A new Stihl MS 290 generally costs about $400-$700 when sold as unused old stock, because the model has been discontinued and is no longer a regular current-production saw. Price depends on condition, included bar and chain, seller, and shipping; the current MS 291 is a more readily available alternative, typically priced around $500-$650 before tax.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New-old-stock MS 290 | $400 | $550 | $700 | Unused, discontinued saw; availability varies |
| Current MS 291 | $500 | $575 | $650 | New replacement-class model; dealer pricing varies |
| Bar and chain package | $40 | $75 | $130 | Depends on bar length and chain type |
| Shipping and handling | $25 | $60 | $120 | Where shipment is offered; restrictions may apply |
What a new Stihl MS 290 typically costs
For an MS 290 described as new, a practical U.S. budget is $400-$700, with many asking prices clustering near $500-$600. These are generally old, unused inventory rather than newly manufactured saws. Verify that “new” means unrun and complete, not merely refurbished, lightly used, or advertised as new because it has a replacement box.
The MS 290 is a 56.5 cc gas chainsaw, commonly sold with a 16- to 20-inch bar. Listed prices can differ based on bar setup, chain, original packaging, documentation, and whether the seller provides any warranty. Assumptions: U.S. retail or private-sale pricing for an unused, complete saw, before sales tax and any shipping charge.
Most buyers should budget about $550 for a complete new-old-stock MS 290 before tax. A substantially lower price warrants checking condition, seller reputation, and whether essential parts are missing.
How bar, chain, and seller charges shape the quote
Because the MS 290 is discontinued, there is no consistent current factory price sheet. The total depends on what is included and how the saw reaches the buyer. A dealer may charge more than a private seller but offer clearer inspection, parts support, or a written return policy.
| Quote component | Typical price | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Saw with standard bar | $400-$700 total | Confirm displacement, bar length, and that it is unrun |
| Replacement bar | $35-$90 | Length, mount pattern, and compatibility |
| Replacement chain | $15-$40 | Pitch, gauge, and drive-link count |
| Shipping and handling | $25-$120 | Ask whether fuel or oil residue affects shipment |
| Sales tax | About 0%-10% of taxable price | Depends on location and transaction |
Compare the complete delivered price, not just the saw’s listed price. A $500 listing with a worn or unsuitable bar may cost more after replacing the cutting setup.
Why a 16-inch bar differs from a 20-inch setup
Bar length and condition can move the asking price, but a longer bar is not automatically a better value. The MS 290 is often paired with bars from 16 to 20 inches; larger cutting setups can add roughly $20-$60 compared with a basic replacement bar and may need a matching chain. Confirm the saw’s sprocket, bar mount, chain pitch, and gauge before buying parts.
Old inventory also brings age-related uncertainty. Rubber fuel lines, seals, or carburetor components may deteriorate even if the saw has never been run. Ask for the manufacturing or purchase history, storage conditions, and a cold-start demonstration where practical. A saw that has sat for years may need service despite its unused status.
Do not pay a premium for a longer bar unless it matches the intended cutting work and the saw’s configuration. A mismatch can add parts expense without improving usability.
New-old-stock condition and warranty change the price
Private-sale listings may sit near $400-$550, while a dealer-held example with original packaging and a documented inspection may be closer to $550-$700. These are broad asking-price ranges, not guaranteed transaction values. Location, scarcity, and seller confidence affect what a buyer can negotiate.
Warranty coverage is especially important. Since the MS 290 is discontinued, a seller’s assurance does not necessarily equal current manufacturer coverage. Request written details about returns, defects, and parts availability. If a saw is represented as new but has been started, repaired, or stored with fuel inside, its price should reflect that risk.
Written condition and return terms can be worth more than an unverified “new” claim. Keep the listing and any seller representations until the saw has been inspected.
What installation, setup, and first-use costs add
A chainsaw typically needs no professional installation, but a shop may charge for inspection, assembly, or sharpening. A basic check or setup can run about $25-$75, while repairs to an older stored saw can exceed $100 depending on parts and labor. Shop rates often fall around $75-$125 per hour, with minimum diagnostic charges possible.
Example: 0.5-1 hour of shop time at $75-$125 per hour equals about $38-$125 before parts.
Budget separately for bar oil and two-stroke fuel mix, commonly $15-$40 for an initial supply, depending on container size and product. A safety chaps, helmet, and eye and hearing protection can add roughly $100-$300 if not already owned.
Allow $50-$150 for basic setup and first-use supplies, excluding protective equipment. A seller’s completed inspection may reduce duplicate shop charges.
How the MS 290 compares with a new MS 291
The MS 291 is the nearest current-production comparison for buyers seeking a new Stihl saw in a similar homeowner and property-maintenance class. A new MS 291 commonly lists around $500-$650, depending on dealer, bar configuration, and local pricing. The MS 290 may appear cheaper, but its discontinued status can mean less predictable warranty support and more effort finding specific parts.
A new-old-stock MS 290 at $400-$500 may be a reasonable price if it is verifiably unused and complete. At $600-$700, compare it carefully with a new MS 291 quote that includes dealer support and current coverage. Avoid assuming identical specifications or interchangeable parts without checking the model and component numbers.
At similar prices, the current MS 291 often offers a clearer purchase path than discontinued inventory. A well-documented MS 290 can still make sense when its condition and included equipment justify the difference.
When a used MS 290 is the cheaper alternative
Used MS 290s often sell for about $150-$350, with cleaner, working examples near the upper end and saws needing repairs below it. A low purchase price can be offset by carburetor, fuel-system, bar, or chain work. Request a cold start, inspect for leaks and damage, and check that the chain brake works before paying.
For occasional light cutting, a smaller or battery-powered saw may cost less, but it is not a direct substitute for the MS 290’s gas-powered capacity. For frequent firewood cutting, compare total condition, dealer support, and parts access rather than choosing by engine size alone.
Choose used only when the inspection supports the savings over a $400-$700 unused example. If repairs are uncertain, ask a shop to estimate them before completing the purchase.
Ways to keep the MS 290 purchase price under control
Compare at least three complete quotes, including tax, shipping, bar, chain, and any inspection. Ask sellers for photographs of the serial label, powerhead, bar, and packaging; confirm the saw has not been run and get return terms in writing. For a private sale, arrange a safe inspection and avoid paying extra for accessories that are worn or incompatible.
Set a ceiling based on the current MS 291 alternative. If an MS 290 approaches or exceeds that price, the older model needs a clear advantage, such as verified unused condition, a useful bar setup, or local dealer support. A modestly priced used saw can work, but only after accounting for likely service.
The strongest savings usually come from verifying condition and comparing delivered totals, not chasing the lowest listing.