There’s a significant cost difference between the most luxurious aircraft and the cheapest private jets. Last month, we looked at some of the most luxurious—and expensive—private jets in the air. 

This week, we’re looking at the cheapest private jet to buy. So, what are the top 10 cheapest private jets and how cheap can you get a private jet for? Here are some of the most affordable aircraft on the market today.

1. Used Turboprop Planes

There is only one answer to the question: “What is the cheapest private jet?” The answer isn’t technically a jet at all, but a turboprop plane. More specifically, they’re used turboprop planes from the ‘60s and ‘70s. 

These older and smaller aircraft certainly won’t be for all private fliers and are unlikely to replace your need to charter a private jet, but they are cheap. A used 1968 Aero Commander 100, for example, can sell for as little as $50,000.

As with all used private jet sales, we recommend working with a reputable aircraft dealer with a proven track record of aircraft sales and, unless you plan on flying yourself, a wealth of aircraft management experience.

2. Cirrus Vision Jet

Can 3 million dollars buy a private jet? If you’re in the market for a Cirrus Vision Jet, it can. 

The Cirrus Jet has long been lauded as one of the most affordable private jets on the market. However, despite being one of the cheapest private jets to buy, the cost varies greatly depending on the year and configurations.

If you’re in the market for a standard Cirrus Vision Jet, you can expect to spend around $2.5 million. While the purchase price is significantly higher than that of a used turboprop plane, these light jets are famed for their comfort, luxury and safety.

3. Embraer Phenom 100

Much like the Vision Jet, the cost to purchase a Phenom 100 will vary by use, age and condition.

Designed and produced by Embraer, a Brazilian manufacturer with a reputation for producing reliable and efficient aircraft, the first Phenom 100 took flight in 2007. More than 400 of these popular light business jets have been built. The aircraft is loved for its 1,300-mile range and the ability to transport up to seven passengers.

Today, you can find a used Phenom 100 for around $2 million.

4. Cessna Citation X

Part of the popular Cessna Citation family, the Citation X debuted in 1990 at the NBAA convention before making its maiden flight in 1993 and shipping in 1996. In production all the way until 2018, more than 320 Citation X and X+ aircraft were built over the impressive 22-year run.

Today, the Citation X+ remains one of the fastest private jets on the market with a lightning-fast top speed of 717 mph.

Older Citation X jets from early in the production run sell for around $3.5 million, while newer models start closer to $7 million.

5. Learjet 60

Designed and built by Bombardier Aerospace and powered by two Pratt & Whitney engines, the Learjet 60 became a popular entry in the mid-size private jet space when it entered the market in the early 1990s. With production running from 1991 until 2012 with only a brief production pause on the 60XR, more than 400 Learjet 60 variants have been made and are in the air today.

With so many production years and variants, the cost to purchase a Learjet 60 fluctuates drastically. Learjet 60s from the early 2000s typically start at around $2 million, while newer 2010-era jets cost around $6 million and models from the ‘90s can go for less than $1 million.

6. HondaJet

Established in 2006 as the Honda Aircraft Company, the HondaJet marks the legendary motor vehicle manufacturers entry into the private jet airspace. A relative newcomer, the HondaJet has quickly grown into one of the most well-known very light jets on the market today.

Earlier this year, the aircraft made headlines after a fractional jet ownership company made the decision to ground its HondaJet fleet following concerns about runway excursion issues, Aviation International News online reports.

As a very light aircraft, the HondaJet is one of the cheapest private jets available to purchase today, with costs ranging between $2 and $6 million, depending on the plane’s age and configuration.

7. Pilatus PC-12

Another turboprop entry, the Pilatus PC-12 is one of the best-selling single-engine turbine-powered aircraft in the world, and for good reason. Often available for around $4 million, the PC-12 is renowned for its performance and reliability.

As a turboprop plane, it also benefits from improved access to small regional airports thanks to its ability to take off and land on shorter runways. Combined with the PC-12’s relatively low maintenance costs, you have one of the best and cheapest private jets on the market.

8. Cessna Citation CJ3+

Made for comfortable flights from New York City to Miami with up to six of your closest friends and flying at a top speed of nearly 480 miles per hour, the Citation CJ3+ may be more expensive than some of the other entries on this list, but you unlock the trusted Cessna name and experience.

CJ3+ aircraft typically sell for between $8 million and $10.5 million, though you can occasionally find older CJ3s for about $5 million.

9. Citation Mustang

Cessna’s Citation line is known for affordable and quality private jets, and it’s no surprise that the Citation Mustang also makes the top 10 list.

Available used for about $2.5 million, the Mustang first took flight in 2005. With seating for four passengers and two crewmembers, this very light jet is ideal for short flights within a 1,000-mile radius. If you often fly from San Francisco to Los Angeles, for example, the Citation Mustang could be the perfect private jet for you.

10. Hawker 400XP

Originally designed and built by Mitsubishi, the Hawker 400XP is a light jet renowned for its flexibility and low operating costs. The Hawker 400XP was later updated by Beechcraft, which was subsequently purchased by Textron Aviation in 2013.

Today, you can purchase a used Hawker 400XP for around $3 million.

BONUS: Private Jet Charter

If you’re looking for the cheapest private jet, rentals are your best option. When you charter a private jet, you experience private aviation without the steep initial investment of aircraft ownership or upfront costs of a jet card program. Simply pay as you go and enjoy soaring through the skies in the safest and most luxurious aircraft in the sky. 

Want to learn more about chartering a private jet? Whether it’s a PC-12, CJ3+ or even a heavy jet like the Gulfstream GIV-SP, we have you covered. Give us a call at (888)593-9066 to get started.