Piper · 1980–1995
Piper Saratoga Fixed Gear (1980-1995)
Specifications
Cruise
145KTAS
Range
850nm
Seats
6
Useful Load
1700lbs
Full-fuel payload
1,136lbs
Fuel Burn
15gph
Fuel Cap.
94gal
MPG
11.1mpg
Stall (Vs0)
55KIAS
T/O roll
1000ft
Ldg roll
720ft
Power
300hp
Engine
piston single
Gear
Fixed
IFR
Yes
Category
certified
Pricing
Typical
$165k
Range
$110k – $245k
Annual all-in
~$18k/yr
All-in estimate at ~100 flying hours a year — fuel, annual inspection, engine reserve, insurance, and hangar. It scales with your actual hours, and insurance and hangar vary most by region and pilot.
Cost to own — estimate
Set your yearly hours and local fuel price. Fixed costs (insurance, hangar, annual inspection) don't change with hours; fuel and the engine reserve do.
- Fuel (15 gph)
- $9,750
- Engine reserve (toward overhaul)
- $2,900
- Fixed (insurance, hangar, annual, subscriptions)
- $5,350
- Total per year
- $18,000
- Per flight hour
- $180
- Miles flown / year (at cruise)
- 16,686 mi
- Cost per mile
- $1.08/mi
Estimate, not a quote — insurance and hangar (the fixed bucket) vary most by region and pilot. Anchored to our model figure at 100 hrs and $6.50/gal.
Strengths
- Highest useful load (1,700 lbs) of any 6-seat fixed-gear single
- Strong value appreciation since 2020; sub-$200K entry vs. $400K+ competitors
- Reliable Lycoming IO-540-K1G5; 145 KTAS cruise on 15 GPH
- Lower insurance and maintenance vs. retractable-gear variants
Weaknesses
- Fixed gear limits speed and range compared to Saratoga SP retractable variant
- Lycoming IO-540 cylinder wear common; borescope inspection essential on used examples
- Four-tank fuel system prone to corrosion; regular inspection required
- Stabilator anti-servo trim system requires careful operation verification
Overview
The 1980-1995 Piper PA-32-301 Saratoga is the fixed-gear sibling of the retractable Saratoga SP. It replaced the Cherokee Six 300 (1965-1979) with refined tapered wing aerodynamics and modernized cabin while keeping fixed landing gear for lower insurance and maintenance cost.
Approximately 1,800 Saratoga fixed-gear units were produced. The line was succeeded in 1995-1997 by an updated Saratoga II model, which continued production with refinements through 2009.
Variants & History
| Variant | Years | Engine | HP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA-32-301 Saratoga | 1980-1992 | Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 | 300 | Original fixed-gear |
| PA-32-301T Turbo Saratoga | 1980-1987 | Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD | 300 | Turbo fixed-gear |
| PA-32-301FT Saratoga | 1993-1995 | Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 | 300 | Refinements |
1974 Piper Seneca
Seneca II · Counter-Rotating Twins · Known-Ice · Value
Performance
- Cruise: 145 KTAS at 7,500 ft (75% power)
- Climb: 945 FPM at gross
- Fuel burn: 15.0 GPH cruise
- Range: 850 NM with reserves at 94 gal fuel
- Useful load: 1,700 lbs (best of any 6-seat fixed-gear single)
The Saratoga's 1,700 lb useful load is the highest of any 6-seat fixed-gear single -- exceeds the Cessna 206 Stationair by ~150 lbs.
1989 Piper Malibu
PA-46 Mirage · Pressurized · Known-Ice · Value Entry
Valuation Factors
| Variant | Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Saratoga (1980-1985) | Well-maintained | $105,000-$155,000 |
| Saratoga (1986-1995) | Well-maintained | $135,000-$220,000 |
| Turbo Saratoga (fixed gear) | Well-maintained | $135,000-$245,000 |
Saratoga fixed-gear examples have strong appreciation since 2020 due to demand for 6-seat haulers at sub-$200K price points (vs $400K+ for 206H Stationair).
ADs & Common Problems
Universal PA-32 concerns:
- Lycoming IO-540 cylinder condition: Borescope all 6 cylinders.
- Spar AD compliance (AD 2020-26-16): Inspect main spar.
- Fuel system: 94 gal capacity across 4 tanks; inspect for corrosion.
- Stabilator condition: PA-32 stabilator with anti-servo trim; verify operation.
For sale (0)
No listings for this model right now.