A used Stihl 028 chainsaw typically costs $150-$500, with an average price near $325 for a complete, running saw in usable condition. Price depends on whether it starts and cuts reliably, its bar and chain condition, included parts, and local demand; repairable or refurbished examples can fall outside that range.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl 028 chainsaw | $75 | $325 | $700 | Nonrunning parts saw to clean, serviced example |
| Basic repair after purchase | $40 | $150 | $350 | Parts and shop labor vary with diagnosis |
| Replacement bar and chain | $40 | $85 | $150 | Price depends on length and component quality |
What a running Stihl 028 usually sells for
A complete 028 that starts, idles, oils the chain, and cuts can bring about $200-$450 in a private sale. A clean, recently serviced saw with a sound bar, sharp chain, and no obvious leaks may reach $450-$600; exceptional presentation or documented work can push an asking price toward $700, though the final sale may be lower.
For most buyers, budgeting about $250-$400 is reasonable for a usable saw that can be demonstrated before purchase. Prices assume a standard used 028, not a professionally rebuilt collector piece, and exclude shipping, tax, and any post-sale repairs. Assumptions: U.S. private-party sale, standard configuration, normal access to inspect and test.
How carburetor, ignition, and bar work affect the quote
Repair costs can change the effective purchase price quickly. A carburetor cleaning or adjustment may cost $40-$100 at a small-engine shop, while carburetor replacement or a fuel-system overhaul can run $80-$200. Ignition troubleshooting or replacement commonly adds $75-$200, depending on parts availability and labor.
| Quote item | Parts | Labor | Typical total | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carburetor service | $15-$80 | $40-$100 | $55-$180 | Cleaning, kit, or replacement |
| Ignition repair | $30-$120 | $45-$100 | $75-$220 | Testing and component replacement |
| Bar and chain replacement | $40-$150 | $0-$35 | $40-$185 | Length and chain type |
| Engine teardown | $60-$250 | $150-$350 | $210-$600 | Damage and parts availability |
Ask for a written diagnosis before authorizing engine work, since a major repair can exceed the value of an ordinary 028. Shop labor often runs $75-$125 per hour, and minimum diagnostic charges may be $25-$75.
Why compression, displacement, and bar length change value
Mechanical condition matters more than a cosmetic cleanup. A saw with strong compression, consistent cold starts, a responsive throttle, and a working oil pump commands more than one that only runs after warming up. Low compression, scoring, or a crankcase leak can indicate repairs costing several hundred dollars, so a seller’s “ran last year” claim is not equivalent to a demonstrated test.
The 028 family includes different versions and configurations, so buyers should verify the model and parts fit rather than assume every listing is identical. A 16-inch bar and chain may be less expensive to replace than a longer setup; parts for a 20-inch configuration can add roughly $20-$60. A worn sprocket or damaged bar rails can add another $25-$75 beyond the basic chain replacement.
For a nonrunning saw, subtract the likely repair bill plus a risk allowance from the price of a proven runner. A complete but untested 028 might be listed around $100-$250, while a damaged or incomplete parts saw may be worth only $50-$150. Assumptions: repair estimates reflect common shop charges, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Regional listings and shipping can shift the total
Local supply and demand affect vintage saw prices. Listings in wooded, rural areas where homeowners regularly cut firewood may run about 10%-20% above a comparable listing in a market with fewer chainsaw buyers. In larger urban areas, asking prices can be 5%-15% lower, but fewer nearby listings may limit selection.
Shipping a heavy used saw can add roughly $40-$100, plus packing and carrier restrictions; fuel and bar oil must be handled according to carrier rules. A local pickup may cost less overall and allows a cold-start test. Compare completed sale prices when available, not just high asking prices that may remain unsold.
Compare the delivered total, not the listing price alone. A $250 saw with $80 shipping and a $50 chain replacement costs $380 before tax, while a local $350 example with a good chain may be the better value.
What a three-part quote might look like
A practical estimate depends on what the saw needs on inspection. These examples illustrate common budgets rather than fixed repair prices.
| Scenario | Work or condition | Labor estimate | Expected total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready to cut | Running saw, usable 16-inch bar, minor tune-up | 1 hour at $75-$125 | $275-$475 |
| Fuel-system repair | $175 purchase, carburetor service and fuel lines | 1-2 hours | $300-$555 |
| Engine uncertainty | $100 purchase, compression issue, teardown needed | 2-4 hours | $310-$700 |
Get approval limits for diagnosis and parts before a shop begins work. For an older saw, a quote that approaches $400-$600 deserves comparison with another running used example, especially if the engine condition remains uncertain.
Repairing an 028 versus buying another used saw
Small repairs can make sense when the purchase price is low and the engine is healthy. A $100-$200 repair for a carburetor, fuel line, or bar setup may be sensible on a $250 saw with good compression. A $300-$600 engine repair is harder to justify unless the saw has unusual value to the owner or the work includes a clear parts and labor warranty.
Modern replacement saws vary widely, but a comparable new gas chainsaw may cost several hundred dollars or more. The older 028 can be economical when parts are available and the buyer can maintain it, but age brings uncertainty around seals, fuel lines, and discontinued components. Compare repair estimates with both a verified used runner and a new saw suited to the intended bar length and workload.
How to lower the Stihl 028 purchase price safely
Request a cold start and let the saw idle, accelerate, and run long enough to check for fuel leaks and chain oil delivery. Inspect the bar rails, chain tensioner, sprocket, starter, and air filter. A seller who cannot demonstrate operation should price the saw as untested, not as a confirmed runner.
Negotiate from documented defects and a written repair estimate rather than cosmetic flaws alone. Save money by choosing a sound standard bar setup, avoiding unnecessary restoration, and sourcing a compatible chain only after verifying the exact bar mount and pitch. Do not pay extra for claims of a rebuild without a parts list or receipt.
Ask two local repair shops about diagnostic fees and parts availability before buying a saw that needs work. A parts saw may be inexpensive but can become costly if the cylinder, crankcase, or ignition components are damaged. When the seller allows it, testing compression and checking the serial and model details can reduce the chance of buying an incompatible or heavily worn machine.