A genuine Stihl MS 660 chainsaw typically costs about $500-$1,200 used, while an unusually clean or new-old-stock saw can reach $1,800 or more. Price depends on condition, bar and chain, included accessories, local availability, and whether the saw is a genuine Stihl or an aftermarket clone.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used genuine MS 660 | $500 | $850 | $1,200 | Running saw, condition and included bar vary |
| Refurbished genuine MS 660 | $800 | $1,150 | $1,600 | Price depends on documented repairs and parts |
| New-old-stock genuine MS 660 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,800+ | Rare; verify authenticity and warranty status |
| Aftermarket 660-style clone | $250 | $400 | $600 | Not made or warranted by Stihl |
What a Genuine MS 660 Usually Costs Used
The MS 660 is a discontinued professional saw, so its price is primarily a used-equipment price rather than a current showroom price. A running saw with ordinary wear commonly sells for $500-$1,200. Around $850 is a reasonable budgeting figure for a complete example in serviceable condition, with a usable bar and chain and no obvious engine trouble.
Lower-priced listings, often $350-$600, may involve a non-running saw, missing parts, heavy wear, or a seller who cannot demonstrate it cutting. At the other end, a clean, well-maintained machine with receipts, original parts, and a good bar may be listed for $1,000-$1,400. Rare new-old-stock examples can be higher, but asking prices do not establish that a saw is worth that amount.
The MS 660 is a large professional chainsaw with a 91.6 cc engine. Listings may include different bar lengths, commonly around 25-36 inches, and that equipment affects value. Assumptions: U.S. private-party pricing for a genuine saw, normal access to parts, and no major engine or safety-system repairs. For most buyers, $700-$1,100 is a practical target range for a verified, running MS 660.
How Bar, Engine, and Repair Work Shape the Quote
A used-saw price reflects more than the powerhead. A long bar, fresh chain, intact sprocket, and working brake can add practical value, while worn cutting parts or a needed engine rebuild reduce what a buyer should pay. A seller’s description of a saw as “rebuilt” is more useful when supported by a parts list, receipts, and a cold-start demonstration.
| Quote item | Typical price | What the range covers |
|---|---|---|
| Used powerhead | $450-$1,000 | Genuine MS 660, running condition varies |
| Replacement bar | $70-$180 | Length, brand, and bar mount affect price |
| Chain | $25-$55 | Pitch, gauge, and length change the price |
| Carburetor service or replacement | $40-$180 | Cleaning at the low end; parts raise the total |
| Engine or cylinder repair | $250-$700 | Damage level and OEM versus aftermarket parts matter |
| Shop inspection and labor | $75-$150 per hour | Diagnosis, tuning, and repair labor |
Shop charges vary, and some repair businesses apply the diagnostic fee toward completed work. A modest tune-up and fuel-system service can cost $100-$250, while extensive cylinder, piston, or crankshaft work can make a low-priced saw a poor bargain. Compare the purchase price plus immediate repair estimates, not the seller’s price alone.
Why 25-Inch Bars and Engine Condition Change Value
Bar length is a meaningful price and usability variable. A 25-inch bar is a common all-around fit for this power class; longer 32-36-inch setups may cost more and put greater demands on the chain, sprocket, and operator. Buyers should check that the bar mount, chain pitch, and gauge match the saw rather than assuming any included bar is compatible or serviceable.
Engine condition can shift value by several hundred dollars. A saw that starts cold, idles steadily, accelerates cleanly, and oils the chain is more attractive than one tested only after warming up. Deep scoring visible through the exhaust port, low compression, air leaks, or a clutch that slips can indicate costly work. Compression readings are useful only when taken with a suitable gauge and interpreted alongside other symptoms.
Parts originality also matters. Genuine Stihl components may command more than generic replacements, but a quality aftermarket part is not automatically defective. Buyers should ask what was replaced and when, and inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, anti-vibration mounts, starter, and oiling system. On a 91.6 cc saw, a questionable engine can erase the apparent savings from a low asking price.
When a Used MS 660 Beats an MS 661 or Clone
The MS 661 is the newer Stihl professional model in a similar large-saw category, while the MS 660 is discontinued. A new MS 661 powerhead commonly falls around $1,300-$1,700 through authorized dealers, with package contents and regional pricing affecting the total. It offers a current production option and dealer support, but costs more than many used 660s.
660-style clones are a different category. Many are advertised around $250-$600 and may resemble the original design, but they are not genuine Stihl machines and should not be priced or represented as one. Parts fit, quality control, service support, and warranty terms can differ. A clone may appear less expensive upfront, yet uncertain durability or repair access can change the ownership cost.
For a buyer comparing a $900 used MS 660 with a $1,500 new MS 661, the difference is not simply horsepower. The newer saw may bring a dealer-backed purchase and current parts support, while the used 660 may offer lower initial cost if its condition is proven. A clone’s low price is not an apples-to-apples substitute for a genuine professional saw.
How Much Do Regional Listings and Dealer Options Differ?
Used MS 660 prices can vary by roughly 10%-25% between markets. Areas with active forestry, logging, and firewood work may have more listings and buyers, while remote regions can have fewer choices and higher transport expenses. Local supply, seller urgency, and the availability of a trusted repair shop can matter more than state borders.
Dealer pricing is more relevant when comparing a new MS 661, replacement parts, or repair service than when pricing a discontinued 660. Urban shops may charge labor rates near $90-$150 per hour; rural shops may be closer to $70-$120, though local demand and specialty expertise can reverse that pattern. Shipping a heavy saw can add $30-$100 or more, and buying from a distant seller can make inspection difficult.
Sales tax, if applicable, adds to the checkout total. For example, an $850 private listing in a location with 7% sales tax would total about $910 before fuel, travel, or repairs if tax is collected on the purchase. Compare delivered, tax-inclusive prices and local repair access instead of comparing listing prices alone.
Three MS 660 Purchase Scenarios With Realistic Totals
A basic working example might be listed for $650 with an older 25-inch bar and a worn chain. If inspection finds no major faults but the buyer budgets $35 for a chain and $100 for a service, the outlay becomes about $785 before tax or transport. This can be a reasonable purchase only if the engine and safety equipment check out.
A clean, documented saw may cost $1,000-$1,200 and include a serviceable 25-inch bar, chain, and receipts for recent maintenance. With a $75 inspection and a $40 replacement chain, a $1,100 example becomes about $1,215 before tax. The higher initial price may be justified by condition and reduced immediate work, not merely by a seller’s claim that it is “like new.”
A non-running saw at $350 can become expensive quickly. A shop’s two-hour diagnosis and repair labor at $90-$125 per hour is $180-$250, before parts; a $250-$500 engine repair could push the total to $780-$1,100. If the saw needs a bar and chain too, the complete cost may exceed that of a running machine. Use a written repair estimate to set a firm ceiling before buying a non-runner.
What to Check Before Paying for a Discontinued Saw
Ask to see the saw start from cold, run at idle, accelerate, and operate the chain oiler. Inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, starter, fuel lines, air filter, clutch cover, and anti-vibration mounts. A seller who has warmed the saw before arrival may not be hiding a fault, but a cold start gives a better view of starting behavior.
Check identification and branding carefully because clones and assembled machines can be advertised using the MS 660 name. Look for consistent model markings and ask for purchase or service records where available. A serial number or logo alone is not a substitute for a careful inspection, especially when the price is unusually low or the seller cannot explain the machine’s history.
For a professional inspection, allow about 30-60 minutes and roughly $50-$150, depending on whether the shop offers a flat inspection fee or bills hourly. Confirm the shop will evaluate compression, fuel delivery, clutch, brake, and oiling rather than simply start the saw. Spending a small amount on inspection can prevent a four-figure repair decision.
How to Keep the MS 660 Purchase Price Under Control
Set the budget around the complete setup: powerhead, compatible bar, chain, protective equipment, service, tax, and transport. If a seller includes a long bar that is not needed, do not pay a premium for it. A shorter compatible setup can be less expensive and more manageable, while the buyer should still choose equipment appropriate to the work and follow safe operating practices.
Compare at least three local listings and ask for the same details from each seller: cold-start video, bar length, chain condition, recent repair records, and known defects. Use a shop estimate to negotiate based on actual wear, not broad claims about what a “professional saw” should cost. A missing chain or worn bar is a concrete expense; an undocumented rebuild is not the same as verified maintenance.
Timing can help when a seller needs to clear equipment outside peak cutting season, but waiting is not guaranteed to reduce the price of a scarce discontinued model. Avoid rushing into a long-distance purchase without a return arrangement or inspection. The most reliable savings come from buying the right condition and avoiding unnecessary repairs, not choosing the lowest listing.