Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer Pre-Buy Checklist
Single Piston · 1961-present · 12,500 active
Purchase Price
$30K-$200K
Prebuy Items
4
2 critical
ADs
2
2 recurring
Insurance
$1,915
per year (experienced)
Pre-Buy Inspection Checklist
4 items to check · 2 critical · 2 important
airframe
Wing spar AD compliance (AD 2020-26-17)
Critical recurring AD for PA-28 wing spar fatigue. Must verify inspection compliance and hours remaining to next inspection.
Inspect fuel tank sealant
PA-28 integral fuel tanks use sealant that degrades over time. Reseal can be expensive.
engine
Check Lycoming O-360 cam and lifter condition
Pull an oil screen sample and check for brass or steel. Cam/lifter wear is common on O-360 engines.
corrosion
Check lower fuselage and belly skins
Piper's can trap moisture under belly fairings. Inspect for pitting and corrosion.
Airworthiness Directives
2 ADs on record · 2 recurring
| AD Number | Title | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-26-17Recurring | Wing Spar Inspection | $2,000 |
| 2011-10-09Recurring | Seat Rail Lock Inspection | $500 |
Known Maintenance Issues
2 FAA Service Difficulty Reports (2015-2024)
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reports (SDR). Higher counts may reflect fleet size.
Safety Record (NTSB)
Public incident data · 1982-2025
489
Total Incidents
479
Accidents
102
Fatal
39.1
Per 1K Fleet
Raw public data from NTSB. Not a safety grade. Compare with fleet size and hours flown.
Purchase Price by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer cost?
Typical purchase price: $30K-$200K
What should I check before buying a Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer?
There are 4 key items to inspect, including 2 critical items.
How much is insurance for a Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer?
Experienced pilots: $1,915-$2,340/year.
Are there any known issues with the Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer?
There are 2 airworthiness directives (2 recurring) to be aware of.
Cost Summary
Engine
Read the Full Guide
Model years, known issues, what to inspect, and real ownership costs.
Piper Cherokee GuideDisclaimer
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.