How much is a Subaru BRAT worth?
Prices for a Subaru BRAT today vary widely depending on year, condition, and originality. In general, rough or project BRATs can be found for under $10,000, solid drivers often fall in the $15,000–$25,000 range, and well-preserved or expertly restored examples can push toward $30,000–$40,000 or more, especially for rare variants or pristine documentation.
Market snapshot
The BRAT’s value as a classic has grown with the wider interest in vintage Japanese pickups and 1980s nostalgia. Buyers increasingly seek cars with authentic features, low structural rust, and complete service histories. While most BRATs sit in the mid-range, a small subset of well-documented, original, or specially equipped examples can command premium prices.
Price ranges by condition and provenance
Understandable price bands today reflect condition, originality, and documentation. The following ranges illustrate typical market behavior rather than firm guarantees. Use them as a baseline when evaluating listings or negotiating a sale.
- Project or non-running units with significant imperfections or rust: often under $10,000, sometimes substantially less depending on frame and cab integrity.
- Runner or driver-quality BRATs with cosmetic wear and minor mechanical needs: typically $10,000 to $20,000.
- Solid, well-presented drivers with good maintenance history and original parts: around $20,000 to $35,000.
- Showroom-quality, fully restored, or highly original models with strong provenance: approximately $30,000 to $50,000+, with exceptional cases exceeding that range when rare editions or documented history are involved.
Prices fluctuate with the market, and regional demand can shift values. Always verify current listings to calibrate expectations for a specific BRAT.
What makes certain BRATs more valuable
Several factors tend to push a BRAT’s value upward. The following list highlights the key drivers buyers and sellers track when assessing price.
- Originality and matching components: factory specifications, original engine, transmission, and drivetrain details.
- Condition and rust integrity: a solid frame, minimal hidden rust, and well-preserved bodywork.
- Documentation and provenance: complete service history, full title records, and documentation of restorations with correct parts.
- Edition, trim, and rarity: limited or special editions, color combinations, or rare option packages can carry premiums.
- Maintenance history and miles: lower mileage with documented care tends to help value.
- Past ownership and presentation: clean, well-photographed cars with thorough seller disclosures perform better in negotiations.
Understanding these factors helps buyers and sellers set realistic expectations. A BRAT with strong documentation and minimal deviation from original specs often commands the best price in any given market.
Where to look for current prices
To gauge up-to-date values, consult reliable auction results and listings from established outlets. The following sources typically reflect current market sentiment and real transaction prices.
- Bring a Trailer (BAT) for sale results and bidding history on BRATs and similar classics.
- Hemmings Classic Car price guides and marketplace listings for historical context and dealer inventories.
- ClassicCars.com and similar platforms that aggregate collector-car listings and price trends.
- eBay Motors and other auction sites where BRATs appear with varying conditions and reserves.
- Local auctions, specialty car shows, and reputable classic-car dealers for regional pricing signals.
Because auction results can swing with bidding dynamics and rarity, cross-check multiple sources and look for patterns in year, condition, and originality to arrive at a confident price expectation.
How to value a specific BRAT you’re considering
When evaluating a particular Subaru BRAT, use a structured checklist to estimate value and identify any hidden costs. Consider the following steps before making an offer or listing.
- Inspect structural integrity: examine the frame, floor pans, and rocker panels for rust or past repairs.
- Assess mechanicals: verify engine, transmission, four-wheel-drive function, brakes, steering, and cooling systems.
- Evaluate body and interior: check for original paint, rust, upholstery condition, dashboard electronics, and seating integrity.
- Check documentation: collect service records, ownership history, and any restoration receipts or period-correct part lists.
- Research comparable listings: identify several BRATs of similar year and condition to triangulate a fair price.
- Factor potential restoration costs: estimate parts, labor, and any needed upgrades to reach a desired standard.
With these steps, buyers can benchmark a fair price and sellers can price competitively based on verifiable condition and provenance.
Summary
The Subaru BRAT occupies a niche within the classic car market, with values that reflect its age, condition, originality, and documentation. While many BRATs trade in the five- to twenty-some-thousand-dollar range for drivable examples, exceptional, well-documented, or rare editions can push into the high teens or beyond. Prospective buyers should do thorough due diligence, compare multiple listings, and consider both current market indicators and the costs of any needed restoration. As with many collector cars, price today is driven by supply, demand, and the strength of provenance.
How much does a Subaru BRAT cost?
NADA shows the average retail price for a BRAT when new is about $2,500. You can expect to pay about $4,000-$30,000 for one today.
How much is a 1987 Subaru BRAT worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,000 for a 1987 Subaru Brat (Truck) GL in good condition with average spec.
How rare are Subaru BRATs?
How many Subaru BRATs were made? Records indicate that there were about 100k Subaru BRAT pickup trucklets sold in the US. Most of them became work trucks and, unfortunately, have since been left to waste away in junkyards or backyards. Finding a nice example to take home is a difficult task.
How much is a 1978 Subaru BRAT worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,000 for a 1978 Subaru Brat (Truck) in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1978 Subaru Brat (Truck)? The highest selling price of a 1978 Subaru Brat (Truck) at auction over the last three years was $13,125.
