A used STIHL MS 390 chainsaw typically sells for about $200-$500 in the United States, with a well-maintained saw often priced near $350. Because this 64.1 cc gas model is discontinued, condition, maintenance history, included bar and chain, and local demand matter more than a new-retail list price.
The total budget can rise if the saw needs a carburetor, chain, bar, or engine work. The estimates below describe private-party and used-equipment pricing, not a current factory-new price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used MS 390 running | $200 | $350 | $500 | Price varies with condition and local availability |
| Nonrunning project saw | $75 | $150 | $250 | Assumes repair risk and incomplete testing |
| Basic service after purchase | $40 | $100 | $200 | Filter, plug, sharpening, or minor adjustment |
| Bar and chain replacement | $60 | $110 | $180 | Depends on length, brand, and setup |
What a Used STIHL MS 390 Usually Sells For
A running MS 390 commonly lists for $200-$500, with an average transaction around $300-$400 when the engine starts, idles, accelerates, and oils the chain properly. A clean saw with documented service and a usable bar may reach the top of the range. Heavy wear, hard starting, or uncertain compression typically pushes the asking price lower.
These estimates assume a complete saw with standard equipment and ordinary cosmetic wear. They do not include sales tax, shipping, a replacement bar, or repairs. Prices can differ by state and season, and online asking prices may exceed the amount a buyer ultimately pays.
A practical budget for a ready-to-work used MS 390 is about $350-$500, including a modest allowance for initial service. A cheap listing is not necessarily a bargain if the engine or oiling system has a major fault.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party or used-equipment sale, standard 20-inch bar setup, and no major engine damage.
How Engine, Bar, and Repair Costs Shape the Quote
The asking price is only part of the expense when a saw has been stored or used heavily. Routine wear items are relatively manageable, but labor-intensive engine repairs can quickly exceed the value of an older saw. A repair shop may also charge a minimum diagnostic fee before recommending work.
| Quote component | Low | Typical | High | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and diagnosis | $25 | $50 | $90 | Shop minimum and testing scope |
| Basic tune-up parts and labor | $40 | $100 | $180 | Plug, filter, fuel line, and carburetor adjustment |
| Chain sharpening or replacement | $10 | $35 | $75 | Sharpening versus a new chain |
| Bar replacement | $35 | $75 | $130 | Length, brand, and bar style |
| Carburetor repair or replacement | $60 | $140 | $250 | Cleaning, parts, and shop labor |
| Major engine repair | $180 | $350 | $600+ | Cylinder, piston, labor, and parts availability |
Labor rates at independent small-engine shops often fall around $75-$125 per hour, although minimum charges can apply. A two-hour repair at $90 per hour adds $180 in labor before parts, so buyers should obtain an estimate before authorizing a rebuild.
For a saw priced below $250, a projected repair above $300 deserves a careful comparison with another running used saw. Parts availability and the technician’s assessment should guide that decision.
Which MS 390 Condition Details Move the Price Most
Engine health is the largest value driver. A seller should demonstrate a cold start, warm restart, stable idle, throttle response, and chain lubrication. Compression readings can help, but they are not a complete diagnosis; a saw that runs poorly may still need fuel-system or ignition work.
Bar length and condition also matter. A straight, serviceable 20-inch bar with a sharp chain adds practical value, while a worn sprocket, damaged rails, or a stretched chain can require $40-$130 in parts. A 25-inch setup may appeal to some users, but it does not automatically add equivalent resale value if the saw is not suited to the buyer’s cutting needs.
Model age, storage, and maintenance records influence risk. Cracked fuel lines, brittle plastics, a damaged starter, missing covers, and evidence of improper repairs can reduce value by $25-$150 or more, depending on what must be replaced. Cosmetic scratches alone usually matter less than starting and cutting performance.
Condition thresholds matter more than a seller’s claim that the saw is “professional grade.” A complete, tested machine with no unusual noise is worth more than a nonrunning unit even when both look similar in photographs.
How Much Should a Running or Project Saw Cost
Typical listings fall into three useful buying scenarios. Local supply, included accessories, and repair history can move a listing outside these bands, so the figures are best treated as negotiation ranges rather than guaranteed values.
| Scenario | Likely price | Included condition | Budget implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair project | $75-$200 | Nonrunning, incomplete, or untested | Reserve $150-$400 for diagnosis and possible repairs |
| Working saw with wear | $200-$350 | Starts and cuts, but needs service or a chain | Allow $50-$150 for near-term upkeep |
| Clean, serviced example | $350-$500 | Tested, complete, and ready for routine use | May need only fuel, chain maintenance, and safety gear |
For example, a $225 saw with a dull chain and tired filter may cost roughly $300-$375 after basic service. A $450 example with a documented tune-up and sound bar could be cheaper over the first season if it avoids immediate shop work. A $125 nonrunner is only economical if the fault is limited and parts are available.
Compare the price plus likely repair expense, not the listing price alone. Ask the seller what work was done, when it was last used, and whether the saw can be started and tested in person.
Regional Demand and Seasonal Timing for Older STIHL Saws
Used saw prices are not uniform across the country. In areas with frequent firewood cutting, storm cleanup, or rural property maintenance, a working 64.1 cc saw may sell for 10%-20% more than in a market with fewer chainsaw buyers. Sparse rural listings can also create higher asking prices, though buyers may have to travel farther to inspect a machine.
In many markets, fall and early winter bring more interest as homeowners prepare firewood, while spring and summer storm cleanup can raise demand after severe weather. A busy period may add roughly 5%-15% to a seller’s asking price. These shifts are local and are not a reliable reason to postpone an urgent purchase.
Shipping can erase a low online price. A bulky used saw may incur $40-$100 or more for packing and transport, and remote purchases add the risk of receiving a machine that has not been demonstrated. A local inspection is often worth more than a small discount on an unverified listing.
Use nearby completed-sale prices where available and compare listings with similar condition, bar length, and accessories. Regional differences are more meaningful when the saw is tested and the listing includes clear details.
Repairing an MS 390 Versus Buying Another Saw
A repair makes financial sense when the saw is structurally sound and the work is limited to maintenance or a modest part replacement. A tune-up in the $60-$180 range can be reasonable for a $300-$450 running saw. By contrast, a $350-$600 engine repair can exceed the value of many used MS 390s, especially if the bar, chain, and starter also need attention.
Newer or different used chainsaws are alternatives, but compare engine size, weight, parts support, and intended work rather than price alone. A smaller saw may cost less and be easier to handle for occasional pruning or light firewood. A larger or newer model can cost more, and a replacement purchase may require compatible bars, chains, and other equipment.
For a nonrunning saw, request a written estimate that separates diagnosis, parts, and labor. If the fault is unknown, treat the purchase as a project rather than assuming a simple carburetor cleaning will fix it. A known-good used saw usually carries less financial uncertainty than a low-priced machine with no test history.
Set a repair ceiling before buying, such as $150-$200 beyond the purchase price for an ordinary used saw. If the diagnosis exceeds that limit, compare the total with a tested replacement and the value of any usable accessories.
What to Check Before Paying for an Older Gas Chainsaw
Inspect the saw in person when possible. Ask for a cold start rather than accepting a machine that has already been warmed up. Check that it idles without the chain moving, responds to throttle, and does not stall when cutting. Confirm that the chain brake, throttle lockout, and oiling system work; these are functional and safety concerns, not merely cosmetic details.
Look for fuel or oil leaks, damaged handles, loose fasteners, stripped screws, and missing safety parts. Inspect the bar rails and sprocket, and confirm that the chain fits the bar and is installed correctly. If the seller cannot demonstrate the saw, reduce the offer to reflect diagnostic uncertainty or walk away if the risk is unacceptable.
Ask whether the engine has been rebuilt, what parts were used, and whether receipts are available. A recent repair can support a higher price if the work is documented, but an unsupported claim should not be valued like a shop invoice. Confirm that the serial and model markings are legible and that the machine is complete.
A short functional test and a clear repair history can protect more of the budget than negotiating a small discount. Do not operate a chainsaw without appropriate protective equipment and safe handling practices.
Ways to Keep the MS 390 Purchase Price in Check
Set a total budget that includes the saw, initial service, and any required bar or chain. For a used unit, keeping $75-$150 aside for routine work can prevent a seemingly good purchase from exceeding the intended budget. Compare the cost of a complete saw with a project saw only after estimating likely repairs.
Choose a seller who permits a cold-start demonstration and provides model details. A missing chain or worn bar can be priced separately, but a nonrunning engine should not be valued as though it only needs a tune-up. Avoid paying extra for accessories that are damaged, incompatible, or unnecessary for the planned cutting work.
Get at least two repair estimates if a shop identifies major engine work. Ask whether the quote includes parts, labor, and testing, and whether the repair carries a shop warranty. For smaller jobs, doing basic cleaning or chain sharpening may reduce charges, but safety-critical repairs and uncertain engine faults are better assessed by a qualified technician.
The strongest cost control is buying a tested saw at a price that leaves room for service, rather than chasing the lowest listing. A realistic offer should reflect condition, included equipment, and the estimated cost of bringing the machine into dependable working order.