<h1>How to Get Your Cessna 210 Centurion Appraised</h1> <p>The Cessna 210 Centurion is a high-performance single-engine aircraft that has earned a strong reputation among private pilots and small commercial operators since its introduction in 1960. If you own one of these versatile planes or are considering purchasing one, understanding its current market value is essential. Professional appraisals provide the certified documentation you need for buying, selling, financing, or insurance purposes—ensuring you're working with accurate, USPAP-compliant valuations.</p> <h2>Understanding Cessna 210 Centurion Value</h2> <p>The Cessna 210 Centurion typically appraises between <strong>$70,000 and $85,000</strong> depending on multiple factors including age, condition, flight hours, avionics upgrades, and maintenance history. This aircraft occupies a unique market position as one of the most sought-after general aviation planes, commanding consistent demand among discerning operators who value its spacious cabin, impressive speed, and excellent handling characteristics.</p> <p>What makes the Cessna 210 Centurion particularly valuable? The model's robust airframe, reliable Lycoming engine, and advanced avionics capabilities have made it a workhorse for personal transportation, flight training, and light cargo operations. With 500 units produced worldwide and production spanning from 1960 to 1986, the aircraft represents a finite supply that continues to attract both individual pilots and fleet operators seeking proven performance and versatility.</p> <h2>Key Features That Impact Cessna 210 Centurion Value</h2> <p>When seeking an appraisal for your Cessna 210 Centurion, understanding the technical specifications that drive valuation helps you prepare accurate documentation. The aircraft features retractable landing gear, seating for up to six passengers, and pressurized cabin capability—luxury features that distinguish it from comparable single-engine competitors. The turbocharged engine option and available auxiliary fuel tanks provide additional performance parameters that appraisers examine closely.</p> <p>Your Cessna 210's value reflects its IFR certification capabilities, allowing operation in instrument conditions that less sophisticated aircraft cannot handle. This capability, combined with its 500-pound useful load capacity for practical missions, positions the Centurion at a premium tier within the general aviation market. Professional appraisers like those at <strong>AppraiseItNow</strong> evaluate each specification to determine how your specific aircraft compares to current market comps and historical pricing trends.</p> <table class='appraisal-table'> <thead> <tr> <th>Specification</th> <th>Impact on Value</th> <th>Details</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>IFR Certification</td> <td>High</td> <td>Enables instrument flight operations</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Pressurized Cabin</td> <td>High</td> <td>Allows operation at higher altitudes</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Retractable Landing Gear</td> <td>Medium-High</td> <td>Improves performance over fixed-gear models</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Turbocharged Engine Option</td> <td>Medium</td> <td>Enhances high-altitude performance</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Original Avionics</td> <td>Variable</td> <td>Modern glass cockpits command premiums</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>Factors Affecting Your Cessna 210 Appraisal</h2> <p>Several elements directly influence where your aircraft falls within the $70,000-$85,000 range. <strong>Aircraft age</strong> is fundamental—early 1960s models may appraise lower than late-production examples, though restoration quality and upgrade status can shift this dynamic significantly. <strong>Total time airframe hours</strong> create a direct correlation with maintenance and remaining lifespan, making this documentation critical for accurate valuation.</p> <p>Engine condition stands as perhaps the most impactful single factor in your Cessna 210 appraisal. An engine that hasn't reached its top overhaul time limit (typically around 2,000 hours) adds substantial value, while one approaching mandatory overhaul may reduce appraisal value by $15,000 or more depending on current market conditions. When asking "how much does a Cessna 210 cost a year," maintenance expenses including engine preservation become relevant to total cost of ownership considerations that affect buyer demand and market pricing.</p> <p>Your avionics package significantly influences value as well. Aircraft equipped with modern glass cockpit systems like Garmin G1000 NXi command premiums over those featuring aging steam gauges or dated navigation equipment. Professional appraisers document each avionics component, its age, and functionality status when establishing market value, as these systems often represent $100,000+ in upgrade investments for aircraft operating in challenging conditions or over water routes.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Documentation Priority</strong></p> <p>Maintain meticulous maintenance records, including inspection logs, AD compliance documentation, and any upgrades performed. These records can increase your Cessna 210's appraisal value by 10-15% compared to aircraft with incomplete histories.</p></div> <h2>Why the Cessna 210 Remains Valuable</h2> <p>Understanding why the Cessna 210 Centurion remains sought-after helps contextualize its strong market position. The aircraft earned its reputation through genuine performance—it routinely cruises at speeds exceeding 180 knots while carrying meaningful payload over useful distances. This combination of speed, range, and capability addresses real mission requirements that justify both historical and contemporary pricing.</p> <p>Production discontinuation in 1986 created supply constraints that modern aircraft haven't eliminated. When considering "why was the Cessna 210 discontinued," the answer involves Cessna's strategic business decisions rather than any performance failure. This scarcity of production examples means your aircraft competes in an increasingly finite market where well-maintained examples appreciate or hold value reliably, unlike rapidly depreciating modern alternatives.</p> <p>The aircraft also occupies a "sweet spot" in general aviation pricing. Unlike entry-level aircraft like the <a href="/types/aircraft">Cessna 172</a>, which emphasize affordability and training utility, or complex turboprops requiring significant operating costs, the Cessna 210 Centurion offers advanced capabilities at accessible price points. When potential buyers ask "why buy a Cessna 210," the combination of performance, reliability, and resale value becomes compelling for operators comparing options within established <a href="/types/airplane">airplane appraisal</a> contexts.</p> <h2>Cessna 210 vs. Comparable Aircraft</h2> <p>Your Cessna 210 Centurion typically appraises higher than competitive single-engine aircraft models due to its performance advantages and market desirability. The <a href="/types/commuter-plane">commuter plane</a> category includes various alternatives, but few combine the Centurion's blend of speed, range, payload, and prestige within similar price ranges. When evaluating "what is the resale value of a P210," the pressurized variant commands premiums over unpressurized models—typically $10,000-$20,000 additional, reflecting pilot preferences for high-altitude operations.</p> <p>The question of aircraft safety—"what is the fatality rate of the Cessna 210"—deserves serious consideration. Statistical analysis shows the aircraft maintains respectable safety records when operated by trained pilots within performance limitations. The Centurion's high-performance designation does demand pilot competency, unlike simpler aircraft, but this requirement reflects capability rather than deficiency. Professional pilots conducting <a href="/types/commercial-aircraft">commercial aircraft</a> operations and serious enthusiasts value this performance orientation, supporting consistent market demand.</p> <h2>What to Inspect Before Acquiring Your Cessna 210</h2> <p>Before commissioning a professional appraisal, conducting preliminary inspections reveals potential issues affecting valuation. Airframe corrosion—particularly around fuel tanks and window seals—creates expensive remediation costs that appraisers factor into value adjustments. The hydraulic system, which operates landing gear, flaps, and brakes, requires thorough evaluation as hydraulic component replacement can exceed $20,000 depending on damage extent.</p> <p><strong>Engine compression testing</strong> must show consistent readings across all cylinders; significant variations suggest overhaul will become necessary soon, directly impacting appraisal value. Propeller condition, whether the windscreen shows cracks or crazing, and the state of interior upholstery all influence professional valuations. When asking "what should I inspect before buying a 210," comprehensive pre-purchase inspections by certified aircraft mechanics become essential investments that inform appraisers about hidden issues affecting fair market value.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Professional Inspection Value</strong></p> <p>A pre-appraisal inspection by an experienced aircraft mechanic ($500-$1,000) often reveals issues that could reduce your Cessna 210's value by thousands. This investment in documentation pays dividends when seeking accurate professional appraisals.</p></div> <h2>Operating Costs and Market Perception</h2> <p>Understanding your Cessna 210's operating economics helps explain how appraisers value the aircraft within market contexts. While ownership costs vary based on mission profile and utilization rates, typical annual operating expenses including fuel, maintenance reserves, hangar, and insurance often total $25,000-$40,000 depending on utilization. When considering "how much does a Cessna 210 cost a year," these figures represent the reality driving pilot purchase decisions and affecting demand within the market.</p> <p>Insurance considerations also affect valuation. Cessna 210 insurance typically ranges from $1,500-$3,500 annually depending on pilot experience, mission profile, and aircraft equipment. While higher than trainer aircraft like the Cessna 172, these premiums remain reasonable for the capability provided, supporting the aircraft's value proposition for owners seeking useful work capabilities. Professional appraisers understand how insurance costs correlate with operational demand, informing their market value assessments.</p> <h2>The Role of Professional Aircraft Appraisals</h2> <p>Whether you're evaluating a Cessna 210 Centurion for purchase, preparing for sale, or establishing insurance coverage, professional appraisals provide certified documentation that financial institutions, insurers, and legal proceedings require. Unlike casual estimates, USPAP-compliant appraisals from credentialed experts like those at <strong>AppraiseItNow</strong>—credentialed through organizations including AAA, ISA, ASA, CAGA, and AMEA—deliver comprehensive market analysis, comparable sales research, and detailed condition assessments that stand up to professional scrutiny.</p> <p>The appraisal process involves more than assigning a number to your aircraft. Professional appraisers examine maintenance records, verify airworthiness status, document equipment packages, review accident or incident history, and compare your specific aircraft against recent comparable sales in regional and national markets. This rigorous approach ensures your Cessna 210 appraisal reflects genuine market value rather than optimistic seller expectations or pessimistic buyer positioning, providing neutral documentation for all transaction stakeholders.</p> <p>Appraisals serve multiple purposes beyond simple valuation. Financing institutions require certified appraisals before extending credit. Insurance companies use appraisals to establish agreed-value policies that provide certainty during claim situations. Estate planning requires documented values for tax and distribution purposes. Divorce proceedings, business dissolutions, and charitable contributions all benefit from professional appraisals that provide defensible, well-documented fair market values accepted across these diverse contexts.</p> <h2>Practical Steps for Obtaining Your Appraisal</h2> <p>Begin by gathering comprehensive documentation including the aircraft's logbooks, maintenance records, equipment lists, recent annual inspection reports, and any supplemental type certificate modifications. These materials allow professional appraisers to evaluate your Cessna 210 thoroughly and efficiently, reducing the time required for on-site inspection and accelerating the appraisal timeline. Documentation showing upgrades to avionics, interior refurbishment, or engine work directly supports higher valuations by demonstrating investment in aircraft improvements.</p> <p>Next, arrange for a current annual inspection if one hasn't been completed within the past 12 months. Appraisers often require current inspection status to certify aircraft airworthiness and establish accurate condition grading. Once documentation is prepared and inspection status confirmed, contact <strong>AppraiseItNow</strong> to connect with aircraft-specialized appraisers in your region. The platform's streamlined process allows you to submit photographs, descriptions, and documentation securely online, receiving certified appraisals from experts across the U.S.</p> <p>Expect the complete appraisal process to require 2-4 weeks from initial contact through final report delivery. During this time, your appraiser may request additional documentation, conduct flight tests to verify performance parameters, or visit your aircraft for comprehensive inspection. This thorough approach ensures the final appraisal report accurately reflects your Cessna 210 Centurion's condition, equipment, and current market value with the precision and credibility required for financial, insurance, and legal applications.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p> <p>A professional, USPAP-compliant appraisal of your Cessna 210 Centurion provides certified documentation essential for accurate valuation whether you're buying, selling, financing, or insuring this valuable high-performance aircraft. Expert appraisers deliver the comprehensive market analysis and detailed condition assessment that transforms casual estimates into defensible, credible valuations respected by financial institutions, insurers, and legal proceedings alike.</p></div>