This 2002 Piper Archer III Is a Cross-Country Workhorse ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Fresh factory power meets updated comfort in a dependable, four-seat tourer.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:26 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2002 Piper PA-28-181 Archer III [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

A 2002 Piper PA-28-181 Archer III is highlighted as a versatile aircraft, suitable for both flight training and family trips, offering a balance of efficiency and utility.
It features a recently factory-overhauled Lycoming O-360-A4M engine with only 853.6 hours, a completely redone interior from May 2023, and a modern avionics suite including dual Garmin GNS 430W WAAS and full ADS-B In/Out.
Despite its high-time airframe (12,808 hours), it has been meticulously maintained with no known damage history, all critical ADs completed, and is priced at $149,000, representing significant value.

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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 2002 Piper PA-28-181 Archer III.

While the Piper Cherokee family has spent decades as the backbone of the flight training world, the Archer III represents the refined, modern evolution of the lineage.

For pilots who want a stable, predictable, and comfortable platform that excels equally in the training environment and on long-distance family trips, the Archer III is often the first choice. With its tapered wing design and 180 hp heart, it offers a perfect balance of efficiency and utility that has made it a staple of general aviation.

The standout feature of this particular Archer is its powerplant. Under the cowling sits a Lycoming O-360-A4M engine with only 853.6 hours since a factory overhaul in 2024. This fresh engine provides the reliability and peace of mind that long-range travelers demand, paired with a Sensenich propeller that has logged 1,301.7 hours since its last overhaul in 2023.

While the airframe has a high-time pedigree of 12,808 hours, its condition reflects a life of meticulous care. It features no known damage history, complete logs, and the critical wing spar AD was completed in March 2021.

2002 Piper PA-28-181 Archer III [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Stepping inside, the cockpit has been refreshed to meet modern standards. The interior was completely redone in May 2023, earning a high 8/10 rating for its comfort and aesthetic appeal.

The panel is anchored by a dual Garmin GNS 430W WAAS-enabled GPS suite, ensuring precision navigation during operations. Communication and situational awareness are further bolstered by a Garmin GMA 340 audio panel and Garmin GTX 345 transponder, providing full ADS-B In and Out capabilities.

Modern CiES fuel senders have also been installed, replacing older, less reliable technology to provide the pilot with precise fuel management.

With a useful load of 884.92 pounds and a recent annual inspection completed in March 2025, this aircraft is truly mission-ready.

Listed at $149,000, it represents a significant value in today’s market for a pilot looking for a well-maintained Archer III with a modern interior and a fresh factory engine.

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.