A Jonsered CS 2255 typically costs $150-$350 used in the U.S., while a serviced or refurbished saw can reach $300-$500. Condition, included bar and chain, local availability, and whether the engine starts and runs reliably have the biggest effect on price; the model is discontinued, so new-stock listings may be scarce or unusually expensive.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used saw, as-is | $100 | $225 | $350 | Price depends on starting condition and included equipment |
| Tested used saw | $200 | $325 | $450 | Running saw with ordinary wear and a usable bar |
| Refurbished saw | $300 | $400 | $550 | May include service, replacement parts, or seller coverage |
| Repair before use | $40 | $150 | $350 | Minor service through more substantial engine or fuel-system work |
Estimates reflect typical U.S. private-sale and repair pricing; local listings and saw condition vary.
What a used Jonsered CS 2255 usually costs
For a working CS 2255 in ordinary condition, budgeting about $250-$350 is a reasonable starting point. The lower end, roughly $100-$200, is more typical of an untested saw, a machine needing repair, or a local sale with limited accessories. A clean, tested example with a serviceable bar and chain may list for $275-$450. A professional rebuild or documented refurbishment can push an asking price toward $500 or more.
These are used-market estimates, not a current manufacturer price. Jonsered no longer sells this model as a new production chainsaw in the U.S., and remaining dealer inventory is not consistent. A listing advertised as new old stock may command a premium, but buyers should verify that it is genuinely unused, complete, and supported with available parts before paying extra.
CS 2255 listings commonly refer to a gasoline-powered saw in the roughly 55 cc class. The exact bar, chain, condition, and included items matter more to the transaction than a seller’s description of the model alone. Assumptions: standard saw configuration, private-party purchase, no major engine fault, and local pickup.
How bar length and running condition shift the asking price
Buyers should compare the saw’s condition and included equipment rather than treating every listing with the same model number as equal. A seller may include a short bar, a longer bar, extra chains, a carrying case, or spare parts. Those items can add practical value, but only if they fit the saw, are usable, and do not conceal mechanical problems.
A used bar and chain set may add approximately $25-$75 in realistic resale value; a new replacement set can cost more. A longer bar does not automatically justify a higher price because it may be worn, mismatched, or unsuitable for the buyer’s cutting needs. Ask for the bar length, chain pitch and gauge, and clear photos of the bar rails and drive links.
Starting and running condition is usually the strongest price divider. A saw that starts cold, idles, accelerates, oils the chain, and cuts under load is more valuable than one that merely fires briefly. A clean exterior is not proof of sound compression or a healthy crankcase. Value a testable, working saw above a cosmetically clean but unverified one.
What the seller’s price covers beyond the powerhead
When the saw needs work, its purchase price is only part of the budget. A basic tune-up can be worthwhile, but repairs to the fuel system, ignition, cylinder, or crankcase may exceed the value of an average used example. The table gives approximate U.S. shop ranges; actual quotes depend on diagnostic time, parts availability, and local labor rates.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it may include | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic service | $40-$100 | Cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and basic starting checks | Helps identify routine maintenance needs |
| Fuel system parts | $25-$100 | Fuel line, filter, primer, or carburetor components | Can address leaks or poor fuel delivery |
| Carburetor work | $60-$180 | Cleaning, repair kit, adjustment, or replacement | Range depends on diagnosis and part choice |
| Bar and chain | $25-$120 | Used replacement set at the low end; new compatible parts at the high end | Confirm pitch, gauge, and length before buying |
| Major engine repair | $200-$500+ | Substantial cylinder, piston, or crankcase work | May make replacement more economical |
| Shop labor | $75-$140 per hour | Inspection and repair time, often subject to a minimum charge | Ask whether diagnosis is credited toward repair |
A repair shop may charge a diagnostic or minimum fee of about $30-$80, even if the owner declines the work. Example: 1.5-2.5 labor hours at $75-$140 per hour equals approximately $113-$350 before parts. Get a written estimate that separates diagnosis, labor, and parts.
Which engine and wear issues can change the quote?
Two CS 2255 saws can look similar but have very different repair exposure. Ask the seller to demonstrate a cold start, warm idle, throttle response, and chain lubrication. Check whether the chain brake engages, the trigger returns properly, and the saw does not continue running erratically. If a seller cannot test it, treat the purchase as a project rather than pricing it like a confirmed runner.
Compression readings can help, but a single number is not a complete diagnosis; gauge quality, temperature, and testing technique affect results. A reading below roughly 120 psi is a reason to investigate, not an automatic verdict. A mechanic can assess compression and leak-related symptoms more reliably. Scoring visible through the exhaust port, metal debris, or hard starting can justify walking away or negotiating a substantially lower price.
Fuel-related faults and ordinary wear are usually less financially risky than major internal damage. A carburetor issue might be resolved for $60-$180, while a more extensive engine repair can cost $200-$500 or more. A worn chain brake, damaged clutch cover, missing parts, or a cracked handle can also affect both safe operation and total repair cost. Subtract the likely repair bill from the price of a comparable working saw before making an offer.
Private sellers, repair shops, and regional price differences
Private listings often have the lowest asking prices, but they may offer no return period or service record. A repair shop or equipment dealer may charge more for a tested or refurbished saw because the price can include inspection, adjustments, and limited coverage. Ask exactly what was repaired and what any warranty covers; “serviced” can mean anything from cleaning to extensive parts replacement.
Regional supply affects used prices, but there is no single reliable national premium. In areas with many firewood cutters, landscapers, or forestry users, a well-maintained mid-size saw may attract more buyers. In places where the model is less common, availability of compatible parts or local repair knowledge may matter more than the original purchase price. As a rough budgeting adjustment, a scarce local market can run 10%-20% above a comparable listing in a more competitive market.
Shipping is another regional cost. A shipped saw may add roughly $30-$100 or more depending on distance, packaging, and carrier rules, and a buyer may still need to pay for inspection or service after delivery. Local pickup makes it easier to test the saw and inspect for fuel leaks or missing equipment. Compare delivered cost, not just the number in the listing.
Three realistic CS 2255 purchase budgets
The examples below show how purchase price and condition can combine. They are planning scenarios, not fixed market quotes; sellers, parts suppliers, and repair shops set their own prices. Each assumes a standard configuration and excludes tax unless applicable.
| Scenario | Purchase | Added expense | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| As-is project saw | $125-$175 | $100-$250 for diagnosis and common repairs | $225-$425 |
| Tested working saw | $250-$350 | $25-$75 for chain or routine service | $275-$425 |
| Shop-refurbished example | $350-$500 | $0-$75 for immediate setup or consumables | $350-$575 |
For an as-is purchase, the low purchase price only makes sense when the fault is understood and repair parts are available. A tested saw may cost more up front but can reduce uncertainty. A refurbished example costs the most, so the buyer should confirm what work was performed, whether the bar and chain are included, and whether the shop provides any written coverage.
Assumptions: local purchase, no unusual shipping charge, and no major structural damage. A $300 tested saw can be a better value than a $150 nonrunner that needs $250 in shop work.
Repair or replace when a CS 2255 needs major work?
Repair is easier to justify when the saw has a known minor problem, the powerhead is sound, and the total estimate remains well below the cost of a comparable tested replacement. For example, a $225 saw that needs a $60 fuel-line repair may still be a sensible purchase. The calculation changes if the estimate includes major engine work, several safety components, and a replacement bar and chain.
Use a practical comparison: add purchase price, diagnosis, parts, labor, and any shipping, then compare that sum with the price of a running saw in similar condition. If the project total approaches $350-$500, a buyer should inspect available working alternatives before committing. Parts availability can also affect the decision because an inexpensive repair on paper may be delayed or complicated by a hard-to-find component.
Replacement does not have to mean buying the same model. A compatible used chainsaw from another brand may be more affordable to maintain locally, while a newer saw can cost more but offer easier parts support. Compare displacement, intended bar length, service access, and local repair options rather than assuming another saw with a similar price will perform identically. Base the decision on the complete repair total and parts access, not sunk purchase cost.
How to lower the price without overlooking safety
Price negotiation works best when it is tied to observable condition. Bring a short list of checks: cold start, idle, acceleration, chain brake, chain oiling, bar wear, and missing parts. If the seller allows a shop inspection, its findings can support a fair offer. If testing is refused, the offer should account for uncertainty instead of assuming the saw only needs a tune-up.
Keep the scope controlled. Buying a powerhead without a usable bar and chain may appear cheaper, but a correctly matched replacement can add $25-$120 or more. Confirm compatibility before purchasing parts. Avoid paying extra for accessories that are worn or unnecessary, and do not treat a newly sharpened chain as evidence that the engine is healthy.
Compare at least three nearby listings for the same model or similar-size saws, adjusting for running condition and included equipment. Ask whether the asking price includes recent service, and request receipts where available. A cash offer does not make a questionable saw a bargain; a clear defect, incomplete parts, or an unknown engine condition should be reflected in the total budget.
Safety-related repairs should not be skipped to reduce the bill. A faulty chain brake, damaged throttle control, cracked handle, or defective safety interlock can make a saw unsafe to operate. Save money by choosing a sound saw and limiting unnecessary upgrades, not by postponing safety repairs.
Questions that affect the final Jonsered 2255 price
Is a new CS 2255 still sold in the United States? The model is discontinued, so ordinary new retail stock is limited. A listing marked new may be old inventory or a private resale; confirm the saw’s condition and what support is included before paying a premium.
Is $400 too much for a used CS 2255? Not necessarily. It may be reasonable for a clean, tested saw with usable equipment or documented service, but it is high for an untested machine with no repair history. Compare the total with local working alternatives.
How much should a buyer reserve for first service? Set aside about $40-$100 for basic service, with a larger reserve if the saw has starting, fuel, or cutting problems. A shop inspection can add a diagnostic charge before repairs begin.
Should the bar length determine the offer? It is one part of the value, not the whole price. Verify that the bar and chain are compatible and in usable condition. Engine health, safety controls, and maintenance history generally matter more than a longer bar alone.
What details should a buyer request before meeting the seller? Ask whether the saw starts cold, idles, accelerates, oils the chain, and cuts under load; also request the bar length, included chains, repair history, and clear photos. Those answers help distinguish a $150 project from a $300-plus working saw.