Piper Cherokee 180 Cost of Ownership

The Piper Cherokee 180: Proven Economy and Reliability

The Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee represents one of general aviation's best values. Produced from 1963 through the late 1980s, the Cherokee 180 offers four-seat capacity, stable handling, excellent fuel economy, and proven reliability. The 180 HP Lycoming engine provides adequate performance for cross-country travel while maintaining economical operation.

The Cherokee's simplicity, durability, and low operating costs make it ideal for pilots prioritizing value over performance. This comprehensive guide examines the financial realities of Cherokee 180 ownership.

Why Pilots Choose the Piper Cherokee 180

The primary appeal is economy combined with proven reliability. The Cherokee 180 operates at $160-$200 per hour all-in, comparable to much smaller aircraft. The 180 HP engine provides adequate performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. The aircraft is simple, durable, and well-understood by mechanics across the country.

Secondary advantages include stable handling, four-seat capacity, reasonable range, and strong resale value. For pilots valuing economical operation and reliability over performance, the Cherokee 180 remains an excellent choice.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Era

The used Cherokee 180 market offers excellent range based on model generation:

• Early Models (1963-1970): $50,000-$80,000 - Original equipment, basic systems, proven reliable
• Mid-Range (1971-1980): $75,000-$110,000 - Improved systems, better avionics options, good value
• Late Models (1981-1988): $100,000-$140,000 - Modern systems, lower hours, premium pricing
• Average Market Price: $90,000-$120,000 for well-maintained examples

Key Price Factors

• Total Airframe Hours: Each 1,000 hours = roughly $8,000-$12,000 value difference
• Engine Time: Fresh engines add $12,000-$18,000; engines near TBO reduce value $12,000-$18,000
• Avionics: Modern glass cockpit adds $15,000-$25,000 vs. older steam gauges
• Interior Condition: Fresh upholstery adds $3,000-$8,000 to value

Financing a Piper Cherokee 180

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders typically require 15-20% down. For a $100,000 purchase:

• 15% down: $15,000 cash, $85,000 financed
• 20% down: $20,000 cash, $80,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

Cherokee 180 terms typically range 10-15 years at 6-7% rates. Example monthly payments for $80,000 loan:

• 10 years at 6.5%: $849/month ($10,188/year)
• 15 years at 6.5%: $656/month ($7,872/year)

Insurance Costs: Competitive Premiums

Liability and Hull Coverage

For a $100,000 Piper Cherokee 180:

• Liability Only ($1M): $160-$260 annually for qualified pilots
• Full Coverage ($1M liability, $44K hull): $440-$1,050 for qualified pilots
• Less Experienced Pilots: $950-$1,750 for full coverage
• Typical Cost: $600-$1,200 annually

Insurance Rating Factors

The Cherokee is noted as "easily one of the most insurable aircraft" in general aviation. Underwriters consider pilot experience, total hours, hours in type, and accident history.

Fuel and Operating Costs: Economical Performance

Fuel Consumption - Efficient Four-Seater

The Piper Cherokee 180 burns approximately 10-13 gallons per hour depending on power settings and vintage. At current 100LL avgas prices:

• At $6/gallon: $60-$78/hour
• At $6.50/gallon: $65-$85/hour
• At $7/gallon: $70-$91/hour

Over 100 annual flight hours at $6.50/gallon, fuel costs run $6,500-$8,500 annually. This fuel efficiency makes the Cherokee 180 one of the most economical four-seat aircraft.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $1,000-$1,500
• Routine Maintenance: $15-$30/hour
• Engine Reserve: $10-$15/hour toward 2,000-hour overhaul
• Oil and Misc: $3/hour

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $85-$110/hour including fuel ($75), maintenance ($20-$30), and reserves ($10-$15).

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar/Tie-Down: $70-$150/month ($840-$1,800/year)
• Insurance: $600-$1,200
• Annual Inspection: $1,000-$1,500
• Accessories/Misc: $400-$700

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $2,840-$5,700

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year

Aircraft purchased at $100,000 with 20% down ($20,000), $80,000 financed at 6.5% over 15 years:

• Loan payment: $656/month ($7,872/year)
• Fixed costs: $4,300
• Fuel (100 hours × $78): $7,800
• Maintenance (100 hours × $25): $2,500
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $12): $1,200
• Annual inspection: $1,200
• Total Annual Cost: $24,872
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $249

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year

Same aircraft and financing:

• Loan payment: $7,872/year
• Fixed costs: $4,300
• Fuel (150 hours × $78): $11,700
• Maintenance (150 hours × $25): $3,750
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $12): $1,800
• Annual inspection: $1,200
• Total Annual Cost: $30,622
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $204

Piper Cherokee 180 vs. Comparable Aircraft

Cherokee 180 vs. Cessna 172 (Four-Seat Single)

A Cessna 172 owner budgets $180-$220/hour. A Cherokee 180 owner budgets $160-$200/hour. Both are economical, but the Cherokee's fuel efficiency provides a slight operating cost advantage. The choice comes down to personal preference and available aircraft condition.

Cherokee 180 vs. Piper Archer (180 HP Retractable Gear)

An Archer owner budgets $240-$300/hour due to retractable gear complexity and higher fuel burn. A Cherokee 180 owner budgets $160-$200/hour. The Cherokee 180 operates 35-45% cheaper while offering similar seating and engine horsepower.

Is Piper Cherokee 180 Ownership Worth It?

At $160-$200/hour all-in operating cost with a $100,000 purchase price, the Piper Cherokee 180 represents outstanding value for budget-conscious pilots. The combination of low purchase price, economical operation, proven reliability, and strong resale value makes Cherokee 180 ownership accessible and affordable.

Cherokee 180 ownership makes sense for pilots flying 100+ hours annually for personal travel, flight training, or club operations. The aircraft's economy and simplicity make it ideal for pilots prioritizing affordability and reliability.

Next Steps to Cherokee 180 Ownership

1. Test fly multiple examples. Experience different vintage aircraft to compare handling and systems
2. Get pre-purchase inspection. Budget $1,500-$2,500 for thorough airframe and engine evaluation
3. Obtain insurance quotes. Confirm costs based on hull value and your pilot experience
4. Get pre-approved financing. Contact aviation lenders for competitive rates
5. Review maintenance records. Confirm all airworthiness directives are complied with
6. Research available aircraft. Monitor Controller.com and Trade-A-Plane

Sources and Citations

1. Pilot Passion (2025). "How Much Does A Piper PA-28 Cherokee Cost?" - Aircraft pricing and operating cost analysis. Retrieved from pilotpassion.com
2. BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Piper Cherokee Insurance Cost" - Insurance premium data and coverage information. Retrieved from bwifly.com
3. PlanePhD (2025). "Piper Cherokee 180 specifications and operating cost analysis" - Detailed valuation and cost data. Retrieved from planephd.com
4. Piper Owner Society (2025). "Piper Cost of Ownership Calculator" - Ownership cost resources. Retrieved from piperowner.org
5. AOPA (2025). "Piper Cherokee Ownership Information" - Aircraft guidance and resources. Retrieved from aopa.org

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance premiums, and maintenance expenses vary by location and pilot qualification. Always verify current costs with sellers, insurance providers, and mechanics before committing to purchase.