
Cessna 185 Skywagon Pre-Buy Checklist
Single Piston · 1961-1985 · 2,900 active
Purchase Price
$30K-$200K
Prebuy Items
—
ADs
—
Insurance
$1,915
per year (experienced)
Purchase Price by Year
1960-1969
$31K-$60K
1970-1979
$43K-$84K
1980-1985
$63K-$121K
1990-1985
$97K-$186K
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cessna 185 Skywagon cost?
Typical purchase price: $30K-$200K
What should I check before buying a Cessna 185 Skywagon?
Have a qualified A&P mechanic perform a thorough pre-buy inspection of the airframe, engine, avionics, and logbooks.
How much is insurance for a Cessna 185 Skywagon?
Experienced pilots: $1,915-$2,340/year.
Are there any known issues with the Cessna 185 Skywagon?
Check FAA airworthiness directives and type club resources for known issues.
Cost Summary
Purchase$30K-$200K
Annual Fixed$5,115/yr
Hourly Variable$67.00/hr
5-Year Total$89K-$325K
Engine
ModelContinental IO-520-D
Power300 HP
TBO2,000 hrs
Overhaul$25,000-$35,000
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always hire a qualified A&P mechanic for a professional pre-buy inspection. Data sourced from FAA records and industry benchmarks.