Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga
Lycoming IO-540-K1G5, 300 hp
The Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga is the retractable six-seat Piper. Production ran from 1980 to 2009 in two distinct generations. The Saratoga SP (1980-1990) was the original retractable variant. The Saratoga II HP (1993-2007) returned to production after a brief pause and added refined avionics options and minor airframe updates. Both use the Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 fuel-injected engine at 300 horsepower with electric retractable landing gear. The Saratoga is the cross-country six-seat Piper for buyers who want retractable-gear capability.
Used market prices in mid-2026 run $145,000 to $295,000 for flyable Saratogas depending on year (SP vs II HP), engine status, panel condition, and gear-system history. The Saratoga II HP trades meaningfully above the Saratoga SP because the newer airframes and more modern avionics options are still in demand. This page covers what a Saratoga actually costs to own and where it fits in the six-seat retractable market.
History
Piper introduced the PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP in 1980 as the retractable version of the new PA-32-301 Saratoga (which had replaced the Cherokee Six in 1979). Both used the tapered wing and refined airframe of the post-1979 PA-32 family, with the Saratoga SP adding electric retractable landing gear. The Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine at 300 hp continued from the Cherokee Six 300 lineage. The Saratoga SP became Piper's flagship six-seat retractable single.
Production ran from 1980 through 1990, then paused. Piper relaunched the line in 1993 with the Saratoga II HP, which used the same airframe and IO-540-K1G5 engine but added refined avionics options, interior updates, and (in later years) Avidyne and Garmin G500/G1000 panel options. Production continued through 2007 with the Saratoga II HP. Total Saratoga production (both SP and II HP) is about 1,400 aircraft.
Piper ended Saratoga production in 2009. The line was effectively replaced by the M-class lineup (M350 piston, M500 and M600 turbines) for buyers wanting modern six-seat singles. The Saratoga remains a used-market-only buy in 2026 but the fleet is well-supported. The IO-540-K1G5 engine is universally supported. Gear-system parts and shop expertise are reasonable through the Piper Owner Society community.
Variants
Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP (1980-1990)
1980-1990Original retractable PA-32R-301. Used market $145,000 to $230,000 depending on engine, hours, and panel.
Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga II HP (1993-2007)
1993-2007Relaunched Saratoga with refined airframe and modern avionics options (Avidyne or Garmin G500/G1000 in later years). Used market $190,000 to $295,000.
Performance
The Saratoga SP cruises at about 165 KTAS at 75% power, burning 16 gph of 100LL. At long-range cruise (65%), the airplane drops to about 150 KTAS on 13.5 gph. The Saratoga II HP cruises slightly faster (170 KTAS at 75%) due to airframe refinements and propeller updates. Both are meaningfully faster than the fixed-gear Cherokee Six 300 by about 20 knots, justifying the retractable-gear acquisition and operating premium for cross-country missions.
Useful load on a Saratoga is about 1,400 to 1,550 pounds. Full fuel (102 gallons usable) leaves about 700 to 850 pounds for people and bags. Six adults plus moderate luggage fit within gross with typical loading. Range with reserves is about 1,000 nm at long-range cruise. Service ceiling is 16,750 ft on paper. The Saratoga is one of the most-capable six-seat retractable singles in the GA market and competes with the Beech Bonanza A36 for cross-country buyers.
Powerplant
The Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 is the engine on every Saratoga. Same engine as the Cherokee Six 300 fixed-gear predecessor. Six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected, direct-drive piston rated at 300 hp at 2,700 RPM. Lycoming's published TBO is 2,000 hours per Lycoming Service Instruction 1009 BE. The IO-540-K1G5 is one of the most-produced Lycoming six-cylinders.
Field overhauls at Penn Yan, Gann Aviation, or other reputable Lycoming shops run $45,000 to $60,000 in 2026 prices. The IO-540-K is well-supported by the broader Lycoming shop network. Parts availability is excellent. The Hartzell three-blade or McCauley three-blade constant-speed propeller standard on the Saratoga requires overhaul concurrent with the engine. Prop overhauls run $3,000 to $5,000.
Oil consumption on a healthy IO-540-K1G5 runs about 0.4 to 0.6 quarts per hour. The engine reaches TBO routinely when operated regularly. Cylinder work at top-overhaul intervals (around 1,100 to 1,400 hours on hard-flown engines) runs $3,500 to $5,000 per cylinder. The Saratoga's six cylinders mean a top overhaul is substantial when it surfaces.
Cost of ownership
Plan on $260 to $370 per flight hour at 100 hours a year of utilization, all-in. The Saratoga's operating cost reflects the 300 hp engine, retractable gear, and six-seat airframe. Fuel and oil run about $90 to $115 per hour at 16 gph and $5.50 to $7 for 100LL. Engine overhaul reserve is $23 to $30 per hour. Prop reserve adds $1.50 to $2.50 per hour. Airframe maintenance reserve is $35 to $55 per hour due to gear-system maintenance and the larger airframe.
Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add another $80 to $145 per hour at 100 hours a year of utilization. Insurance on the Saratoga is meaningfully higher than on fixed-gear six-seat singles due to the retractable gear and higher hull values. First-time Saratoga owners pay $4,000 to $7,500 a year typically. Established Saratoga pilots with 200+ hours in type pay $2,500 to $4,800.
Acquisition cost in mid-2026: A Saratoga SP with mid-time engine and steam-gauge panel runs $145,000 to $190,000. A Saratoga SP with fresh engine and modern Garmin panel runs $190,000 to $230,000. A Saratoga II HP runs $190,000 to $295,000 depending on year, hours, and avionics (G500/G1000 examples trade at the high end).
Piper Owner Society covers the Saratoga with substantial type-specific knowledge. Annual dues are about $80. The Saratoga has accumulated 45+ years of fleet experience and most parts and pre-buy questions benefit from POS consultation.
| Fixed cost | Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hangar (six-seat capable) | $350–$800 | monthly |
| Annual inspection (RG, six-seat) | $3,000–$6,000 | annual |
| Insurance (established Saratoga pilot) | $2,500–$4,800 | annual |
| Insurance (first six-seat retract) | $4,000–$7,500 | annual |
| Piper Owner Society dues | $65–$80 | annual |
Estimate the cost for your situation
Defaults are pre-filled for the Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga. Tweak fuel price, hangar, insurance, and hours to match your scenario.
Common issues & gotchas
Retractable gear maintenance
highThe Saratoga's gear system is more complex than smaller Cherokee retractables due to the larger airframe and the heavier loads. Gear system overhaul required every 1,500 to 2,500 hours runs $5,000 to $12,000 depending on findings.
Aging airframe corrosion
moderateSaratoga SP aircraft are 35 to 45 years old. Saratoga II HP aircraft are 18 to 32 years old. Wing spar carry-through, fuselage, and gear-bay areas show corrosion in older fleet aircraft. Pre-buy corrosion inspection essential.
IO-540-K cylinder work
moderateCylinder work at 1,100 to 1,400 hours is common on harder-flown Saratoga engines. Each cylinder runs $3,500 to $5,000 installed. The six cylinders make cylinder work a meaningful expense when it surfaces.
Avionics generation transitions
moderateSaratogas have been through multiple avionics generations. Original steam gauges, Avidyne, Garmin G500, Garmin G1000. Pre-buy avionics inspection should include power-up of every system and review of installed-equipment STC documentation.
Hartzell three-blade prop maintenance
moderateStandard Hartzell three-blade prop overhaul concurrent with engine. Cost runs $3,000 to $5,000.
Interior wear
lowSix-seat interiors take more wear than four-seat. Refurbishment runs $5,000 to $12,000 for full refresh.
Who it's for
Good fit for
- ✓ Family operators flying 100 to 250 hours a year with six-seat capability and cross-country missions
- ✓ Cross-country pilots stepping up from a Cherokee Six 300 or Bonanza F33A who want six seats with cruise speed
- ✓ Charter operators serving 5 to 6 passenger markets
- ✓ Owners who want six-seat retractable performance at sub-Bonanza A36 acquisition cost
Less good for
- ✗ Pilots who don't need six seats (a four-seat retract like an Arrow III or Mooney is meaningfully cheaper)
- ✗ Buyers cross-shopping a Bonanza A36 with refined cabin and Continental IO-550
- ✗ Owners cross-shopping a Piper M-class turbine for similar acquisition cost in some cases
- ✗ Pilots who don't routinely use the six-seat capability
The verdict
The Piper Saratoga is the cross-country six-seat retractable Piper. The IO-540 at 300 hp delivers strong cruise at 165 to 170 KTAS. The retractable gear adds about 20 knots over the fixed-gear Cherokee Six 300. The six-seat cabin is comfortable for full passenger loads. Saratoga II HP variants with modern avionics deliver near-turbine-grade glass-panel utility at piston-single acquisition cost. For family operators and cross-country pilots with real six-seat missions, the Saratoga is the right answer at the right price.
But the Saratoga's per-hour operating cost is meaningfully higher than four-seat retractables. The Bonanza A36 with the IO-550 is a real cross-shop competitor at higher acquisition cost but better build quality and refined cabin. For buyers who want maximum cabin and don't need retract, the Cherokee Six 300 is a meaningful saving. Pick the Saratoga if you specifically need retractable-gear six-seat capability in a Piper airframe. For other use cases, the cross-shop competitors often deliver better value.
Cross-shop these
- Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six 300 →
Fixed-gear Cherokee Six predecessor. Lower acquisition and operating cost. Slower cruise. Cross-shop if you don't need retract.
- beechcraft-bonanza-a36-late-io-550-b
Beech six-seat retractable alternative. Higher acquisition cost. Better build quality and refined cabin. Continental IO-550 vs Saratoga's Lycoming IO-540.
- Cessna T210N Centurion Turbo →
Turbocharged Cessna six-seat alternative. More altitude capability, higher operating cost. Different mission emphasis.
- Cessna U206G Stationair →
Fixed-gear six-seat utility alternative with cargo door. Different mission profile but cross-shop for six-seat capability.
- Piper M600 (PA-46-600TP) →
Piper turbine six-seat alternative. Much more expensive to acquire and operate but turbine reliability and pressurized cabin.
Type club
Piper Owner Society →Volume Piper type club. Annual dues run about $80. POS covers the Saratoga with substantial type-specific knowledge including gear-system maintenance guidance and engine overhaul shop recommendations.
Frequently asked
How much does a Piper Saratoga cost? +
Used market in mid-2026: $145,000 to $230,000 for Saratoga SPs (1980-1990), $190,000 to $295,000 for Saratoga II HPs (1993-2007). Aircraft with G500/G1000 panels and low hours trade at the high end.
What's the typical fuel burn for a Saratoga? +
About 16 gph of 100LL at 75% cruise, dropping to 13.5 gph at long-range cruise. The Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 burns proportionally to its 300 hp output.
Saratoga SP vs Saratoga II HP: which should I buy? +
The II HP has the newer airframe (1993-2007), more modern avionics options, and stronger resale demand. The SP (1980-1990) has the same engine and similar performance at lower acquisition cost. If you want modern Garmin avionics and the cleanest available airplane, the II HP is the right choice. If budget matters, the SP delivers similar capability at $50,000 less.
Saratoga vs Bonanza A36: which should I buy? +
The Bonanza A36 has better build quality, more refined cabin, and Continental IO-550 power. It trades $200,000 to $400,000 more than a comparable Saratoga used. The Saratoga has the same six-seat capability at meaningfully lower cost. Pick the Bonanza if budget allows. Pick the Saratoga if you need six-seat retract capability at sub-Bonanza pricing.
What's the engine overhaul cost on a Saratoga? +
Plan on $45,000 to $60,000 for a Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 field overhaul. Add $3,000 to $5,000 for prop overhaul. Total engine-and-prop overhaul typically runs $48,000 to $65,000.
Is the Saratoga a good first six-seat retractable? +
It can be, with substantial transition training. The Saratoga is a heavier and more demanding airplane than four-seat retractables. Insurance underwriters typically require 25 to 50 hours of dual instruction in type for pilots without similar retractable experience. Plan training and first-year insurance ($4,000 to $7,500) into the acquisition budget.
Data sources
- Engine: Airmart Saratoga SP
- Fuel burn 65%: planephd PA-32R-301
- Fuel burn 75%: planephd PA-32R-301
- Oil consumption: General Aviation News 'What is normal oil consumption'
- Engine TBO: Lycoming SI 1009 BE (Apr 24 2020)
- Prop TBO: Hartzell SL HC-SL-61-61Y Rev 12 (Aug 16 2018)
- Engine overhaul: AirWorx 2025 + Flying411 Lycoming O-Series overhaul cost
- Prop overhaul: POA prop overhaul cost thread
- Airframe reserve: planephd PA-32R-301 + Aircraft Cost Calculator