Cessna U206G vs Cessna 185
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna U206G
- For sale now
- 9
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 6
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1979–1986
Cessna 185
- 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 U206G | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 119 | 476 |
| Serious | 16 | 23 |
| Fatal | 37 | 43 |
| Fatalities | 106 | 93 |
| % Fatal | 31% | 9% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna U206G | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $260,125 – $572,925 | $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 | — | 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 | — | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna U206G
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Cessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna U206G or Cessna 185?
Pick the U206G if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $260,125, you save ~$71,125.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
- More inventory — 68 listings vs 9.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna U206G or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The U206G cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 185: from $216,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna U206G and Cessna 185?
U206G engine: Continental IO-520-A (300 hp).
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
Cruise: 142 vs 145 kts.
Range: 840 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
U206G: about $160/hr variable cost.
185: about $175/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
U206G: 6 seats / 1,400 lb useful load.
185: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
U206G: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
185: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data