A used STIHL MS 310 chainsaw typically costs about $200-$450, with clean, running examples often listed near $325. Price depends mainly on engine condition, bar length, included equipment, and local supply; the model is discontinued, so new-in-box saws are uncommon and may carry a premium.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used MS 310 saw | $200 | $325 | $450 | Running, used condition |
| Clean saw with bar and chain | $275 | $375 | $500 | Depends on wear and accessories |
| Shop tune-up after purchase | $75 | $150 | $250 | Inspection and common service |
| New old stock | $450 | $600 | $800 | Scarce; verify warranty and authenticity |
What a used STIHL MS 310 costs in today’s market
The MS 310 is a discontinued gasoline saw with a 59 cc engine, commonly paired with a 16-, 18-, or 20-inch bar. A working saw with ordinary cosmetic wear usually falls around $250-$400; a rough or untested unit may sell for $150-$250, while a well-maintained example with a sharp chain and sound bar can reach $400-$500.
Budget about $325 for a dependable used saw before any needed repairs. These are private-party and used-equipment estimates, not a fixed STIHL dealer price. Listings above $500 are easier to justify when the saw is demonstrably serviced, unusually clean, or bundled with useful accessories.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party sale, standard bar and chain, no major engine damage, and local pickup.
What the MS 310 purchase price should include
Confirm whether the asking price covers a usable bar and chain, bar cover, and operating equipment. A bare powerhead may look inexpensive but require parts before it can cut safely. Typical parts prices vary by brand and quality; aftermarket parts can cost less, while genuine parts may raise the bill.
| Quote item | Typical price | What to check | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used saw, powerhead | $175-$350 | Cold start, compression, oiling | No usable bar or chain |
| Replacement bar | $35-$90 | Length and mount fit | Worn rails or damage |
| Replacement chain | $18-$40 | Pitch, gauge, and drive links | Dull, stretched, or missing chain |
| Air filter or spark plug | $8-$35 | Correct fit and condition | Routine service |
| Shop inspection and tune-up | $75-$180 | Labor and included parts | Uncertain service history |
Ask for an itemized total, because a low powerhead price can become a $300-$500 ready-to-work purchase. A shop may charge separately for diagnosis, parts, and labor.
How bar length and engine condition change the quote
A 16- or 18-inch bar is generally suitable for routine firewood cutting and may be easier to manage than a longer setup. A 20-inch bar can add value if it is straight, properly matched, and not heavily worn; a longer bar alone does not prove the saw is worth more. Replacement bars commonly add $35-$90, with a chain adding $18-$40.
Engine condition has a larger effect than cosmetics. A saw that starts cold, idles steadily, accelerates cleanly, and oils the chain supports a stronger asking price. Low compression, hard starting, a scored cylinder, or crankcase leaks can mean repairs of $150-$400 or more, potentially exceeding the value of an ordinary used MS 310.
Pay a premium only for verified function and service, not just a long bar or clean housing. Before buying, check the chain brake, throttle lockout, sprocket, fuel lines, and oil delivery.
Which repairs can add $50-$400 to an MS 310
Small service needs are manageable, but several repairs quickly erase a bargain. A chain, filter, and spark plug may total $30-$75 in parts. Carburetor cleaning or adjustment can cost roughly $50-$150 at a shop, while fuel-line or starter repairs often land around $40-$160 including labor. Prices depend on diagnosis and parts availability.
Set aside $75-$180 for a basic post-purchase inspection and routine service. Major cylinder, piston, or crankcase work can reach $250-$500 or more. Get a written estimate before authorizing extensive repairs, particularly when the saw’s purchase price is already near $400.
How location affects used MS 310 asking prices
Local supply and demand can move prices by roughly 10%-25%. Rural areas with frequent firewood cutting may have more saws for sale and lower prices, while urban listings can be higher because equipment is less common and seller prices may reflect convenience. Shipping a chainsaw can add $40-$100 or more, depending on distance, packaging, and carrier requirements.
Compare nearby listings with the same bar length and condition before treating an online asking price as market value. A seller’s price is not necessarily the final sale price; availability of service records and a successful cold-start test matter more than broad regional averages.
MS 310 price compared with an MS 391
The MS 391 is a later, similar-displacement alternative, and clean used examples often cost more, roughly $350-$600 depending on condition and configuration. A used MS 310 at $250-$350 can be economical if it runs well and parts are available. For a worn MS 310 needing a $300 repair, a healthier alternative may be better value.
Compare the complete ready-to-cut cost, not only the sale price. Newer saws may offer different features and dealer support, but specifications, weight, and condition vary. Verify the exact model and service options rather than assuming that similar displacement means equal performance or fit.
Three realistic MS 310 purchase totals
A $225 untested powerhead with a missing chain may need a $55 chain and $125 inspection, bringing the estimate to about $405. An $325 running saw with a usable 18-inch bar and no obvious issues may need only $40 in routine parts, for roughly $365 before tax or travel. A clean $425 saw with records and a sound 20-inch setup could remain near $425 if no repairs are needed.
Condition and included equipment can reverse which listing is the better deal. These examples exclude sales tax, fuel, personal protective equipment, and major unexpected repairs; actual shop estimates vary by region and diagnosis.
How to lower the MS 310 price without risking a bad saw
Compare at least three local listings, ask sellers to demonstrate a cold start, and price missing parts before negotiating. A saw that needs only a chain or routine tune-up may be a reasonable project; one with weak compression or uncertain internal damage deserves a much lower offer or a pass. Avoid paying extra for accessories that are worn or not needed.
Use documented repair needs to negotiate, while keeping major engine repairs outside the budget unless the saw is priced accordingly. Buying locally can avoid shipping expense, and choosing a sound 16- or 18-inch setup instead of replacing a damaged long bar can keep the total lower.