The short answer
Most buyers, especially first-time owners, get better value from a well-maintained used aircraft — you avoid the steep early depreciation of a new airplane and pay far less for similar capability. A new airplane offers a warranty, the latest avionics, and zero-time everything, at a significant premium.
The Trade-Offs
Used: far lower price for comparable capability, a huge selection, and no first-owner depreciation hit — but you inherit the aircraft's history, so condition, records, and a pre-buy matter enormously. New: a factory warranty, the latest avionics and systems, zero-time engine and airframe, and no unknowns — but a large price premium and the steepest depreciation in the early years.
What Most Buyers Do
The used market dominates general aviation for good reason: a well-maintained used airplane delivers most of a new one's value at a fraction of the cost. First-time owners in particular are usually best served by a proven, common used type with strong support — it's cheaper to buy, insure, and finance. Buyers choose new mainly when they want a warranty, specific latest-generation avionics, or simply prefer zero-time. Either way, a pre-buy inspection (on used) protects your purchase.
Figures in this article are illustrative 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. Tax and legal information is general; consult a qualified professional.
Related Questions
Is a used airplane risky?
Not if you do a thorough pre-buy and buy on condition and records. The risk comes from skipping diligence, not from used aircraft themselves.
Does a new airplane hold its value?
New airplanes take the steepest depreciation in the early years, like most vehicles. Well-kept used airplanes have already absorbed that hit.
Which is easier to finance?
Both finance readily; newer airplanes get longer terms and slightly better rates, while used airplanes are the value play. Condition and your credit matter most.
Financing Your Purchase?
Get pre-qualified and we'll compare offers across our lender network.
Get Pre-Qualified