A Graco Ultra 500 airless paint sprayer typically costs about $400-$1,500 used, with a practical average near $850 for a working unit in serviceable condition. Price depends mainly on pump condition, included hose and gun, maintenance history, and whether the machine has been tested under pressure; refurbished or unusually complete units may cost more.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used working sprayer | $400 | $850 | $1,500 | Price varies with condition and included accessories |
| Refurbished unit | $900 | $1,400 | $2,000 | Ask what was replaced and what warranty applies |
| Repair after purchase | $100 | $350 | $900+ | Minor service through major pump or motor work |
| Replacement tip | $25 | $45 | $80 | Depends on tip type and brand |
What a Graco Ultra 500 Usually Costs Used
Most buyers should budget $400-$1,500 for a used Graco Ultra 500. Units near the low end may have cosmetic wear, missing accessories, an uncertain service record, or a repair need. A tested machine with a sound pump, functional pressure control, and usable hose and gun commonly falls around $650-$1,100.
Prices are estimates for the U.S. resale market, not a fixed current retail price. The Ultra 500 is an older model, and availability changes by location and season. A seller asking more than $1,500 should be able to support the premium with documented refurbishment, a meaningful warranty, or valuable included equipment.
For a typical purchase, allow roughly $850 for the sprayer and set aside another $150-$350 for inspection, wear parts, or accessories. A quote should identify the exact machine and included parts, since an advertised price may cover the sprayer only.
Assumptions: used equipment, ordinary U.S. market conditions, standard working configuration, and no major hidden defect.
What the Pump, Hose, and Gun Add to the Quote
The machine’s asking price is only one part of the purchase. A complete setup can include a spray gun, high-pressure hose, tip and guard, suction tube, filters, and service parts. Missing components can turn an apparently low listing into a more expensive purchase, especially if replacement parts must be ordered individually.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the price | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprayer body and motor | $350-$1,200 | Age, pressure performance, and service history | Request a demonstration with paint or test fluid |
| Spray gun | $75-$250 | Model, wear, and trigger condition | Check trigger action and seal leakage |
| High-pressure hose | $40-$150 | Length, pressure rating, and condition | Reject bulges, exposed reinforcement, or damaged ends |
| Tip, guard, and filters | $25-$100 | Tip size and number of replacement parts | Confirm compatibility with the gun |
| Pickup or freight | $0-$250 | Distance, packaging, and carrier | Include delivery before comparing listings |
Repair shops may also charge a diagnostic or bench fee, often about $75-$150, before quoting parts and labor. Some apply the fee toward approved work. Compare complete, pressure-tested packages rather than the machine-only sticker price.
Typical shop labor is about $85-$150 per hour; the estimate depends on local rates and the time needed to diagnose the fault.
Which Pump and Motor Conditions Raise the Price
Pump performance is the most consequential condition variable. A unit that starts but cannot hold pressure may need packing, valves, or more extensive pump work. Intermittent pressure, fluid leakage, unusual knocking, and a motor that trips or overheats are reasons to discount the asking price until a qualified technician evaluates it.
Included equipment also affects value. A 50-foot hose, serviceable gun, and compatible tip can add practical value compared with a bare machine, but only if each item is in safe condition. A worn tip is inexpensive to replace; a damaged high-pressure hose is not a harmless cosmetic issue and should not be used.
For a machine used on larger jobs, ask whether it can spray continuously without pressure fluctuations and whether its controls operate correctly across the expected working range. A seller’s statement that the motor runs is not proof that the pump builds pressure or delivers a consistent spray pattern.
Pay a premium for demonstrated performance and credible service records, not simply for a clean exterior. A short test can reveal leaks and unstable pressure, but it does not replace a technician’s inspection where major wear is suspected.
How to Reduce the Graco 500 Purchase and Repair Bill
Set a maximum price based on the complete working setup, then deduct the likely cost of missing or worn parts. If the machine cannot be demonstrated, treat the purchase as a repair-risk transaction rather than a ready-to-use sprayer. Ask for a clear list of what is included and a written description of known faults.
Compare at least three local listings or repair-shop offers, matching condition and accessories as closely as possible. A distant listing may look cheaper until freight and the risk of shipping damage are included. Local pickup allows a visual check and, when the seller agrees, a basic operating test.
Where a repair is needed, request a written estimate that separates diagnostic charge, parts, labor, and any warranty. Compare that total with the price of a tested Ultra 500 or a newer compatible sprayer. Avoid replacing every accessory at once if serviceable parts are included, but do not reuse damaged high-pressure components to save a small amount.
The safest savings usually come from buying a tested, complete unit at a fair price rather than gambling on the cheapest untested listing. A modest discount is not worthwhile if one major pump repair erases it.
Three Realistic Ultra 500 Buying Scenarios
These examples show how condition and included equipment can move the total. They are budgeting illustrations, not quotes for a particular seller or guaranteed repair outcome.
| Scenario | Machine price | Added expense | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Untested local pickup, machine only | $400-$600 | $150-$500 for inspection or likely wear parts | $550-$1,100 |
| Working setup with gun and hose | $700-$1,100 | $30-$100 for filters or a replacement tip | $730-$1,200 |
| Shop-refurbished package | $1,100-$1,700 | $0-$150 for delivery or small extras | $1,100-$1,850 |
The untested example carries the widest risk because a diagnostic result could point to a minor service or a major repair. Refurbished pricing is most defensible when the seller lists the work performed, identifies replaced components, and states the length and coverage of any warranty.
For price comparisons, use the estimated total after repairs and delivery, not the initial asking price. If the total approaches the cost of a newer machine with a warranty, the older unit may no longer be the lower-cost choice.
How Ultra 500 Prices Compare With Newer Sprayers
A used Ultra 500 can make financial sense when it is operational, parts are available, and the buyer already has compatible accessories. The lower entry price is less compelling when the unit needs a pump rebuild, has no service history, or will be used for paid work where downtime has a cost.
Newer contractor-grade airless sprayers often range from about $700-$1,600 for entry or mid-tier equipment, while higher-capacity professional models can run roughly $1,500-$3,000 or more. Exact prices vary by model, package, retailer, and included gun, hose, and warranty. Those figures are broad comparisons, not direct equivalents to the Ultra 500’s specifications.
For occasional home projects, a smaller or lower-cost sprayer may be sufficient, while frequent use may justify a newer model with current support and a documented warranty. A rental may cost about $75-$150 per day, depending on location and equipment class; for a short project, that can beat buying an older machine and paying for repairs.
Compare intended workload, warranty, parts support, and total ownership expense alongside purchase price. A used unit is not automatically a bargain if service access is limited or the buyer needs dependable daily operation.
Why Local Market and Shipping Change the Asking Price
Local availability influences used equipment pricing. In large metro areas with more contractors and listings, buyers may find more choices and negotiate against comparable machines. In rural areas, fewer listings can mean higher asking prices or a longer trip to inspect and collect equipment. Differences of roughly 10%-25% between local markets are plausible, but condition usually matters more than geography.
Freight can add $75-$250 or more depending on distance, packaging, and carrier requirements. Because the sprayer is heavy and contains components that should be protected, shipping should be priced before purchase. Ask who is responsible if the package arrives damaged and whether the seller will drain and secure the equipment properly.
Season can also affect listings. Demand for painting equipment may rise in spring and summer, while late-season sellers may be more willing to negotiate. That pattern is not guaranteed; a well-maintained machine can remain priced firmly regardless of month.
Use local comparable listings and a delivered total to judge whether an asking price is reasonable. A low online price is not a savings if shipping, missing parts, or travel costs erase the difference.
What to Check Before Paying for an Older Graco Sprayer
Before buying, ask the seller to identify the exact model and show the machine running. Inspect the power cord, switch, controls, fluid passages, suction assembly, and exterior for damage or signs of leakage. Check the hose for cuts, bulges, exposed reinforcement, or damaged fittings; a questionable hose should be replaced, not patched for high-pressure use.
Ask when the pump was last serviced, what parts were replaced, and whether receipts are available. If the seller cannot demonstrate spray performance, request permission for a repair shop to inspect it or negotiate a price that reflects the uncertainty. A written return period or limited warranty can reduce risk, though used private sales often provide neither.
Confirm that the gun, guard, filters, and tips are compatible with the equipment and suitable for the intended coating. If a project requires a particular flow rate, coating type, or extended daily use, have a technician confirm that the machine is appropriate before committing to a costly repair.
A pressure test, clear service history, and safe hose condition are worth more than cosmetic cleanup. Set aside funds for routine maintenance even when the sprayer appears ready for work.