Buying a Cessna 182 in Canada: a buyer's guide

What to look for when buying a Cessna 182 Skylane in Canada — the variants, what to check, running costs and paperwork. A practical buyer's guide from MarketPlane.ca.

The 182 is the aircraft a 172 owner grows into

The Cessna 182 Skylane does what a 172 promises but can't always deliver: carry four real adults and their bags, off shorter and higher strips, on wheels or floats. It's the natural step up, and in Canada it's a staple of backcountry and float flying. This guide covers what to check and what to pay — for the live number, see current Canadian aircraft prices by make and model.

The variants, briefly

Early straight-tail (1956–1959) — cheapest, classic looks, less useful load.
182 through 182P/Q (1960s–70s) — the bulk of the fleet; capable, affordable, well-supported.
182RG (retractable, 1978–1986) — a bit faster, more maintenance and cost; a smaller buyer pool.
182R and restart 182T (1996–present) — fuel-injected, modern panels, priciest to buy.

What to check before you buy

The 182 carries a heavy engine up front, so pay close attention to the firewall, nose gear and any prop-strike or hard-landing history — a wrinkled firewall is expensive. Beyond that: corrosion (especially on floatplanes), spar and strut condition, exhaust, and logbook continuity with AD compliance. Confirm engine time against TBO, and always get an independent pre-purchase inspection.

What it costs — to buy and to own

Expect higher fuel burn and a bigger overhaul bill than a 172 in exchange for the capability. See the live Canadian market for current 182 prices, and what used aircraft actually cost in Canada for the ownership side — annual, insurance, hangar and engine reserve.

Paperwork and next steps

You'll want complete logbooks, weight and balance, AD compliance and the Certificate of Registration, then a bill of sale and the Transport Canada registration transfer. Considering a US aircraft? Run it through the US-to-Canada import cost calculator first. When you're ready, browse Cessna 182s and other aircraft for sale in Canada.

Common questions

How much does a Cessna 182 cost in Canada?

More than a 172 and less than a Bonanza — a broad band from older straight-tail Skylanes to low-time, IFR-equipped later models. Check current Canadian asking prices at /models and adjust for engine time, avionics and whether it's the fixed-gear 182 or the retractable RG.

Is the Cessna 182 a good step up from a 172?

It's the classic next aircraft: more power, more useful load, and it actually carries four adults and bags — the thing a loaded 172 struggles with. It costs more to buy and run, but for hauling people, floats or gear into backcountry strips it's in a different class.

What should a pre-purchase inspection focus on on a 182?

The 182 is famously nose-heavy, so firewall and nose-gear condition and any history of prop strikes or hard landings matter. Add the usual: corrosion, spar and strut condition, exhaust, complete logbooks and AD compliance, and engine time against TBO. On the retractable RG, budget for gear-system maintenance.

Fixed gear or retractable (RG)?

For most owners, fixed gear. The RG's speed gain is modest and it adds maintenance, insurance and complexity. The standard fixed-gear 182 is the one that resells easily and keeps ownership simple.

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