Subaru BRAT
The Subaru BRAT is a quirky, 4-wheel drive pickup developed for the American market. It's most famous for its rear-facing jump seats, a clever feature that reclassified it as a passenger car to avoid a hefty import tax.
Subaru BRAT sold for a median of $16,500 over the last 12 months, based on 7 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $5,550 and $16,976. 10 currently for sale.
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19 listed in the past year. The last was 3 weeks ago.
Subaru BRAT prices by version
| Version | Median sale | Middle 50% | Auction sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRAT 2nd Gen | $17k | $13k–$20k | 4 |
| BRAT 1st Gen | $6k | – | 3 |
Auction sales in the last 12 months; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Subaru BRAT prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | $12k | – | 3 | 1 |
| 1979 | $6k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 1982 | $13k | – | 2 | 3 |
| 1984 | $7.6k | $3.6k–$13k | 6 | 0 |
| 1985 | – | – | 1 | 2 |
| 1986 | $13k | $11k–$16k | 7 | 1 |
| 1987 | $28k | – | 3 | 1 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
Subaru BRAT Submodels
The Subaru BRAT, which stands for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, was developed specifically for the American market. It offered the utility of a small pickup with the benefits of on-demand 4-wheel drive. Its most notable feature was the pair of rear-facing jump seats welded into the bed. This wasn't just a gimmick; it allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger car, neatly sidestepping the 25% "chicken tax" on imported light trucks.
The BRAT's collectibility is rooted in its unique character and 1980s nostalgia. It's an unconventional classic that draws attention everywhere it goes, especially with the iconic jump seats that are essential for collectors. Even President Ronald Reagan famously owned one on his ranch. This quirky history and cult following have pushed values steadily upward.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the primary concern. Inspect the bed, floor pans, lower body, and suspension mounting points thoroughly.
- Verify the rear jump seats are present and in good shape. They are crucial to the BRAT's identity and are difficult to source.
- Test the dual-range 4WD system to ensure it engages smoothly in both high and low ranges.
- The EA-series boxer engines are known for oil leaks. Check for weeping around the head gaskets and oil pan.
79 Subaru BRAT vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 10 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Subaru BRAT cost?
Over the last 12 months, Subaru BRAT sold for a median of $16,500 across 7 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $5,550 and $16,976. There are 10 currently for sale.
How many Subaru BRAT listings are for sale right now?
There are 10 Subaru BRAT listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.