Capital cost is high on a Phenom 100 (relative to others), but as far as jets go the operating cost is fairly low and that tends to be what kills operators.

They think the acquisition cost delta on an older plane will buy their gas & pay their maintenance, but when those big bills start rolling in their eyes get VERY big.

For that price range I would spring for a CJ2/+. I fly a CJ and the plane never breaks. We launch on very short notice all the time and rarely have maintenance issues. From what I've heard support on the Embraers is not great. Passengers like the 100s because of the enclosed lav which is just a curtain on the CJs but from what I've heard the 100s are louder and less comfortable.

How about an MU-2? Great bang for the buck

Here is a tool that we use at the early stages of our corporate aircraft acquisition searches:

https://www.conklindd.com/CDALibrary/ACCostSummary.aspx

Good suggestions on this thread.

The original poster did not explain much about his needs. What is his usual trip length? Cargo ever important? Usually full, or empty? If the Cirrus is working for them, but they need more room, comfort and range, why not throw a executive configured Cessna Caravan into consideration? Without the cargo pod the short fuselage aircraft is a 175 to 190 knot machine and it will carry a Phenom inside (almost).

If I needed to go fast for that price, I'd grab one of the last Sabre 65's built and zip along at nearly 100 knots faster than the Phenom in worlds more comfort and capability. If speed were not an issue, I'd stretch out in a Caravan. Other than "sex appeal" I have not seen a "light jet" that impresses me, although they certainly are improving. Frankly, I'd rather have a Pilatus.

Can't go wrong with a King Air and easy to sell if you decide you want something else.

Looks like the company is leaning towards a c90GTX. New cost is 3.8 retail. Seems to fit the mission a little bit better.

Shocked no one mentioned the PC12. Comfort of a 200, with the convenience of a lav, and built like a truck. It is only 15-20 kts slower (than 700B) with a ton more MGTW. I have 1500+ hrs on the TBM 300+ hrs on the PC. The PC is hands down a better all around people/cargo mover. Our MX guys disliked the TBM, especially the brakes. They love the PC - they compared it to the likes of a twin otter we had years ago.

Beloved by every single owner that has one. I even know one who is in the final stages of buying a King Air but absolutely will NOT part with his Pilatus, he loves it so much.

What it lacks in speed it more than makes up for in roominess, payload, and distance.

The PC-12 is an especially good choice if planning on flying into unimproved/dirt strips (like the principal's ranch, for instance).

Perhaps speed is the #1 concern here. Not enough info to go on.

Ce-650-III.

Those tend to be a little pricier than the OPs price range.

Ill throw the Lear 31A into the conversation. You can find them for 1 million and up and IMHO its a much better choice than the Beech Jet. I have had 2 pilots, 7 passengers, bags for a 4 day trip, and full fuel and gone 930nm. The range and the baggage compartment (inside the aircraft behind the aft bench seat) are the only con's of the 31A that I have noticed. And I think it looks much better on a ramp than the Phenom