Purchasing the absolute cheapest private jet typically involves acquiring pre-owned, entry-level very light jets (VLJs) or older legacy turboprops and small jets—such as older Cessna Citation 500 series models, Eclipse 500s, or Learjet 35s—with price tags ranging from $500,000 to over $1,500,000 on the secondhand market. However, prospective buyers must factor in steep operating realities, including high annual maintenance inspections, mandatory avionics upgrades, pilot insurance, fuel, and storage hangar costs that frequently exceed the initial acquisition price.