Cessna Citation CJ3+: The Complete Buyer's Guide
The Short Version
The CJ3+ is a light jet for owner-operators and small flight departments. It flies 2,040 NM at Mach 0.72, is single-pilot certified, and has Cessna’s industry-leading service network. Pre-owned examples trade between $5M and $8M. New list price ~$9.1M.
At a Glance
Operational Reach
What Makes the Citation CJ3+ Different
1. The owner-pilot’s jet
Designed for owner-operators. Garmin G3000 avionics are intuitive, handling is straightforward. The natural transition from turboprops.
2. Efficient operations at light jet costs
Williams FJ44-3A engines burn ~110 gal/hr. Variable costs around $1,000/hr — similar to a high-end turboprop.
3. Practical range for regional missions
2,040 NM covers most continental US, Dubai regional destinations, and European city pairs.
Who Is This Aircraft For?
- ●Owner-operators transitioning from turboprops.
- ●Small businesses connecting 2–3 cities within 1,500 NM.
- ●Single-pilot flight departments.
- ●Buyers seeking lowest-cost jet ownership with genuine utility.
When It's Not the Right Fit
- ●At 4’10” wide and 4’8” tall, the cabin is compact with no standing room. Uncomfortable for 4+ passengers on flights over 2 hours. At Mach 0.72, slower than the Phenom 300E.
What It Costs to Own and Operate
Acquisition (Pre-Owned)
Annual Fixed Costs
Variable Costs
The Pre-Owned Market Right Now
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026. Figures below retain their source dates and measurement basis.
Dated market benchmark, reviewed October 8, 2026: Duncan Aviation's July 2026 guide gives Citation CJ3+ Vref valuations of $5.93M–$10.29M across its listed vintages. This is a model-wide valuation reference, not a reported transaction range or a current seller quote; the upper end for an in-production type can include very new aircraft.
The CJ3+ valuation band spans early aircraft through much newer examples. Buyers should separate this Garmin-equipped variant from the original CJ3 and compare later CJ3+ aircraft against early CJ4s at overlapping acquisition budgets.
What to Watch For When Buying
1. CJ3 vs. CJ3+ Distinction
The CJ3+ (2014+) has Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics — a major upgrade from the original CJ3’s Collins Pro Line 21.
2. Williams FJ44-3A Engine Health
Williams TAP enrollment preferred. Hot section inspections: $120K–$180K per engine.
3. Owner-Operator History
CJ3+s are frequently owner-flown. Review logbooks carefully — maintenance practices vary.
4. Avionics and Database Currency
Verify navigation databases, ADS-B Out compliance, and WAAS/LPV approach capability.
5. Paint and Interior
Light jets with 8+ years may need paint ($150K–$250K) and interior ($150K–$300K).
Citation CJ3+ vs. The Competition
| Aircraft | Range | Max Speed | Cabin W | Cabin L | Pax | New Price | Pre-Owned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer Phenom 300E | 2,010 NM | Mach 0.80 | 5’1” | 17’2” | 7–10 | ~$10.6M (historical) | ~$5M (historical) |
| Cessna Citation CJ4 | 2,165 NM | Mach 0.77 | 4’10” | 17’4” | 7–10 | ~$10M (historical) | ~$5M (historical) |
| Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 | 1,300 NM | Mach 0.70 | 4’10” | 11’0” | 6–7 | ~$5.4M (historical) | ~$3M (historical) |
Embraer Phenom 300E
Cessna Citation CJ4
Cessna Citation M2 Gen2
vs. Embraer Phenom 300E
Faster, wider, better resale. The CJ3+ is less expensive with Cessna’s service network.
See full comparison →vs. Cessna Citation CJ4
Step up — more range, faster, slightly larger cabin at ~$1M more new.
vs. Cessna Citation M2 Gen2
Smaller, less capable. The step down if the CJ3+ is more than needed.
Looking for a Citation CJ3+? Let's talk.
Many aircraft change hands privately. Tell us your requirements and we will source off-market options.
Source a Citation CJ3+ →Frequently Asked Questions
2,040 NM at Mach 0.67. Most US domestic routes, London to Athens, Dubai to Muscat and back.
Reviewed October 8, 2026: $5.93M–$10.29M Vref (July 2026). This is a published model-wide valuation benchmark covering its listed vintages, rather than a completed-sale range. The market overview links the source and explains the sample.
Yes — designed and certified for single-pilot ops.
Excellent — one of the most popular turboprop-to-jet transitions.
The CJ3+ has Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics. Same airframe and engines.
Free Citation CJ3+
Market Report
Get current pricing, active listings, price trends, and Glintero's read on where the Citation CJ3+ market stands right now. Delivered to your inbox.
- ✦Current asking prices & 12-month trend
- ✦How many are for sale right now
- ✦Representative listings (sanitized)
- ✦What drives value for this type
Free. No pitch. Just data.
Considering a Citation CJ3+?
No pitch, no pressure. Just twenty years of experience and a straightforward conversation about what fits your mission.
Initiate Private ConsultationLast updated: 2026-10-08