The Cessna Citation CJ1 remains a popular entry point into light jet ownership, combining both efficient operating economics and single-pilot capability. The Citation CJ1 features an upgraded avionics suite, the Collins Pro Line 21, and a 200lb MTOW increase over its predecessor, the Cessna Citation 525 or “Straight CJ”.
The Citation CJ1 was produced from 2000-2005, offering a cruise speed of ~328 knots, a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles, and seating for up to 6 passengers in the back with a belted lavatory and side facing seat.
This Citation CJ1 Market Report – August 2026 provides a focused overview of current pricing, inventory levels, and historical trends shaping today’s trading environment.
Citation CJ1 Market Snapshot – August 2026
The Citation CJ1 market currently presents a mixed picture. Average asking prices have strengthened over the past year, while increased inventory and longer marketing times suggest buyers are benefiting from greater selection.
Download the NextBird Citation CJ1 Market Report August 16, 2026.
Key Metrics
- Average Asking Price: $1,820,235.29
- Average Year: 2002
- Average Airframe Time: 5,139.2 hours
- # for Sale: 22
- % of Fleet for Sale: 11.3%
- Average Days on Market: 252 days
Market Insight
Whole-aircraft inventory remains relatively contained, but the broader market has expanded over the past year. Buyers have more aircraft to consider, placing greater importance on maintenance status, engine programs, avionics, aircraft history, and overall condition when comparing opportunities.
For sellers, the recent strength in asking prices is encouraging, but longer marketing times reinforce the importance of realistic pricing and proper positioning.
Citation CJ1 Market Trends (12-Month and 36-Month Analysis)
The past twelve months show an interesting combination of higher asking prices and increased supply. Looking at the longer-term data provides important context for the recent increase in asking prices.
Past 12 Months
- # for Sale: ↑ 7
- Average Asking Price: ↑ $106,000.00
- % of Fleet for Sale: ↑ 3.6%
- Average Days on Market: ↑ 54 days
What This Means
Average asking prices have increased by approximately $106,000 over the past year, even as seven additional aircraft have entered the market.
Normally, increasing supply can create downward pressure on pricing. In the Citation CJ1 market, however, asking prices have remained resilient over the past year despite buyers having more aircraft to choose from.
That strength should be viewed alongside the increase in days on market. Aircraft are taking approximately 54 days longer to sell than they were a year ago, indicating that buyers may be willing to support current pricing for the right aircraft but are taking more time to evaluate their options.
The 12-month charts show inventory generally trending higher, while asking prices recovered sharply from their spring 2026 lows. Days on market have also trended higher overall, finishing the period at 252 days.
Download the NextBird Citation CJ1 Market Report August 16, 2026.
36-Month Market Trends
- # for Sale: ↑ 11
- Average Asking Price: ↓ $139,000.00
- % of Fleet for Sale: ↑ 5.6%
- Average Days on Market: ↑ 171 days
What This Means
Over the past three years, the Citation CJ1 market has transitioned toward greater availability and longer transaction timelines.
While asking prices have strengthened recently, they remain approximately $139,000 below their level 36 months ago. Meanwhile, 11 additional aircraft are available and average days on market have increased by 171 days.
The longer-term trend therefore tells a more nuanced story than the latest asking-price movement alone. Pricing has recovered from recent lows, but the market remains more competitive for sellers than it was several years ago.
This environment places greater emphasis on the individual aircraft. Well-maintained, appropriately priced Citation CJ1s can distinguish themselves considerably from aircraft carrying significant maintenance exposure or dated configurations.
Download the NextBird Citation CJ1 Market Report August 16, 2026.
Is it a Good Time to Sell a Citation CJ1?
Recent improvement in asking prices is encouraging, but today’s Citation CJ1 market remains competitive.
Seller Takeaways
Aircraft that tend to stand out include those featuring:
- Engine program enrollment (TAP Blue fully paid)
- Garmin Modernization STC (Dual Garmin G600 TXi’s)
- Lower total time relative to competing aircraft
- Updated paint and interior
- Complete and well-documented records
With inventory and days on market both higher than a year ago, establishing a realistic asking price remains critical to generating meaningful buyer activity.
Is it a Good Time to Buy a Citation CJ1?
Buyer Takeaways
Buyers currently benefit from greater selection than they had in previous years.
That provides an opportunity to compare aircraft not simply on asking price, but on their total ownership economics. Engine status, upcoming inspections, avionics, programs, and deferred maintenance can materially affect the true cost of an acquisition.
A lower asking price does not necessarily represent better value if significant expenses are approaching after closing.
What Is a Citation CJ1 Worth in 2026?
Every Citation CJ1 is unique, and market averages should be treated as a starting point rather than a definitive valuation.
Important factors affecting an individual aircraft’s value include:
- Total airframe time and cycles
- Engine times and maintenance status
- Engine program enrollment (TAP Blue fully paid)
- Upcoming inspections (Document 10 Inspection)
- Avionics configuration and upgrades (Garmin Modernization STC)
- Paint and interior condition
- Damage history
- Aircraft records and pedigree
Two Citation CJ1s of the same model year can carry materially different market values depending on these characteristics.
Citation CJ1 Market Outlook
The Citation CJ1 market is showing signs of near-term pricing resilience within a more competitive longer-term environment.
Average asking prices have increased over the past year, demonstrating continued demand for the platform. However, higher inventory and longer marketing times suggest buyers have become more selective and have greater leverage than they did several years ago.
For sellers, accurate valuation and proper market positioning will remain increasingly important. For buyers, greater selection creates opportunities—but understanding the maintenance and financial differences between available aircraft remains essential.
Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply monitoring the value of a Citation CJ1, understanding the relationship between pricing, inventory, and transaction timelines provides a much clearer picture than any single market metric alone.
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“What is my Citation CJ1 worth?”
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This data was published on August 16, 2026, and is subject to change.
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