This 1964 Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder Is a Well-Conditioned ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Four-seat single provides impressive useful load and strong cross-country performance.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1964 Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder [Credit: Caleb Koopmans]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1964 Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder as "Today's Top Pick," highlighting its 235 hp Lycoming engine, docile handling, and substantial payload capacity for four adults with full fuel and baggage.
This specific aircraft boasts 3,740 total airframe hours with complete, hangar-kept logs, a well-maintained engine (1,841 hours SMOH), and a recently overhauled propeller.
It includes a thoughtfully upgraded digital instrument panel for enhanced situational awareness, aerodynamic cleanup modifications, a comfortable interior, and is listed at a compelling price of $99,500.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1964 Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder.

When Piper sought to match the payload and power of the Cessna 182 Skylane, it strapped a massive 235 hp Lycoming O-540-B2B5 engine onto its proven Cherokee airframe. The result was the Cherokee 235 series, an aircraft celebrated for its docile handling, simple fixed-gear configuration, and ability to comfortably lift four adults, full fuel, and baggage.

This 1964 iteration has accumulated 3,740 total hours on the airframe (TTAF) since rolling out of the factory. Complete logs going back to its original delivery in October 1963 showcase a well-cared-for machine that has always been kept in a hangar.

At the heart of the airplane is the formidable Lycoming engine, showing 1,841 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). It turns a McCauley constant-speed propeller that was overhauled just 214 hours ago. The owner reports that this solid performer easily cruises at over 140 mph while sipping around 12 gph.

Further enhancing its cross-country utility, the massive 84-gallon fuel capacity allows for VFR flights exceeding six hours, while aerodynamic cleanup mods—including Knots 2U wheel pants, flap hinge fairings, aileron gap seal, and smooth wing kit—help minimize drag.

1964 Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder [Credit: Caleb Koopmans]

The instrument panel has been thoughtfully upgraded to include modern digital enhancements alongside reliable traditional radios. The stack features a PS Engineering PMA8000B audio panel, recently refurbished King KX 155 TSO with glide slope, and KX 125 TSO. Situational awareness is greatly boosted by an iFly 520 GPS, Stratus ESG transponder for ADS-B In/Out compliance, angle-of-attack (AOA) indicator, and JPI EDM 830 digital engine monitor with fuel flow tracking.

Passengers will find a comfortable beige interior, installed in 2013, that remains in very good condition, rated 8/10. The exterior paint shows extremely well in person and is rated at a solid 6.5/10. Finishing touches include an electronic aileron trim, push-button starter, shoulder harnesses, and comprehensive LED lighting for the landing and navigation lights.

With its remarkable combination of a huge payload, stable flight characteristics, and excellent maintenance history, this turnkey aircraft is ready to cross the country or jump to the next airport for a $100 hamburger.

Listed at $99,500, this 1964 Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder is a compelling value for pilots who want big-engine capability on a sensible budget.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.