An Echo CS-305 typically costs about $75-$180 used, while clean, serviced examples may reach $200-$250. The model is discontinued, so price depends mainly on condition, included bar and chain, local availability, and whether a seller offers a warranty.
New-old-stock listings are uncommon and can cost more than a current comparable saw; check the serial number, operating condition, and return terms before paying a premium.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used CS-305, running | $75 | $125 | $180 | Price varies with wear and included equipment |
| Serviced used CS-305 | $125 | $175 | $250 | May include tune-up or limited seller warranty |
| Nonrunning saw for parts | $25 | $60 | $100 | Useful only if parts or repair justify the risk |
| Comparable new Echo saw | $200 | $250 | $320 | Current model and dealer pricing vary |
What a running Echo CS-305 usually sells for
Plan on roughly $100-$180 for an ordinary used saw that starts, idles, and cuts properly. A typical listing includes the powerhead, a 14- or 16-inch bar, and one chain, but may not include a case or spare chain. Clean paint alone does not prove good mechanical condition.
Prices near $75-$100 often reflect cosmetic wear, a dull chain, missing accessories, or a private sale with no warranty. A tested, recently serviced unit with a sound bar, chain brake, and compression can reasonably reach $180-$250. Shipping and sales tax can add to the advertised price.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party or small-shop pricing, standard 14- to 16-inch setup, and a complete saw in usable condition.
How bar, chain, and repair work shape the quote
The asking price is only part of the purchase budget. A worn chain, damaged bar, or fuel-system issue can quickly erase the savings over a better-maintained saw. Parts availability can also vary for a discontinued model, so confirm fit before ordering replacement components.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement chain | $15-$30 | One compatible chain | Worn, damaged, or missing chain |
| Replacement bar | $25-$55 | Compatible 14- or 16-inch bar | Rail wear or damage |
| Basic tune-up labor | $50-$100 | Inspection and routine service | Shop minimums and service scope vary |
| Carburetor or fuel repair | $75-$180 | Diagnosis and common repair labor | Parts may be additional |
| Pickup or shipping | $10-$60 | Local transport or basic shipping | Distance and seller terms determine fee |
Repair labor is often billed by time, with small-engine shop rates around $75-$125 per hour. A $90 repair on a $100 saw puts the total near $190 before parts, making a tested higher-priced unit the better value in some cases.
Why engine condition and 14- versus 16-inch bars matter
The CS-305 is a compact gas saw, and a healthy engine is more important than a long bar. A saw with hard starting, unstable idle, fuel leaks, or weak cutting may need service; a 16-inch setup can also put more demand on an aging engine than a shorter bar.
Use the bar length and a cold-start test as negotiating points, not just the seller’s description. Ask to see the saw started from cold, then verify it accelerates cleanly and that the chain brake engages. Inspect the chain tensioner, guide-bar rails, starter, and oiling function. A cracked case or failed brake is a safety concern, not a minor cosmetic defect.
Condition can shift value by $50-$100 or more. A working saw with a sound 14-inch bar may justify a midrange price; a nonrunner should generally be priced as a repair project, especially if the seller cannot identify the fault.
How to lower the CS-305 purchase price safely
Keep the deal focused on a tested saw and avoid paying extra for accessories that are easy to replace. Compare the powerhead condition first, then price a chain, bar, and case separately. A worn chain is a modest expense; poor compression or a damaged crankcase can turn a bargain into an uneconomic repair.
Request the model and serial details, a cold-start demonstration, and a written list of included items. Compare at least two local listings and subtract likely repair costs from the asking price. If the seller cannot demonstrate operation, treat the saw as nonrunning rather than assuming it needs only fresh fuel.
Shop labor and repair totals for common CS-305 problems
Small-engine shops may charge a diagnostic or minimum labor fee of $25-$60, sometimes credited toward approved work. Routine cleaning and adjustment can take about 30-60 minutes; fuel-system troubleshooting or parts replacement may take 1-2 hours, depending on access and parts supply.
Set a repair ceiling before authorizing work. A $75 tune-up on a $125 saw can be sensible if the engine and safety systems are sound. A $150 carburetor and ignition repair on a worn $75 project may exceed the value of a ready-to-use replacement.
Confirm whether the quote includes parts, shop supplies, and tax. Ask whether the shop can source the specific part and whether its labor warranty covers repeat symptoms. Rates are estimates; local shop minimums and parts availability can change the bill.
Used CS-305 versus a newer Echo CS-310
A used CS-305 usually costs less upfront than a new current-model equivalent, but the gap narrows after overdue service or replacement parts. A new comparable Echo CS-310 commonly lists around $200-$320 depending on bar configuration and dealer, and generally includes new components and a manufacturer warranty under its terms.
Choose by total ready-to-cut cost, not by the used saw’s sticker price. For example, a $120 CS-305 plus a $25 chain and $75 service totals about $220 before tax. A $250 new saw may cost more initially but avoids unknown wear. Verify current model specifications and dealer coverage before comparing.
Three realistic CS-305 buying budgets
| Example | Specifications | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic private sale | Running saw, 14-inch bar, buyer replaces chain | $90-$145 |
| Shop-serviced used unit | Tested saw, 16-inch bar, 1 hour service at $75-$125 | $190-$300 |
| Repair project | Nonrunner at $40-$75, 1-2 labor hours plus parts | $140-$325 |
These examples assume ordinary U.S. pricing and exclude unusual shipping or major engine damage. The repair-project total can exceed the price of a new comparable saw. Get a written repair estimate before buying a nonrunner unless the purchase is strictly for parts.
Regional availability and shipping change the final price
In areas with frequent tree work and many small-engine shops, used saws may be easier to inspect and compare. Rural listings can be cheaper, but limited service access or long-distance pickup can offset the discount. A practical local-market range may run 10%-20% above or below the national used estimate.
Shipping a saw can add roughly $25-$60 or more, depending on distance and carrier requirements; fuel and oil must be handled according to shipping rules. A local tested purchase often offers better value than a lower online price with costly delivery and uncertain condition. Check the full delivered price, return policy, and included bar and chain before committing.