The Cessna 182 finances as easily as a 172, just at a higher price point, thanks to a huge installed base and strong resale. This page covers how to finance a 182; for 2026 prices and worked examples, see the full guide below.
| Factor | Typical for a Cessna 182 |
|---|---|
| Typical loan amount | $100,000–$600,000 by vintage |
| Down payment | 15–20% |
| Term | up to 20 years |
| Illustrative rate | mid-to-upper 6% for well-qualified buyers |
Figures are illustrative for planning, not offers of credit. For current market prices and worked payment examples, see the resources linked below.
What Shapes Your Cessna 182 Loan
- Engine time on the O-540/IO-540 is the main value and financing driver.
- Modifications (floats, tundra tires, STOL kits) should be documented; they affect value and insurance.
- Wide vintage range: terms scale from 20 years on newer 182Ts to shorter on 1960s-70s airframes.
How to Finance a Cessna 182
- Get pre-qualified. A quick pre-qual tells you your likely rate and budget and makes you a credible buyer.
- Find the aircraft. A clean, mid-time, well-documented example earns the best terms.
- Submit the application & aircraft details. The lender reviews you and the airplane (specs, logs, damage history).
- Pre-buy inspection & appraisal. Most lenders want a pre-buy on a used aircraft before funding.
- Bind insurance & close. Coverage is bound, funds wire, and you take delivery.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- Personal financial statement and recent tax returns (business returns if buying through an entity)
- Recent bank/brokerage statements showing funds for the down payment and reserves
- Pilot certificate and, for higher-performance aircraft, time-in-type or a training plan
- The purchase agreement and the aircraft's specifications and logbooks
- An insurance quote you can bind at closing
Why work with a broker? Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender. We shop your Cessna 182 loan across a national network of aviation lenders and compare structures so you don't have to apply to each one yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down do I need on a Cessna 182?
For a newer 182 with strong credit, 15% is common; older airframes push toward 20-25%. These are typical ranges, not guarantees.
Does a float or backcountry mission change financing?
It affects insurance and value more than the loan itself, but tell the lender and insurer up front and document the equipment.
182 or 172 for financing?
Both finance easily; the 182 is a higher price point with more capability, on a similar structure.
Rates, terms, and figures 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.
Get Pre-Qualified for Cessna 182 Financing
Tell us about your purchase and we'll compare offers across our lender network for your Cessna 182.
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