A used STIHL 012 AV chainsaw typically costs about $75-$250, with a working, well-kept saw often priced near $150. The final price depends most on whether it starts and cuts reliably, its bar and chain condition, parts availability, and local demand for older equipment.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonrunning or parts saw | $25 | $55 | $90 | Condition and included parts determine value |
| Running STIHL 012 AV | $75 | $150 | $250 | Assumes ordinary wear and a usable bar |
| Clean, serviced example | $175 | $250 | $350 | Higher asking prices need proof of service and good condition |
| Basic service after purchase | $50 | $100 | $180 | May include inspection, adjustment, or common tune-up work |
| Replacement chain | $15 | $25 | $40 | Must match bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive links |
Assumptions: U.S. private-sale pricing, used saw in ordinary condition, before tax, shipping, or major repairs.
What a used STIHL 012 AV usually costs
The STIHL 012 AV is a discontinued, older homeowner chainsaw, so its price is driven by condition rather than a current manufacturer list price. A complete saw that starts, idles, accelerates, oils the chain, and cuts is commonly worth around $100-$200 in a private sale. A buyer should treat $150 as a practical reference point, not a guaranteed market value.
For a running saw with ordinary cosmetic wear, budgeting $100-$200 is a reasonable starting range. A lower-priced example may need carburetor work, fuel-system parts, a chain, or other repairs. A clean saw advertised above $250 should have a clear reason for the premium, such as a recent documented service, strong compression, and a good bar and chain.
The 012 AV’s age means local availability can be uneven. One seller may price it as a useful old tool; another may ask more because it is a collectible or has been restored. Asking prices are not the same as completed sale prices. Buyers should compare several similar saws and adjust for mechanical condition, accessories, and shipping.
How the bar, chain, and service shape the quote
With an older chainsaw, the purchase price is only part of the expected expense. The table separates common quote components; not every item applies to every purchase. Repair estimates can vary widely because replacement parts for a discontinued model may be used, aftermarket, or difficult to source.
| Cost component | Typical range | What changes the amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar and chain | $35-$100 | Bar length, chain specification, and quality | Worn, damaged, or missing cutting equipment |
| Basic inspection and tune-up labor | $50-$120 | Shop minimum, diagnosis, and time needed | Running saw needing adjustment or maintenance |
| Fuel and air system parts | $15-$80 | Diaphragms, filters, lines, and part availability | Hard starting, poor idle, or fuel leakage |
| Ignition or engine repair | $40-$200+ | Part condition, labor, and engine damage | No spark, low compression, or internal wear |
| Shipping or local delivery | $0-$60 | Distance, carrier, packaging, and seller terms | Remote purchase rather than local pickup |
Repair labor is commonly billed at about $75-$125 per hour, though shops may use a minimum diagnostic charge of $25-$75. A simple inspection may take less than an hour, while a saw that needs diagnosis and several repairs can take two or more billable hours.
Confirm the bar and chain specifications before pricing replacements. A bar that physically fits is not enough: pitch, gauge, mount, and chain drive-link count must match. A seller’s included chain may also be stretched, damaged, or the wrong size, reducing its practical value.
Why compression, starting, and parts availability matter
Mechanical condition is the largest price variable. A saw that starts cold, holds an idle, responds to throttle, and oils the chain is worth more than one described only as “ran last year.” Ask to see it start from cold if possible. A warm engine can conceal a hard-starting problem, and a short idle demonstration does not prove that it cuts under load.
Compression-test readings need to be interpreted with the tester and engine condition in mind; a single number is not a substitute for inspection. A mechanic can assess compression, spark, fuel delivery, and crankcase sealing. If the saw has weak compression, persistent air leaks, or damaged internal parts, repair costs can exceed the value of the machine.
Parts availability also affects the offer. Common consumables such as filters, spark plugs, and chains are easier to replace than model-specific engine or housing parts. Before paying a premium for a restoration, verify that its major components are present and that the seller can identify completed work. A repaired appearance does not establish mechanical reliability.
For an untested 012 AV, price it as a repair candidate rather than as a proven runner. A nonrunning saw around $25-$90 may make sense for parts or for a buyer who can do the work. Paying $150 or more for a no-start example is difficult to justify unless it includes valuable, confirmed parts or has a clear, inexpensive fault.
Bar length and repair scope can move the price sharply
Many older homeowner saws are sold with bars around 14-16 inches, but configurations differ. A longer bar does not automatically make an 012 AV more valuable: it must be compatible with the saw, in good condition, and appropriate for the engine. A worn or mismatched bar can be a replacement expense rather than an upgrade.
Repair scope matters more than a small difference in asking price. A chain and filter may be a manageable $20-$60 expense, while a carburetor service or fuel-system refresh can bring the total repair bill into the $75-$180 range. Major engine work can reach $200-$400 or more, which commonly exceeds the value of an ordinary working 012 AV.
Accessories add value only when useful and in good condition. A fitted scabbard, sharp compatible chain, or original manual might add modest convenience, but accessories rarely justify a large markup on their own. A spare chain is worth little if its specifications or condition are uncertain.
Use the likely repair bill to set the maximum offer, not the seller’s original purchase price. For example, a $90 saw needing $80 of confirmed service has a projected cost of $170 before fuel and taxes. If a tested runner is available locally for a similar amount, the cheaper nonrunner may not be the better buy.
How local demand changes STIHL 012 AV prices
Regional prices are less predictable than prices for current models because older 012 AV saws are not sold in consistent numbers. As a rough comparison, private-sale prices in high-cost metro areas can run about 10%-25% above a small-town baseline. Rural markets may have lower asking prices, but fewer sellers and repair shops can make parts or service harder to obtain.
In areas with frequent firewood cutting, tree work, or small-acreage property maintenance, a working saw may attract more buyers. In places where newer equipment dominates, older saws can sell at a discount unless a collector is interested. Shipping can erase a regional bargain: packing and delivery may add $30-$60, and a buyer should account for the risk of purchasing without a hands-on test.
Dealer prices, when available, may be higher than private-sale prices because inspection, service, and a limited shop warranty can be included. A $200-$350 dealer-priced example is not directly comparable to a $120 private sale if the dealer has verified operation and offers recourse. Ask what testing, repairs, and warranty terms are actually included.
Compare local prices by condition and seller support, not by location alone. A private-sale saw in a high-demand area may still be a poor value if it has no test demonstration, while a more expensive serviced saw can be economical when its repair history is documented.
What a shop may charge for diagnosis and labor
Repair shops often have minimum charges, and some may decline work on an older discontinued model if parts are unavailable. A diagnostic visit may cost $25-$75, with labor commonly around $75-$125 per hour. Ask whether the diagnostic fee is applied toward approved repairs and whether the shop will call before exceeding a spending limit.
A basic inspection and tune-up may total $50-$120 if the saw needs ordinary adjustment and no significant parts. A carburetor or fuel-system repair may come to $90-$220, depending on the cause and parts. If the shop finds a damaged cylinder, piston, crankcase, or ignition component, an estimate above $200 is possible; replacement parts and labor can make that repair uneconomic.
Timing can affect turnaround more than the listed hourly rate. During the busy cutting season, shops may have a backlog, and urgent service may carry a rush charge of roughly $25-$75 when offered. Off-season scheduling can provide more flexibility, but it does not make unavailable parts easier to find.
Request a written estimate that separates diagnosis, labor, and parts. The estimate should identify the fault and list any uncertain parts. If the expected repair total approaches the price of a verified replacement saw, compare both options before authorizing work.
Three realistic purchase totals for different conditions
These examples show how the advertised price can differ from the amount a buyer spends to obtain a usable saw. The figures are illustrative U.S. estimates, not a promise of a local quote. They assume no sales tax and exclude fuel and protective equipment.
| Purchase scenario | Listed price | Likely added expense | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parts or no-start saw, local pickup | $45 | $60-$180 diagnosis and basic repair attempt | $105-$225 |
| Tested runner with worn chain | $140 | $20-$40 replacement chain | $160-$180 |
| Clean serviced saw with delivery | $240 | $30-$60 shipping or delivery | $270-$300 |
In the first example, the repair may not succeed or may reveal a larger engine problem, so the buyer’s risk is higher than the total range suggests. For a parts saw, the purchase is most sensible when the buyer has a specific repair plan or can use the components.
A tested $140 runner can be a lower-risk purchase than a $45 nonrunner with uncertain repairs. For a clean example priced near $250, the added value should be visible in service records, cold-start performance, a sound bar and chain, and a clear return or warranty arrangement if bought from a dealer.
When repairing an 012 AV costs more than replacing it
Repair is often sensible when the fault is limited to a chain, filter, spark plug, fuel line, or a straightforward adjustment. These jobs can preserve a usable older saw without approaching the cost of a replacement. A buyer who can perform routine maintenance may spend less, but should still use correct parts and follow safe operating procedures.
Replacement deserves comparison when the saw has low compression, a damaged cylinder, a cracked housing, persistent fuel leaks, or multiple failures. A current entry-level homeowner chainsaw may cost roughly $180-$350, depending on engine size, bar configuration, and brand. It will not be equivalent to a restored older saw in every respect, but it may include a current parts supply and manufacturer warranty.
DIY repair has limits. Incorrect carburetor adjustment, chain fitment, or safety-brake work can create serious hazards. A repair manual and model-specific parts information matter; if the fault involves the brake, throttle, or engine sealing, a qualified technician is a safer choice than trial-and-error maintenance.
Compare the complete repair estimate with the cost of a supported replacement before committing to major engine work. If repairs exceed about $200-$300, the decision depends on the saw’s condition, sentimental or collector value, and whether a reliable repair shop can source the necessary parts.
How to lower the 012 AV purchase price safely
Start by narrowing the scope of the purchase. Ask whether the seller is including the bar, chain, scabbard, and any spare parts, then value each item only if it is compatible and usable. A bare powerhead should not be compared directly with a complete, tested saw without accounting for the missing equipment.
Inspect the saw before negotiating. Check for fuel leaks, cracked plastic, a damaged starter, missing covers, loose handles, and a chain brake that does not operate correctly. Ask for a cold start and a demonstration that the chain oiler works. If the seller will not allow testing, reduce the offer to reflect the uncertainty rather than treating the saw as a confirmed runner.
Get repair estimates before buying a machine with a known issue. A local shop can indicate whether the fault is likely to be a routine service item or a costly engine problem. Avoid paying extra for a claimed recent rebuild without a receipt, a description of parts used, and evidence that the saw runs properly.
Set a ceiling based on the total ready-to-use cost, then negotiate against that figure. For instance, if the budget is $180 and the saw needs a $30 chain plus a $60 inspection, the purchase price should generally stay near $90 or less. Keep room for tax, transport, and a small repair reserve.