We usually revisit the majority of the aircraft in our Used Aircraft Guide every three years, but with aircraft like the Warrior—increasing in value seemingly by the month—we’re revising our data reports and market scans more often. Indeed, clean, well-cared-for PA-28-161 models are in demand and the market prices are proof. From our own recent shopping experience, you can’t touch anything that’s been nicely upgraded for under $65,000, on average. The Warrior sells today for many of the same reasons it did in 1974, and it serves multiple purposes.
That four-seat, 150-HP niche proved to be the beginning rung of a market ladder where airplanes can excel as trainers, but can also be practical traveling tools. As a Warrior proves, the tradeoff is they won’t haul a lot of people or cargo, nor will they do it quickly, but they offer economical travel. They often serve as a pilot’s first “real” airplane after primary training. The market demands that they be reliable, inexpensive to operate and relatively easy to fly. They must excel as rental airplanes—thus be designed to be flown by any pilot, and withstand the consequent beating, while providing a reasonable income to the FBO.