Cessna 172 Pre-Buy Checklist

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Full Cost Data

Purchase Price

$30K-$200K

Prebuy Items

ADs

Insurance

$1,915

per year (experienced)

Purchase Price by Year

1970-1979
$19K-$37K
1980-1989
$27K-$51K
1990-1999
$39K-$75K
2000-2009
$54K-$105K
2010-2019
$78K-$151K
2020-present
$121K-$233K

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cessna 172 cost?

Typical purchase price: $30K-$200K

What should I check before buying a Cessna 172?

Have a qualified A&P mechanic perform a thorough pre-buy inspection of the airframe, engine, avionics, and logbooks.

How much is insurance for a Cessna 172?

Experienced pilots: $1,915-$2,340/year.

Are there any known issues with the Cessna 172?

Check FAA airworthiness directives and type club resources for known issues.

Cost Summary

Purchase$30K-$200K
Annual Fixed$5,515/yr
Hourly Variable$63.93/hr
5-Year Total$90K-$329K

Insurance Estimates

New PPL$2,588-$3,738
Experienced$1,915-$2,340

Engine

ModelCONT MOTOR 0-300 SER
Power145 HP
TBO1,800 hrs
Overhaul$28,000-$36,000

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always hire a qualified A&P mechanic for a professional pre-buy inspection. Data sourced from FAA records and industry benchmarks.