HangarMath

Cessna 185 Skywagon Pre-Buy Checklist

Single Piston · 1961-1985 · 2,900 active

Full Cost Data

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

Insurance Estimates

New PPL$2,588-$3,738
Experienced$1,915-$2,340

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.