listings in one place. Prices range from $23,000 to $1,250,000 with an average of $203,619 across 364 priced listings.
Browse by Type
Trainers for Sale:
2-seat, fixed gear. Cessna 150/152, Piper Tomahawk PA-38, Cessna 140. $18K-$55K. Lowest operating costs at $80-$120/hr, ideal for building hours and flight schools.
Four-Seat Tourers for Sale:
4-seat, fixed gear. Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 182 Skylane, Piper Cherokee/Archer, Diamond DA40, Grumman Tiger. $50K-$280K. Most popular segment for personal flying and weekend trips.
High-Performance for Sale:
4-6 seat, 160+ kts. Cirrus SR22/SR22T, Mooney M20J/M20R/Acclaim, Beechcraft Bonanza A36/G36, Cessna 210 Centurion. $100K-$750K. Retractable gear, constant-speed prop, more power, and better avionics.
Turbocharged / Turbo-Normalized for Sale:
High-altitude capability, FL180-FL250 cruise. Cessna T210, Cirrus SR22T, Mooney Acclaim Type S, Bonanza A36TC. $120K-$750K. Fly above weather with turbo performance.
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Buying Tips
- ✓ Engine time is the #1 value factor — an engine overhaul costs $22K-$40K for most piston engines (Lycoming/Continental).
- ✓ Complete logbooks add 20-30% to aircraft value. Missing logs = significant discount and harder resale.
- ✓ Corrosion inspection is critical for any aircraft over 20 years old, especially coastal aircraft — spar corrosion repair can cost $10K-$30K.
- ✓ Glass cockpit (G1000, Avidyne IFD) adds $30K-$80K premium over steam gauge versions of the same model.
- ✓ Pre-purchase inspection typically costs $1,500-$3,000 for a piston single — always budget for this before committing to buy.
- ✓ Damage history reduces value by 10-30% depending on severity — always check FAA records and ask for repair documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a single-engine airplane cost?
Used single-engine piston aircraft range from $18K for a basic Cessna 150 to $700K+ for a new Cirrus SR22T. The most popular models — Cessna 172 Skyhawk ($50K-$150K), Piper Cherokee ($40K-$100K), and Cessna 182 Skylane ($80K-$200K) — offer the best balance of price and capability. Glass cockpit aircraft command a $30K-$80K premium over steam gauge versions.
What is the best first airplane to buy?
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most popular first airplane — forgiving handling, low operating costs ($100-$140/hr), widely available parts and training. A good used Cessna 172 costs $50K-$120K. The Piper Cherokee PA-28 ($40K-$90K) and Diamond DA40 ($120K-$220K) are also excellent choices for new owners looking for reliable, easy-to-fly aircraft.
How much does it cost to own a small airplane?
Budget $12,000-$25,000 per year at 100 flight hours, including fuel ($4,500-$7,000 at $6/gal), hangar ($2,400-$6,000 depending on region), insurance ($1,500-$3,000), annual inspection ($1,500-$3,000), and maintenance reserves ($2,000-$5,000). Total hourly cost works out to $120-$250/hr depending on the aircraft type and how much you fly.
What is the cheapest airplane to buy and fly?
The cheapest airplanes to buy are Cessna 150/152 trainers ($18K-$45K) and older Piper Cherokee 140 models ($25K-$50K). Operating costs run $80-$120/hr. For a four-seater, the Cessna 172 offers the lowest total cost of ownership. Luscombe, Aeronca Champ, and Piper J-3 Cub are even cheaper to operate but carry only two people.
Single engine piston vs. multi engine — which should I buy?
For most private owners, a single-engine piston offers lower purchase price (50-70% less), lower operating costs (single engine overhaul vs. two), lower insurance, and simpler maintenance. Multi-engine aircraft provide engine redundancy but require a multi-engine rating and have higher total costs. A Cirrus SR22 with CAPS parachute offers comparable safety to a light twin at half the operating cost.
Disclaimer: All prices are asking prices from third-party sources. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and inspection before purchasing.