1973 Cessna 185F
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
BTHGarmin glass panel setup with PFD/MFD and synthetic vision Garmin touchscreen IFR-capable avionics Garmin audio panel Garmin Flight Stream 510 Garmin ADS-B/transponder capability XM/weather-related capability appears to be installed Digital clock/timer and charging provisions noted on the equipment list Overall
this aircraft presents as a seriously upgraded modernized 185 panelDescription
Congratulations, you have found the back country aircraft you have been looking for! If you have been searching for the nicest 185 on the market, N192JR is a serious contender. This is a beautifully presented, exceptionally well-equipped A185F Skywagon with the kind of pedigree buyers want most: hangared, highly upgraded, and showing no damage history. With approximately 7,840 hours total time, a 300 HP Continental conversion with roughly 400 hours since remanufactured, and a 3-blade MT composite prop with about 330 hours since new, this airplane brings together performance, utility, and pride of ownership in one outstanding package. The panel and equipment list are equally impressive. N192JR features a modern Garmin glass cockpit and IFR-capable avionics suite, along with numerous high-value improvements that make this one of the most desirable 185s available. Notable upgrades include Sportsman STOL, vortex generators, P. Ponk landing gear, Seaplanes West engine mount, BAS shoulder harnesses, Rosen visors, LED exterior lighting, dual toe brakes, and more. With a useful load of approximately 1,184 pounds, it remains every bit as practical as it is attractive. Just as important is what this airplane is not. N192JR is not a float or ski airplane, and that should be viewed as a major benefit, not a drawback. Buyers who understand these aircraft know that avoiding float and ski use can mean less structural stress, less exposure to harsh environments, and a more confidence-inspiring airframe. In other words, this is the kind of straight, structurally sound 185 that discriminating buyers actively seek out. Finished in a sharp paint scheme and reportedly repainted in 2017, this Skywagon has the looks to match its equipment, capability, and condition. It is a premium example for the buyer who does not want to compromise on pedigree, presentation, or upgrades. No damage history. No excuses. Just one of the finest Cessna 185s on the market today.
Engine
300 HP Continental conversion Approx. 400 hours since reman Excellent powerplant setup for the buyer who wants true 185 performance 3-blade MT composite prop Approx. 400 hours since new Premium propeller upgrade that enhances both performance and ramp appeal
Interior
STOL / Performance / Structural Upgrades Sportsman STOL kit Vortex generators P. Ponk landing gear Seaplanes West engine mount Heavy-duty utility-focused upgrades throughout Built for serious backcountry-capable performance while retaining excellent overall presentation Exterior / Lighting / Utility Features Sharp, attractive paint scheme Repainted in 2017 LED nav lights LED wingtip strobes LED flashing beacon Dual push-to-talk switches Dual toe brakes Wheel pants Utility and convenience enhancements throughout Interior / Cabin / Comfort Cabin and interior upgrades noted on the spec sheet Rosen sun visors BAS-style safety/comfort upgrades appear included Designed to be both practical and attractive for the owner who wants a premium 185
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison 1 active offer
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wisconsin Aviation
trade-a-plane.com
|
$450,000
|
Watertown, WI | Apr 02, 2026 | — | Active |
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AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Cessna 185F
This 1973 Cessna 185F (N192JR) is a 6-seat single engine piston with 7,800 hours on the airframe. There are currently 11 185F aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $190,000 to $450,000. This aircraft is priced above the market average at $450,000.
The 185F cruises at 145 kts (269 km/h) with a range of 720 nm (1,333 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights.
Operating costs: Fuel burn is 15.5 GPH (59 L/h), which at current Jet-A prices (~$5.50/gal) means approximately $85/hr in fuel alone. Total variable cost including maintenance reserves is approximately $175/hr. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew, annual inspection) average $22,000. With 7,800 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (2,000 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.
NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record. Mechanics have filed 10 service difficulty reports for this type — common maintenance items to discuss during pre-buy.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Cessna 185F — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimateCESSNA 185F
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA 185F. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
FAA registration data pending for N192JR.
Location & Ownership
Title Status
No FAA title records
Available for US-registered aircraft only
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.
Safety Record
NTSB safety data coming soon.
We'll check N192JR against the NTSB accident database.
Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna 185F
SDRs are reports filed by mechanics about problems found during maintenance. 10 recent reports for this aircraft type.
UPON INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF THE ABI 3413-01K TAIL WHEEL FORK ASSY, A CRACK WAS DISCOVERED. PHOTOS UPON REQUEST.
MOUNTED IN THE RT FRONT POSITION, FOUND BROKEN DURING OIL CHANGE.
INSTALLED NEW ACORN WELDING LTD. EXHAUST STACKS AND MUFFLER ON FACTORY NEW IO-550D ENGINE. BOTH EXHAUST STACKS CRACKED WITHIN 60 HOURS; REPLACED BOTH STACKS WITH NEW ACORN STACKS; ONE OF THE NEW STACKS CRACKED (1" HOLE) WITHIN 30 HOURS. REMOVED FRO...
WHILE EXECUTING A WHEEL LANDING ON RWY 29 AT AWO, UPON TOUCH DOWN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN A GENTLE DRIFT TO THE RIGHT WHICH COULD NOT BE CORRECTED WITH LEFT BRAKE OR LEFT RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT, EXITED THE RUNWAY ONTO THE GRAS...
THE AIRCRAFT CABIN HEADLINER WAS REMOVED FOR MAINTENANCE. AFTER REMOVAL, SEVERE INTERGRANULAR CORROSION WAS FOUND ON THE CARRY THROUGH SPAR. THIS RENDERED THE SPAR UNAIRWORTHY AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED ...
CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED IN BOTH LH AND RH TAILWHEEL STEERING BELLCRANK BRACKETS DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION. PN-0712039-1. THESE BRACKETS HOLD THE BELLCRANK THAT COMBINES THE INPUT FOR AIR RUDDER AND TAIL WHEEL STEERING. CRACKS ORIGINATED IN BOTH BRACKE...
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.