The Cessna 182 Skylane is the natural step up from a 172 — more power, more useful load, and the ability to carry four adults and bags without apology. It's a favorite for cross-country flying, backcountry access, and float operations, and it finances easily thanks to a huge installed base and strong resale. This guide covers what a 182 costs in 2026 across its long production history and how to finance one well.
Key takeaways
- Wide value range. A 1960s–70s Skylane can be around $100,000–$180,000; a late-model 182T runs into the high five to low six figures.
- Easy to finance. Deep comparable-sales data and strong resale keep terms favorable.
- More capability than a 172, similar financing. The 182 finances on the same fundamentals, just at a higher price point.
- Engine time drives terms. The O-540/IO-540's time since overhaul is the main swing factor.
- Rates are illustrative. Well-qualified piston borrowers are generally in the mid-to-upper 6% range in early 2026. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender.
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What a Cessna 182 Skylane Costs in 2026
The Skylane has been built across many decades, so ‘a 182’ can mean a 1960s straight-tail or a modern glass-panel 182T. Note that new-production Skylanes wound down at the factory, so the newest airframes are increasingly a used-market proposition. Avionics, engine time, and condition drive value within each era.
| Model / vintage | Typical price range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Late-model 182T (2015–2023) | ~$400,000–$600,000 | G1000 NXi, low hours, factory finish |
| Restart-era 182 (1997–2014) | ~$250,000–$430,000 | Glass or upgraded panel, engine SMOH |
| Classic 182 (1970s–1986) | ~$130,000–$250,000 | Avionics upgrades, engine time, condition |
| Early 182 (1960s) | ~$90,000–$160,000 | Condition, corrosion history, panel, engine |
Illustrative Financing Rates & Terms
A 182 is a piston single, so it finances on credit, down payment, aircraft age, and condition. These ranges are illustrative for early 2026, not offers; see our aircraft loan rates guide for the full picture.
| Buyer / aircraft profile | Credit tier | Illustrative APR | Typical down | Typical term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late-model 182T | Strong (720+) | mid-to-upper 6% | 15% | up to 20 yrs |
| Restart-era (1997–2014) | Strong (720+) | upper 6% – 7% | 15–20% | 15–20 yrs |
| Classic 182 (1970s–80s) | Good (680–719) | 7% – 8% | 20% | 15 yrs |
| Early 182 (1960s) | Strong (720+) | 7.5% – 8.5% | 20–25% | 10–15 yrs |
| Any 182 | Challenged (<680) | 8% – 12% | 25%+ | 10–15 yrs |
How Lenders Evaluate a Skylane
The airplane is the collateral, so its condition shapes your terms. For a 182, lenders focus on:
- Engine time on the O-540 / IO-540 (published TBO around 2,000 hours). A mid-time engine finances more easily than one near overhaul, where a reserve may be required.
- Avionics. A modern glass panel supports value; a legacy panel is financeable but sits in a more conservative tier.
- Modifications. Floats, tundra tires, and STOL kits are popular on Skylanes; document them, as they affect both value and insurance.
- Airframe age and corrosion history matter most on 1960s–70s airframes — a thorough pre-buy is essential.
Tip: if you plan a float or backcountry mission, tell the lender and insurer up front — intended use affects both the loan and the premium.
Worked Monthly Payment Examples
Illustrative principal-and-interest only, using the rates above; excludes taxes, insurance, and closing costs. Model your own numbers with our aircraft loan calculator.
| Scenario | Price | Down | Financed | Rate / term | Est. monthly (P&I) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late-model 182T, strong credit | $560,000 | 15% ($84,000) | $476,000 | 6.5% / 20 yr | ~$3,550 |
| 2005 182T, strong credit | $340,000 | 20% ($68,000) | $272,000 | 7.0% / 20 yr | ~$2,110 |
| 1978 182Q, good credit | $150,000 | 20% ($30,000) | $120,000 | 7.75% / 15 yr | ~$1,130 |
Total Cost of Ownership
The Skylane rewards a realistic operating budget:
- Fuel: the O-540/IO-540 burns roughly 12–14 gph in cruise — on the order of $80–$100 per flight hour at 2026 avgas prices.
- Insurance: reasonable for a fixed-gear single; higher for low-time pilots or float operations.
- Annual & maintenance: a healthy 182 annual is a multi-thousand-dollar event; parts support is excellent.
- Engine reserve: set aside per flight hour toward the overhaul.
- Hangar or tie-down: regional; a hangar protects avionics and paint.
For a cross-model view, see our aircraft ownership cost guide.
Rates, terms, and prices in this article are illustrative examples for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to put down on a Cessna 182?
For a newer 182 with strong credit, 15% down is common; older airframes or weaker credit push toward 20-25%. These are typical ranges, not guarantees.
Can I finance a 1960s or 1970s Skylane?
Yes. Older 182s finance readily but usually with a larger down payment, a shorter term, and a slightly higher rate. Engine time and corrosion history matter most, so a thorough pre-buy is essential.
Does a float or backcountry mission change financing?
It can affect insurance and value more than the loan itself, but tell the lender and insurer up front. Floats and STOL modifications should be documented; they influence both the premium and the aircraft's value.
182 or 172 — which finances better?
Both finance easily; the 182 is simply a higher price point with more capability. The financing structure (down payment, term) is similar, so choose on mission and budget.
Are the rates in this guide guaranteed?
No. Every figure is illustrative for planning only. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender; your actual offer comes from a lender after a full application and is subject to credit approval.
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