How much is a 1985 Subaru BRAT worth?
Typically, a 1985 Subaru BRAT is worth between about $5,000 and $25,000, with most driver-quality examples in the $8,000 to $15,000 range depending on condition, originality, and documentation.
As a mid-1980s model with distinctive seating and off-road capability, the BRAT carries niche appeal for Subaru enthusiasts and collectors. Value hinges on how original the car is, how well it runs, and how faithfully it has been maintained or restored. The following sections outline current value ranges, the factors that drive price, and practical steps to assess a BRAT’s worth in today’s market.
Current value ranges by condition
Below are typical market ranges you may see in listings and auctions for US-spec 1985 BRATs, based on condition and originality. Regional demand and the presence of desirable features can shift these figures somewhat.
- Poor to rough condition (non-running or extensive rust/body work needed): $2,000 – $6,000
- Fair to good runner with cosmetic flaws: $6,000 – $9,000
- Good driver, mostly original or lightly restored: $9,000 – $15,000
- Excellent or well-documented original, or professionally restored: $15,000 – $22,000
- Show-quality, low-mileage, or rare factory options and provenance: $22,000 – $30,000+
Prices above reflect current market activity for clean, operable BRATs. Exceptional provenance, immaculate restorations, or unique factory specifications can push values higher, while non-original modifications or significant rust can suppress them.
What factors influence price
Prices are shaped by several variables. The following factors have the strongest impact on BRAT valuations.
- Overall condition and mechanical reliability
- Originality versus restoration quality, including documentation
- Mileage and wear on critical components (engine, transmission, suspension)
- Body integrity and rust, especially undercarriage and rocker areas
- Market demand, regional preferences, and how pristine the vehicle appears in photos
In practice, a BRAT that is mostly original, well-documented, and mechanically sound tends to command the higher end of the range, while heavily modified or poorly maintained examples trend toward the lower end unless the changes themselves are highly desirable or reversible.
Where to check current pricing
To ground expectations with up-to-date data, consult established price guides, auction results, and current listings. The following sources are commonly used by buyers and sellers:
- Hagerty Price Guide for classic cars
- NADA Classic Cars valuation
- Bring a Trailer auction results and active listings
- ClassicCars.com market data and pricing trends
- Local dealer listings, enthusiast forums, and regional auctions
Prices can vary by region and by the timing of auctions or listings. Checking multiple sources and reviewing recent sale results will yield a clearer picture of a BRAT’s current market value.
Recent market observations
Market interest in the Subaru BRAT remains strongest among collectors who prioritize originality and clean, stock configurations. Unmodified vehicles with thorough service records tend to attract higher bids, while cars with significant cosmetic or mechanical issues usually bring lower figures. Regions with a strong classic-car community or higher demand for vintage Subarus often see more aggressive pricing for well-preserved examples.
As with many classics, the BRAT’s value can shift with broader collector-market trends, restoration availability, and the overall appetite for 1980s Japanese vehicles. Prospective buyers and sellers should track current listings and auction results to gauge where a given BRAT sits within its range at any moment.
Summary
The 1985 Subaru BRAT occupies a distinctive niche in the classic-car landscape. While most drivable examples fall in the mid-range, pristine or historically important models can fetch substantially more. Buyers should assess condition, originality, and maintenance history, and consult multiple pricing sources to determine fair market value. For sellers, presenting thorough documentation, a clean mechanical baseline, and a faithful, stock appearance can help maximize offers in today’s market.
How much is a 1984 Subaru BRAT worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,000 for a 1984 Subaru Brat (Truck) GL in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1984 Subaru Brat (Truck) GL? The highest selling price of a 1984 Subaru Brat (Truck) GL at auction over the last three years was $20,983.
Can you still buy parts for a BRAT?
The NAPA Network carries all the Subaru Brat parts, oils and chemicals needed to keep it operating at top performance. Owners appreciate their vehicle looking, feeling and functioning optimally, which is why they trust in NAPA as their one-stop-shop.
How much is a 1985 Toyota pickup worth today?
The price for a 1985 Toyota Pickup varies significantly, but you can expect to pay anywhere from approximately $7,000 to over $18,000 for a vehicle in good to excellent condition. The original MSRP in 1985 ranged from about $6,613 to $11,063 depending on the trim and options. Prices are influenced by condition, mileage, history, and features like the SR5 or 4WD package.
| Category | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average Condition | ~$11,500 | For a 1985 SR5 in good, average condition. |
| Good Condition (Private Sale) | $12,000 - $18,500 | Examples of private sales for Xtracab models in good condition. |
| High Condition (Auction) | Up to $46,200 | The highest auction price achieved in the last three years for an exceptional example. |
| Low Condition (Auction) | ~$7,106 | The lowest auction price for a model needing significant work or with a problematic history. |
| Original MSRP (1985) | $6,613 - $11,063 | This was the starting price new in 1985, depending on the model. |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_QNslacHGM6axi-gP3Mza8Q4_177';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
What was the average price of a used car in 1985?
The average price of a typical used car was $5,431, up only about a half percentage point from 1984's average price of $5,406. The age of a used car also increased slightly, to 4.59 years from 4.5 years in 1984.
