It’s been 45 years since Piper stretched the Cherokee fuselage to create the Six, and the much refined version of the airplane remains in production as the Saratoga II. That kind of production longevity is proof that Piper found an enduring market niche for the PA-32 family, and solid demand on the used market even in today’s depressed conditions is additional evidence that the airplane can do what others can’t.
Six Seat Stalwart: Used PA-32 Review
Key Takeaways:
- Piper's PA-32 family, including the Cherokee Six and Saratoga, has achieved remarkable production longevity and sustained market demand over 45 years due to its unmatched cabin room, exceptional utility, and unique ease of loading bulky items via dedicated passenger and baggage doors.
- The series evolved from the original fixed-gear Cherokee Six to the retractable-gear Lance (which included a less popular T-tail variant), culminating in the aerodynamically improved Saratoga with a tapered wing and enhanced performance.
- All PA-32 models are powered by the durable Lycoming 540 engine, respected for its 2,000-hour TBO, and feature an airframe known for its robustness and lack of unusual maintenance issues.
- Despite various refinements and market fluctuations, the PA-32 family remains highly valued on the used market for its utility, payload capacity, and reliable performance, often serving as a "single-engine airliner" for its owners.
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