Cessna 210 Centurion: Value Appraisal

<h2>Understanding Cessna 210 Centurion Appraisals: Your Complete Valuation Guide</h2> <p>The <strong>Cessna 210 Centurion</strong> remains one of the most sought-after single-engine aircraft in the general aviation market. Whether you're considering a purchase, preparing to sell, or updating your insurance coverage, understanding the current market value of this capable six-seat aircraft is essential. A professional appraisal gives you the confidence to make informed financial decisions backed by certified expertise and comprehensive market analysis.</p> <h2>What Makes the Cessna 210 Centurion Valuable?</h2> <p>The <strong>Cessna 210 Centurion</strong> was produced from 1960 to 1986 and became a cornerstone of high-performance general aviation. Owners and buyers prize it for several key reasons:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Speed and Performance</strong>: With a cruising speed of 183 mph, the Centurion delivers significantly faster travel than most comparable single-engine aircraft.</li> <li><strong>Useful Load and Range</strong>: A 1,400-pound payload capacity combined with an 800-mile range makes it ideal for business trips, personal travel, and mission flexibility.</li> <li><strong>Rugged Reliability</strong>: Decades of proven performance and a strong support community mean parts and expertise remain accessible.</li> </ul> <p>These characteristics have sustained strong market demand, but determining the exact value of <em>your</em> specific aircraft requires looking deeper than general specifications. Every Cessna 210 Centurion has a unique history—what matters most to potential buyers and insurers is the specific condition, maintenance records, and avionics of the individual airframe you own.</p> <h2>How Much Is a Cessna 210 Centurion Worth?</h2> <p>The current market range for a well-maintained <strong>Cessna 210 Centurion</strong> typically falls between <strong>$70,000 and $80,000</strong>, though this varies significantly based on several critical factors. To understand what <em>your</em> aircraft is actually worth, you need to evaluate:</p> <p><strong>Engine and Propeller Hours</strong><br /> Total time and time since major overhaul (TSMOH) are the single largest drivers of value. An aircraft with 2,000 total hours is vastly different from one with 8,000 hours. Buyers and appraisers carefully review logbooks to understand wear and remaining useful life on critical engine components.</p> <p><strong>Maintenance Documentation</strong><br /> Complete, consistent logbooks and maintenance records are worth real money. Aircraft with gaps in documentation or evidence of deferred maintenance will appraise significantly lower. Professional appraisers look for evidence of regular inspections, AD (Airworthiness Directive) compliance, and scheduled service.</p> <p><strong>Avionics and Equipment</strong><br /> Modern glass cockpit upgrades or advanced autopilot systems can add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of a vintage airframe. Conversely, older steam gauges and outdated navigation equipment reduce market appeal for buyers seeking contemporary flight management.</p> <p><strong>Damage and Repair History</strong><br /> Any history of accidents, hard landings, or structural repairs must be disclosed and documented. Professional appraisers investigate damage history thoroughly, as even well-executed repairs can lower value and create insurance complications.</p> <p><strong>Interior and Exterior Condition</strong><br /> Corrosion, upholstery condition, paint quality, and overall appearance matter. An aircraft that has been properly stored and maintained cosmetically will command higher prices than one showing weathering or neglect.</p> <p>For a reliable estimate of your specific aircraft's market value, consider getting a professional appraisal from a credentialed specialist. <a href="/blog/what-is-an-automobile-appraisal">Learn more about what factors most affect aircraft appraisals</a> by exploring our comprehensive appraisal guides.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Pro Tip</strong></p> <p>Gather all maintenance logs, inspection records, and any documentation of upgrades or modifications before requesting an appraisal. Clear documentation significantly strengthens your aircraft's value position.</p></div> <h2>Key Factors That Impact Cessna 210 Centurion Value</h2> <p>Understanding the specific value drivers helps you manage ownership costs and make smart buying or selling decisions. Here's what appraisers and buyers focus on most:</p> <p><strong>1. Model Year and Total Time</strong><br /> Newer models and low-time aircraft command premium prices. However, a 1970s-era 210 with pristine maintenance and reasonable hours may be worth more than a newer high-time example.</p> <p><strong>2. Engine Condition</strong><br /> The engine is the heartbeat of any aircraft. Hours to potential overhaul, compression readings, and any history of overheating or metal in oil analyses all influence value.</p> <p><strong>3. Structural Integrity</strong><br /> Corrosion, especially in hidden areas like fuel tanks and wing roots, can be expensive to remediate. Professional inspectors and appraisers check for hidden rust and fatigue cracks, which significantly lower value.</p> <p><strong>4. Avionics Upgrades</strong><br /> Retrofitted glass cockpit systems (like Garmin G1000 NXi or similar) can add $40,000 to $100,000 in value to an older airframe, making it competitive with newer competition.</p> <p><strong>5. Service Bulletins and Manufacturer Improvements</strong><br /> Aircraft with modern service bulletins incorporated or factory improvement kits installed (STCs—Supplemental Type Certificates) often appraise higher.</p> <p><strong>6. Paint and Interior Refurbishment</strong><br /> Recent paint jobs and interior restoration signal pride of ownership and can command premium pricing.</p> <div class="callout info"><p><strong>Did You Know?</strong></p> <p>A Cessna 210 Centurion with a recently overhauled engine, complete logbook history, and glass cockpit avionics can appraise at the higher end of market range—sometimes even above typical estimates.</p></div> <h2>What Common Problems Lower a Cessna 210 Centurion Value?</h2> <p>When appraising any aircraft, professionals look for red flags that indicate past neglect or future maintenance burden. Here are the most common value-reducing issues:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Incomplete or Missing Logbooks</strong>: Missing maintenance records are a major red flag. Buyers cannot assess the aircraft's true maintenance history, so value drops significantly.</li> <li><strong>Corrosion or Airframe Damage</strong>: Rust in fuel tanks, fuselage, or wing structures requires expensive remediation and reduces structural confidence.</li> <li><strong>Hard Landing History or Accident Reports</strong>: Even repaired damage shows up in FAA records and insurance databases. Any accident history depresses value, even if repairs were completed professionally.</li> <li><strong>High Engine or Propeller Hours</strong>: Engines approaching overhaul limit (typically 2,000 TSMOH) represent a looming major expense for the next owner.</li> <li><strong>Outdated or Inoperative Avionics</strong>: Legacy navigation systems limit the aircraft's utility and appeal to modern pilots.</li> <li><strong>Overdue Maintenance or AD Non-Compliance</strong>: Deferred Airworthiness Directives or skipped inspections indicate poor stewardship and lower buyer confidence.</li> </ul> <p>Understanding these factors helps you either maximize value if you're selling or evaluate whether a purchase price reflects fair market conditions.</p> <h2>How Far Can a Cessna 210 Fly on a Full Tank?</h2> <p>Range is one of the Centurion's standout advantages. Under normal cruise conditions at a typical power setting, you can expect to cover <strong>several hundred nautical miles</strong> on a full fuel load. However, actual range depends on:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Payload Weight</strong>: The heavier your load, the more fuel consumption increases, reducing range.</li> <li><strong>Altitude and Power Setting</strong>: Flying at cruise altitude with conservative power settings improves fuel economy.</li> <li><strong>Weather and Winds</strong>: Headwinds reduce effective range; tailwinds extend it.</li> <li><strong>Reserve Requirements</strong>: Smart pilots always reserve fuel for alternate airports and emergencies, reducing usable range.</li> </ul> <p>Always consult your specific aircraft's flight manual and plan conservatively. Understanding your aircraft's real-world range and fuel burn is important for ownership calculations and insurance coverage decisions. <a href="/blog/online-personal-property-appraisals-uspap-compliant">Explore our guide to personal property appraisals</a> to understand how usage patterns affect asset valuation.</p> <h2>How Much Does It Cost to Own a Cessna 210 per Year?</h2> <p>Ownership costs extend far beyond the purchase price. Here's what you should budget for annual expenses:</p> <p><strong>Hangar and Storage</strong><br /> Monthly hangar rent typically ranges from $200 to $800 depending on location and facility quality. T-hangars cost less than heated executive hangars but expose the aircraft to temperature swings that accelerate corrosion.</p> <p><strong>Insurance</strong><br /> Annual hull and liability insurance for a <strong>Cessna 210 Centurion</strong> can range from $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on your pilot experience, coverage limits, and the declared aircraft value. A professional appraisal helps establish accurate coverage and fair premium rates.</p> <p><strong>Maintenance and Inspections</strong><br /> Annual condition inspections (required annually for Part 91 general aviation) typically cost $1,500 to $3,000. Additionally, plan for unexpected repairs and component replacements.</p> <p><strong>Engine Reserves</strong><br /> Smart owners set aside $100 to $300 monthly for eventual engine overhaul. A top overhaul can run $10,000 to $15,000; a full overhaul $40,000 to $60,000 or more.</p> <p><strong>Fuel and Oil</strong><br /> Operating costs depend on how much you fly, but budget $500 to $1,500+ monthly if you're flying 40-50 hours per month.</p> <p><strong>Total Annual Cost</strong>: Conservative estimates suggest <strong>$15,000 to $30,000 annually</strong> in direct ownership costs, with significant variation based on usage and region. Ask your insurance broker or local flying club for region-specific estimates, or consult with other Cessna 210 owners for realistic budgeting.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Insight</strong></p> <p>The largest ownership expenses are typically maintenance, hangar fees, and insurance. Getting an accurate professional appraisal helps you secure fair insurance rates and makes financial planning much clearer.</p></div> <h2>How to Get an Accurate Appraisal for Your Cessna 210 Centurion</h2> <p>An accurate appraisal requires professional expertise, thorough documentation, and ideally, physical inspection. Here's what the process typically involves:</p> <p><strong>Gather Documentation</strong><br /> Start by assembling all maintenance logs, inspection records, engine overhaul documentation, STC modifications, and any incident or damage history. Complete records demonstrate pride of ownership and support higher valuations.</p> <p><strong>Provide Clear Photography</strong><br /> High-quality photos of the exterior, interior, cockpit, avionics, engine, and fuel tanks help appraisers assess condition remotely. Modern appraisal services, including <a href="/types/aircraft">online appraisal platforms like AppraiseItNow</a>, can provide reliable estimates with strong documentation and photography.</p> <p><strong>Share Market Context</strong><br /> Information about recent comparable aircraft sales (comps) in your region helps appraisers calibrate value to current market conditions. Different regions have different price points for similar models.</p> <p><strong>Arrange Physical Inspection When Possible</strong><br /> For maximum accuracy, especially on higher-value aircraft or those being sold, an in-person inspection by a credentialed appraiser provides the most defensible valuation. A physical inspection allows the appraiser to spot hidden corrosion, verify airworthiness status, and confirm all systems function.</p> <p><strong>Seek USPAP-Compliant Appraisals</strong><br /> Professional appraisals must comply with the <strong>Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)</strong>. Appraisers credentialed through organizations like the <strong>International Society of Appraisers (ISA)</strong>, <strong>Appraisers Association of America (AAA)</strong>, or <strong>American Society of Appraisers (ASA)</strong> ensure your appraisal meets legal and financial standards.</p> <p><a href="/blog/uspap-compliant-appraisals">Understand the value of USPAP-compliant appraisals</a> and how they strengthen your position in buying, selling, or insurance scenarios.</p> <h2>Is the Cessna 210 Centurion a Good Aircraft to Buy?</h2> <p>The answer depends on your mission and budget. The Centurion earns respect in the general aviation community for several reasons:</p> <p><strong>Advantages of a Cessna 210</strong><br /> - Speed (183 mph cruise) beats most comparable singles - Useful load and range support serious cross-country flying - Strong pilot community and aftermarket support - Proven reliability over 26 years of production - Retractable landing gear improves performance over fixed-gear competitors - Well-established maintenance and parts supply network</p> <p><strong>Considerations</strong><br /> - Older airframes may have corrosion or fatigue issues - Retractable gear requires more maintenance than fixed gear - Engine-out performance considerations (single-engine aircraft) - Insurance and ownership costs can be substantial - Some models have historical service issues (research specific year and serial number)</p> <p>Whether a specific Cessna 210 is a good buy depends entirely on that aircraft's condition, maintenance history, and price relative to current market. A thorough prebuy inspection and professional appraisal will reveal whether you're looking at a sound investment or a potential money pit.</p> <p>Many buyers explore related <a href="/types/airplane">aircraft types and appraisal options</a>, including <a href="/types/commercial-jet">commercial jets</a>, <a href="/types/helicopter">helicopters</a>, and <a href="/types/vintage-aircraft">vintage aircraft</a>, to ensure they're selecting the right asset for their needs.</p> <h2>How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Cessna 210?</h2> <p>Insurance costs vary widely based on pilot experience, coverage limits, intended use, and the declared aircraft value. Here's what influences your premium:</p> <p><strong>Pilot Experience</strong><br /> A commercial pilot with thousands of hours in type will pay significantly less than a private pilot with limited experience. Some insurers charge premiums 50%+ higher for less-experienced pilots.</p> <p><strong>Coverage Limits</strong><br /> Hull coverage (physical damage) and liability limits affect pricing. Full hull coverage with higher limits costs more than basic policies.</p> <p><strong>Declared Aircraft Value</strong><br /> A professional appraisal establishes the declared value for insurance purposes. Underinsuring your aircraft leaves you exposed to loss; overinsuring wastes premium dollars. An accurate appraisal strikes the right balance.</p> <p><strong>Intended Use</strong><br /> Personal business use typically costs less to insure than instructional or charter operations.</p> <p><strong>Typical Insurance Cost</strong><br /> Expect annual premiums in the <strong>$2,000 to $5,000+ range</strong> for a Cessna 210, depending on the factors above. Getting quotes from multiple aviation insurers using a recent professional appraisal ensures you're comparing fair rates and have accurate coverage.</p> <div class="callout info"><p><strong>Pro Insight</strong></p> <p>Update your aircraft appraisal every 2-3 years to reflect market changes and maintenance investments. This helps keep your insurance current and protects you in case of damage or loss.</p></div> <h2>Key Takeaway: Trust Professional Appraisal for Confidence and Value</h2> <p>Whether you're buying a <strong>Cessna 210 Centurion</strong>, selling one, or simply updating insurance coverage, a professional appraisal backed by certified expertise gives you the clarity to make confident financial decisions. Market prices range from $70,000 to $80,000 for well-maintained examples, but your specific aircraft's value depends on engine time, maintenance records, avionics, and structural condition.</p> <p>AppraiseItNow connects you with credentialed specialists from respected organizations including the <strong>International Society of Appraisers (ISA)</strong>, <strong>American Society of Appraisers (ASA)</strong>, and <strong>Appraisers Association of America (AAA)</strong>. You can submit aircraft photos, maintenance logs, and documentation securely online, or arrange an in-person inspection for maximum accuracy. All appraisals comply with <strong>USPAP standards</strong>, ensuring your valuation is legally defensible and widely accepted by lenders, insurers, and buyers.</p> <p>Ready to understand your aircraft's true market value? Let our network of credentialed aviation specialists provide the accurate, professional appraisal you need to move forward with confidence.</p>