Cessna 185 Aircraft in Arizona
Arizona is favoured for aircraft long-term storage and preservation due to its dry desert climate. Major aviation infrastructure in Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott. The state hosts significant aircraft boneyards (Davis-Monthan) and a strong aircraft restoration/refurbishment industry. Phoenix is a major aircraft transaction hub.
2 used Cessna 185 aircraft for sale in Arizona · 6-seat · $195K – $230K · updated 7 hours ago
About the Cessna 185
The Cessna 185 Skywagon is the more powerful big brother of the 180 — a six-seat taildragger built for serious bush, float and utility work, with a 300-horsepower Continental engine and the highest useful load in the Skywagon line. Its combination of power, payload and short-field capability makes it one of the most prized backcountry and floatplane aircraft ever built, and it holds its value strongly. Built from 1961 to 1985 across the 185 and A185 series. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 185 and Skywagon listings currently on the market.
Cessna 185 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 185 is a 6-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 145 kt (269 km/h), a range of 720 nm (1,333 km), and a useful load of 1,440 lbs (653 kg).
2 Cessna 185 For Sale
There are currently 2 used Cessna 185 for sale, ranging from $195,500 to $230,000, with a median asking price of $212,750.
Cessna 185 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185F | 1973–1985 | 6 | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | $190K – $450K | A late Skywagon — a powerful six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. | 11 |
| A185E | 1971–1985 | 6 | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | $265K – $350K | An early Skywagon taildragger — a powerful six-seat bush and float single that holds its value strongly. | 2 |
| A185F | 1973–1985 | 6 | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | $190K – $899K | The most numerous late Skywagon — a six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. | 28 |
Compare Cessna 185
See how the Cessna 185 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Cessna 185 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 185 cost? Used 185 prices: $195K – $230K, average $212K (median $212K), across 2 priced of 2 active listings.
Based on 26 priced listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Cessna 185
Every Cessna 185 faces a mandatory 2,000-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $35,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 2,000-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 185
What is the Cessna 185 Skywagon?
What is the difference between the Cessna 180 and 185?
How much does a Cessna 185 Skywagon cost?
What engine does the Cessna 185 use?
Can the Cessna 185 fly on floats?
How many seats does a Cessna 185 have?
Why do Cessna 185s hold their value so well?
Is the Cessna 185 still in production?
Cessna 185 Inventory by Country
| United States | 49 |
| Canada | 13 |
| South Africa | 2 |
| Norway | 1 |
| Finland | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
Cessna 185 Inventory by State
| Texas | 5 |
| Alaska | 3 |
| Florida | 2 |
| Idaho | 2 |
| Louisiana | 2 |
| Oklahoma | 2 |
| Oregon | 2 |
| South Carolina | 2 |
| Washington | 2 |
| Arizona | 2 |
Cessna 185 by Price
| Under $200k | 9 |
| Under $300k | 33 |
| Under $500k | 55 |
Cessna 185 by Decade
| 1970s | 2 |
Recently Sold Cessna 185
| 1978 185 | $495,000 |
| 1972 185E | $260,479 |
| 1973 185 | $299,000 |
| 1980 A185F | $269,000 |
Cessna 185 Safety Record
Across all 185 variants, 476 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | Phoenix, AZ | Incident | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a left crosswind. |
| Oct 09, 2025 | Rafaela, OF | Incident | — |
| Sep 27, 2025 | Ilwaco, WA | Incident | The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. |
| Apr 07, 2025 | Wausau, WI | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in shifting wind conditions. |
| Jun 24, 2024 | Anchorage, AK | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions. |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 185 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.