Overview — the find
After searching major aircraft marketplaces (Barnstormers, Trade-A-Plane, Controller, GlobalAir, and others), the most affordable listing that explicitly described the aircraft as “available for immediate sale” and “ready to fly” in your requested model-year window (1975–1995) was a 1975 Cessna 172M listed for $109,900. This Barnstormers ad included avionics upgrades and stated the airplane had a fresh annual at time of posting. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why the 172M matters
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the world’s most-produced fixed-wing aircraft and is prized for its forgiving handling, parts availability, and strong community support. The 172M (mid-1970s) combines the classic Cessna airframe with commonly found Lycoming engines, straightforward mechanical systems, and a parts ecosystem that keeps maintenance and operating costs predictable—important when buying an older aircraft you want to fly right away.
What “ready to fly” actually means
Sellers often use “ready to fly” to indicate the aircraft has a current annual inspection (or a recently completed pre-buy/annual), is not a project, and is airworthy with no immediate AD work or major squawks blocking flight. That said, buyer due diligence is still essential: verify logs, confirm the annual inspection date, confirm ADS-B compliance, and (if possible) do a pre-purchase inspection and test flight with a trusted A&P/IA. The Barnstormers posting specifically called out a fresh annual and recent avionics (per the ad).
Avionics & equipment highlights to look for
For a 1975 airframe, modern avionics materially increase utility and safety. The Barnstormers listing noted a Garmin 430 (GPS/Nav/Comm) or similar panel upgrades, transponder/ADS-B out, and intercom — items that raise the value and make cross-country flying much easier. If you plan IFR or frequent cross-country trips, verify the specific equipment and WAAS capability.
The listing was brokered through a dealer and included a contact name and location on the listing (see Barnstormers ad for exact contact details and posting date). Always contact the seller and request scanned logbook pages, oil analysis reports, and the most recent annual inspection paperwork before sending funds or committing.
Price context — is $109,900 a bargain?
Cessna 172 asking prices vary a lot with engine time, avionics, paint/interior condition, and whether the airplane has recent overhauls or mods. Aggregators like GlobalAir and Controller show asking prices across listings that commonly range from the mid-$80k on the low end up to well over $200k for fully-upgraded late-model examples. In that landscape, a well-equipped 1975 with a fresh annual at $109,900 sits on the attractive side of the market—especially if avionics and maintenance records check out.
Inspection checklist before purchase
1. Review complete logbooks (airframe, engine, prop) and AD compliance. 2. Verify the date and notes of the last annual inspection. 3. Confirm SMOH (since major engine overhaul or cylinder work affects value). 4. Look for corrosion, skin repairs, or past accident history in logs. 5. Have an A&P/IA perform a pre-purchase inspection (and a test hop). Even “ready to fly” aircraft can have deferred maintenance items — the inspection determines true readiness.
Operating costs to expect
Fuel burn for a 172 is typically 7–9 GPH depending on power setting; insurance, hangar/tie-down, inspection costs, and avionics upkeep will add to monthly ownership costs. A thorough review of the plane’s maintenance schedule will help you estimate near-term expenditures; in many cases, a well-cared-for 172 is one of the more affordable small aircraft to operate and insure.
How I validated this find
I compared listings across Barnstormers, Trade-A-Plane, Hangar67, GlobalAir, and Controller to find the lowest asking price that explicitly advertised a 1975–1995 Cessna 172 as ready to fly. Barnstormers’ ad (1975 Cessna 172M — $109,900) was the most competitive ready-to-fly listing at the time of this check. Marketplace inventories change daily; if you’re actively shopping, check all marketplaces and ask brokers for any recent price reductions or unlisted trade inventory.
Next steps if you want this airplane
1. Contact the seller and request the full logbook scans and the latest annual’s paperwork. 2. Arrange an escrow and escrow-friendly payment path with legal review. 3. Schedule a pre-purchase inspection with a trusted A&P/IA close to the airplane’s location. 4. Confirm insurance binders and ferry flight plans if you need to move the aircraft to your home field.
Final thoughts
A properly vetted 1975 Cessna 172M at about $110k can be a superb buy: excellent parts support, practical handling, and ample utility for training, travel, and personal flying. The Barnstormers ad I found trades immediate airworthiness and avionics updates for a price that is competitive with the market at the time I checked. If you want, I can attempt to contact the seller (via the published contact info) and draft a checklist/email you can send to request logbook scans and the inspection report.