A new Stihl MS 290 is generally not available through regular production because the model was discontinued; listings described as new are usually old stock, and prices vary with condition and seller. Expect roughly $400-$700 for a complete, unused saw when one can be found, while the current MS 291 offers a more predictable new purchase price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS 290 new old stock | $400 | $550 | $700 | Unused older inventory; availability is limited |
| MS 290 used | $150 | $275 | $450 | Price depends on running condition and wear |
| New MS 291 comparison | $500 | $600 | $700 | Dealer pricing and included equipment vary |
What a new Stihl MS 290 usually costs today
Because the MS 290 is discontinued, there is no dependable current MSRP for a factory-new unit. A listing around $400-$700 may represent sealed or unused old inventory, but buyers should verify that it is complete, has not been run, and includes the bar, chain, manuals, and any stated warranty. An unusually high asking price does not guarantee factory support or collectible value.
Budget about $550 for a clean, complete new-old-stock saw, before shipping or any dealer service. This estimate assumes a standard 18-inch bar, ordinary U.S. shipping, and no premium for rare packaging or a special configuration. A saw sold as “new” but previously fueled or repaired should be priced as used, not as untouched inventory.
Assumptions: complete saw, standard bar and chain, normal access to a U.S. seller, and no unusual shipping or repair charges.
How the MS 290 listing price breaks down
Most private and online listings offer a single price rather than an itemized quote. The table below shows how the advertised amount can compare with replacement parts and common transaction expenses. Individual parts prices vary by dealer, condition, and whether genuine Stihl parts are used.
| Cost item | Low | Typical | High | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete saw | $400 | $550 | $700 | Condition, completeness, seller, and demand |
| Bar and chain replacement | $45 | $75 | $120 | Bar length and chain type |
| Carburetor or fuel-system work | $40 | $100 | $220 | Parts needed and shop labor |
| Shipping or local delivery | $0 | $35 | $100 | Distance, packaging, and carrier |
| Inspection or tune-up | $0 | $60 | $140 | Dealer minimum and service scope |
Check whether the quoted price includes a usable bar and chain, not just the powerhead. A low listing can become less attractive if the saw needs fuel-system service, a chain, or a safety-related repair before use.
Why bar length, condition, and warranty shift the price
The standard configuration and condition matter more than the model name alone. Many MS 290 saws are listed with a 16-, 18-, or 20-inch bar; a longer bar and matching chain can add about $15-$45 compared with a basic replacement setup. The correct bar depends on the saw’s setup and the work, so buyers should confirm compatibility rather than assume every listed length is suitable.
Wear can move a used example hundreds of dollars below unused stock. Scored cylinder walls, low compression, a leaking fuel line, a worn sprocket, or a damaged chain brake can mean repair costs of $50-$250 or more. A seller’s claim that the saw “runs” does not establish that it starts easily, oils the chain, or operates safely.
Warranty status is a major value difference: discontinued equipment may have limited or no remaining coverage. Ask for the serial number, proof of purchase, and written warranty terms, then confirm coverage directly with an authorized Stihl dealer before paying a premium for an allegedly new saw.
Spend less by checking the saw before paying
Compare the asking price with the cost of a current replacement before choosing old stock. Request clear photos of the bar, chain, starter side, serial number, and packaging. If the saw has been fueled, started, or used, negotiate using its actual condition and the cost of any missing equipment rather than accepting “new” as a price category.
Set a maximum purchase price that includes shipping, inspection, and immediate maintenance. Local pickup can avoid freight charges and allows a hands-on inspection. A dealer inspection may cost $60-$140, but it can be worthwhile for an expensive vintage listing; for a low-cost, unverified saw, walking away may be cheaper than taking on unknown repairs.
MS 290 versus a new MS 291 at the dealer
The MS 291 is the practical new-model comparison for buyers who want a similar general-purpose Stihl chainsaw with current dealer availability. New MS 291 pricing commonly falls around $500-$700, depending on dealer, configuration, and included bar length. Taxes and local charges can raise the checkout total. Confirm current pricing with nearby dealers because Stihl products are generally sold through its dealer network.
A new MS 291 is often the lower-risk purchase if the MS 290 old-stock price approaches $600-$700. The older model may still make sense at a fair price when its condition and parts are verified, but a current model is easier to buy with dealer support and clearly stated warranty terms.
Where U.S. buyers may see different MS 290 prices
There is no fixed regional price schedule for this discontinued saw. Online sellers may reach buyers nationwide, while local listings depend on how many older saws are circulating and whether a dealer has remaining inventory. As a rough comparison, shipping-heavy purchases can add $35-$100, while a local cash sale may avoid freight but offer less buyer protection.
In rural areas where chainsaws are common, used examples may be easier to find and competition can keep ordinary-condition prices lower. In urban markets, scarce listings or collector interest can push asking prices higher. Treat these as market tendencies, not guaranteed regional discounts, and compare several recent local listings before setting a budget.
What to verify before buying a discontinued Stihl saw
Ask whether the saw has ever been fueled, how it was stored, and whether the seller has tested the chain brake, throttle lock, chain oiler, and compression. For a claimed new unit, check that the included bar and chain match the description and that the seller explains any warranty in writing. A genuine new-old-stock saw can still need inspection after long storage.
Do not pay new-equipment money for a saw with unclear history or unverified safety systems. A serial-number check with a Stihl dealer, a cold-start demonstration, and a written receipt help establish what is actually being sold. If the seller will not permit basic checks, compare the price with a used saw that can be inspected or a new MS 291 from an authorized dealer.