Cessna 206 vs Cessna 185
The Cessna 206 Stationair (six-seat tricycle gear, ~140-150 kt) and Cessna 185 Skywagon (four-to-six-seat tailwheel, ~145 kt) are different-gear utility aircraft — the 206 is the modern tricycle six-seater; the 185 is the tailwheel utility classic.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 160
- Median asking
- $470,636
- Range
- $171,175–$898,750
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 63
- Source marketplaces
- 20
- Model years available
- 1962–2026
- For sale now
- 70
- Median asking
- $280,000
- Range
- $189,000–$429,900
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 24
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1961–1985
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 206 | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 292 | 476 |
| Serious | 23 | 23 |
| Fatal | 55 | 43 |
| Fatalities | 147 | 93 |
| % Fatal | 19% | 9% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 206 | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $171,175 – $898,750 | $189,000 – $429,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 142 kts (263 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 840 nm (1,556 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 206
Cessna 185
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 206 or Cessna 185?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 for tricycle gear, six seats and the modern in-production-era cabin. Choose the 185 for tailwheel backcountry capability and the bush-flying classic — accepting tailwheel operations and an older airframe.
Pick the 206 if…
- Budget matters — from $171,175 vs $189,000, you save ~$17,825.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1961.
- More inventory — 160 listings vs 68.
Pick the 185 if…
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.