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:
- The Piper PA-32 family, including the Cherokee Six, Lance, and Saratoga, has maintained strong market demand for over 45 years due to its exceptional cabin room, cargo utility (facilitated by dual large doors), and robust Lycoming 540 engine.
- The series evolved from the fixed-gear Cherokee Six, through the retractable-gear Lance (including an unpopular T-tail variant), to the significantly improved tapered-wing Saratoga, which addressed earlier design missteps and offered enhanced performance and aesthetics.
- Known for its utility rather than speed, PA-32 models offer comfortable cruise speeds (135-165 knots) and substantial payload capacity, making them a popular and durable choice on the used market for those seeking high utility at a reasonable price.
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