Cessna 182 Skylane Buyer’s Guide — The Do-Everything Airplane
The Cessna 182 carries a full family, handles short fields, and cruises at 140 knots. Here’s what to know before you buy one.
Why the 182
The 182 is what you buy when you outgrow the 172. It does everything well: 4 real seats, 1,100 lb useful load, 140-knot cruise, short-field capable, and a massive support network. It’s the Toyota 4Runner of aviation — capable, reliable, and holds value.
The most versatile single-engine piston airplane ever made. Carries a full family with bags.
The natural stepping stone — most 182 owners started in a 172.
Year & Variant Breakdown
1956–1961: straight tail, Continental O-470 (230hp). Classic look, lower useful load. 1962–1986: swept tail, Continental O-470 then O-470-U (230hp). The sweet spot for value. 1997–present: 182S/T, Lycoming IO-540 (230hp), fuel-injected. Best performers but expensive ($150K–$300K). Turbo models (T182/TR182): higher altitude performance, $20K–$40K premium. Best value: 1974–1978 models ($80K–$120K).
Known Issues
Nose gear: the 182’s heavier nose gear takes abuse on hard landings. Check for cracks and shimmy. O-470 engine: excellent engine but cylinder base stud corrosion is common on high-time examples. Fuel system: older 182s have wet wings that may need resealing ($5K–$12K). McCauley constant-speed prop: check for blade cracks and hub corrosion. Flap motor/actuator wear on older models.
What to Pay & Operate
1960s models: $55K–$90K. 1970s models: $80K–$130K. 1980s models: $100K–$160K. 182S/T (1997+): $150K–$300K. Fuel: $85–$95/hr (13 gph). Insurance: $1,500–$3,000/yr experienced. Annual: $2,000–$4,000. Engine overhaul: $38K–$48K (O-470 at 1,500 TBO). Budget $18K–$28K/yr at 100 hours.
Our Verdict
If you need to carry people, bags, and fuel and still land on short strips, the 182 is the answer. It’s the most versatile single-engine piston airplane ever made. Step up from a 172 when you need the payload and performance. The American Bonanza Society also supports 182s through their maintenance programs.