A used Stihl 017 chainsaw typically costs $100-$250, with an average asking price near $175 for a running saw in ordinary condition. Price depends most on whether it starts and cuts reliably, its bar and chain condition, local demand, and whether repairs or missing parts are involved.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used Stihl 017 | $75 | $175 | $350 | Lower price often means repair needs; exceptional condition can raise the price |
| Replacement bar and chain | $35 | $65 | $100 | Price varies by length, pitch, and brand |
| Basic shop service | $50 | $100 | $175 | Inspection and routine adjustments; parts may cost extra |
| New comparable saw | $200 | $230 | $275 | A current entry-level model may be easier to service |
What a used Stihl 017 costs in today’s market
Most complete, running examples sell for about $125-$250. A clean saw with a sharp chain, intact covers, and a demonstrated cold start may reach $250-$350, especially in areas where used equipment is in demand. A nonrunning or incomplete unit often falls between $40 and $100, depending on whether the bar, chain, and usable engine parts are included.
For a dependable working saw, budgeting around $150-$225 is a reasonable starting point. The 017 is an older discontinued model, so prices reflect condition and local resale supply rather than a current factory list price. A seller’s high asking price does not guarantee that replacement parts or repairs will be economical.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party sale, complete saw, ordinary wear, and no major engine damage.
Which engine, bar, and labor charges appear on a quote
A purchase price is only one part of the budget if the saw needs attention. For repair-shop work, labor commonly runs $75-$125 per hour, and some shops apply a $50-$100 minimum charge. The estimate below separates common expenses; not every used 017 needs all of them.
| Cost item | Typical price | What changes the charge | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carburetor cleaning or adjustment | $50-$125 | Fuel residue, parts, and diagnosis time | Hard starting or uneven running |
| Bar and chain | $35-$100 | Bar length, chain specification, and quality | Worn, damaged, or mismatched cutting parts |
| Fuel line, filter, or spark plug | $10-$50 in parts | Number of parts and access | Cracked fuel lines or neglected maintenance |
| Engine or clutch repair | $100-$250+ | Parts availability and labor hours | Compression, bearing, or clutch problems |
| Shop labor | $75-$125 per hour | Local shop rate and diagnostic time | Any professional repair |
Get a written estimate that separates diagnostic labor from parts before approving major work. An older saw can be inexpensive to buy but costly to restore if several systems need attention.
How bar length and engine condition change the asking price
Bar length and condition are practical price clues, but the engine’s health matters more than a clean exterior. Many 017 examples are sold with a bar around 14-16 inches; verify the saw’s specifications and correct chain fit rather than assuming any bar will work. A longer bar can be useful for certain cuts, but it does not make a worn engine more powerful or valuable by itself.
Ask to see a cold start, an idle, and a brief cut in suitable wood. A seller presenting a warm saw may make starting problems harder to identify. A chain brake that does not engage, fuel leaks, a damaged starter, or weak compression can justify a lower offer or a decision to walk away. If a repair estimate exceeds $150-$200, compare it with the cost of a working used saw before proceeding.
A verified cold start and safe chain brake are worth more than cosmetic cleanup. Have a qualified technician check a saw with suspected internal engine trouble.
Three Stihl 017 purchase scenarios with realistic totals
These examples show how purchase price and immediate needs can change the effective cost. Labor rates and part prices vary by town, and private sellers may not provide a warranty.
| Scenario | Purchase and work | Estimated total | Cost context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running saw, worn chain | $150 saw + $45 chain | $195 | Buyer installs the chain; no shop labor |
| Average saw, service needed | $150 saw + $90 service + $40 parts | $280 | About 1 hour of labor plus minor parts |
| Nonrunning saw, uncertain engine | $75 saw + $125 diagnosis and repair allowance | $200 before major parts | Final total may exceed a replacement option |
Set a maximum all-in price, not just a maximum offer for the saw. A $75 project unit can become the most expensive choice if its diagnosis reveals major engine damage.
When repairing an 017 costs more than replacing it
Routine service and a chain replacement can make sense when the saw starts reliably and needs only common maintenance. A carburetor adjustment, filter, or fuel line may keep the total manageable. By contrast, extensive engine work, multiple missing parts, or a damaged crankcase can push repairs beyond the value of an older homeowner saw.
Compare the full repair quote with a current entry-level replacement, such as a Stihl MS 170 or a comparable saw. A new basic model may cost roughly $200-$275 before taxes and any dealer setup, depending on location and retailer. It also offers newer components and a clearer parts-support path, though it may not match the 017’s condition or included accessories.
Repair is most defensible when the diagnosis is limited and the finished saw remains substantially cheaper than a replacement. Ask whether the shop charges for diagnosis if the repair is declined.
Where U.S. buyers may see higher or lower 017 prices
Local supply creates meaningful variation. In rural areas with more private equipment sales, a running 017 may be about 5%-15% below the national typical range. Near larger cities, in regions with active firewood cutting, or where seasonal demand is strong, asking prices may run roughly 10%-20% higher. These are market tendencies, not fixed regional rates; condition and seller urgency can outweigh location.
Shipping can erase a lower online price. A $125 saw shipped for $40-$70 may cost as much as a $175 local example, without an easy opportunity to inspect it first. Local pickup lets a buyer check starting behavior, leaks, chain brake operation, and included parts before paying.
How to lower the Stihl 017 price without buying hidden repairs
Compare at least three local listings and separate running saws from parts units. Ask for the model identification, bar length, maintenance history, and a cold-start demonstration. If the chain is worn but the engine and safety features work, use the replacement cost as a specific negotiating point rather than discounting the saw for vague concerns.
Request a shop inspection before buying a questionable unit, and confirm the inspection fee in advance. Avoid paying extra for accessories that are damaged or incompatible. If the seller cannot demonstrate safe operation, price the saw as a repair project rather than assuming it is ready to use.
Keep a repair reserve of $50-$100 for a used saw with unknown service history. A firm all-in limit helps prevent a low purchase price from turning into an uneconomical restoration.