A used Stihl Wood Boss 028 AV typically costs $150-$350, while a clean, running example may reach $400-$600 and a nonrunning saw may sell for parts for $50-$150. Price depends chiefly on starting and cutting condition, completeness, bar and chain wear, and local demand for older Stihl chainsaws.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonrunning or parts saw | $50 | $100 | $150 | May need diagnosis or parts |
| Running used 028 AV | $150 | $275 | $400 | Typical wear and usable equipment |
| Clean, serviced example | $350 | $450 | $600 | Higher price requires strong condition |
| Shop repair labor | $75/hr | $100/hr | $125/hr | Parts usually extra |
What a used 028 AV usually sells for
For a complete saw that starts, idles, oils the chain, and cuts safely, a practical asking-price range is $200-$350. Buyers may pay $350-$600 for a well-maintained or restored 028 AV with a sound powerhead, good compression, and limited wear. A saw that will not start or has uncertain mechanical condition is generally worth less than $150 unless it includes valuable parts.
Budget about $250-$300 for an ordinary running saw, not a fully refurbished one. These estimates assume a private-party U.S. sale, a standard used bar and chain, and no major engine or safety repairs. Dealer prices may be higher, while incomplete local listings can be cheaper.
Assumptions: Complete saw, ordinary used condition, standard equipment, and no major engine damage.
How engine, bar, and repair charges shape the quote
The purchase price is only part of the cost when a vintage saw needs work. A shop may charge a diagnostic or minimum bench fee, then add labor and parts. Ask whether the quoted inspection fee is credited toward the repair. Parts availability and the need to locate compatible used components can also affect the final bill.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Carburetor cleaning or adjustment | $50-$150 | Condition and shop minimum |
| Carburetor replacement or rebuild | $40-$160 parts; $75-$200 labor | Part source and diagnosis |
| Bar and chain | $45-$120 | Bar length, pitch, and quality |
| Fuel line, filter, or ignition repair | $20-$100 parts; $75-$250 labor | One fault or multiple faults |
| Engine or crankcase work | $250-$600+ | Damage, parts, and teardown time |
A repair bill near $300 can erase the savings on a low-priced saw. Labor often runs $75-$125 per hour, with total billed time varying by fault and parts condition.
Why compression, bar length, and completeness change value
Mechanical condition matters more than a polished exterior. A saw that starts cold, accelerates without hesitation, and runs under load is more valuable than one described only as “ran last year.” Low compression, fuel leaks, damaged starter parts, or a failing oil pump can justify a much lower offer. A seller’s test demonstration is useful, but it does not replace a mechanic’s inspection.
The 028 AV is a roughly 47 cc saw, and listings commonly pair it with a bar around 16-20 inches. A sound 16-inch setup may appeal to buyers seeking a manageable firewood saw; a worn 20-inch bar and chain may need replacement sooner. Missing covers, damaged AV mounts, a questionable chain brake, or absent spikes can reduce value or add expense. Confirm that the chain brake and other safety equipment work before use.
Condition, not the model name alone, should set the offer. A clean bar does not prove the engine is healthy, and an included spare chain adds little if it is the wrong pitch or badly worn.
Three 028 AV buying examples with realistic totals
A parts saw priced at $90 with a $100 diagnostic and an estimated $200 repair reaches about $390 before any bar replacement. That is a poor bargain if the shop cannot confirm the engine is worth repairing. A running private-party saw at $275 with a $60 chain and tune-up supplies totals about $335, assuming no hidden fault.
A serviced example listed at $475 may be reasonable if the seller can document recent work, demonstrate cold starting, and show a usable bar and chain. If a dealer adds a warranty or inspection, compare the precise coverage and exclusions rather than assuming the higher price guarantees a trouble-free saw.
Compare each offer by total ready-to-use cost, not its listing price. A written repair estimate is especially useful when the asking price is low because the engine has not been tested.
Private-party prices versus dealer and regional listings
Local supply and seller type can shift asking prices. A dealer may charge roughly 10%-30% more than a comparable private listing for inspection, service, or limited warranty coverage. In rural areas where older saws are common, a running 028 AV may be easier to find near the lower end of the range. In metro areas or regions with strong firewood demand, clean examples may list 10%-20% higher.
Online listings can appear more expensive because the seller may include shipping, packing, or a return policy. Shipping a used chainsaw can add $40-$100 or more, depending on distance and carrier rules; fuel and oil must be handled appropriately. Use completed local sales when possible, and separate the saw price from delivery and service fees.
When repair costs outweigh an older 028 AV
For a minor fuel-system issue, a repair can preserve a useful saw for less than the cost of replacing it. But a compression problem, damaged cylinder, crankshaft issue, or multiple safety defects can push repairs above $300-$600. At that point, compare the shop’s written estimate with the price of another tested used saw and the cost of a newer equivalent chainsaw.
DIY work can reduce labor charges, but it requires the correct tools, parts, and ability to verify safe operation. A carburetor adjustment should not be used to disguise an air leak or engine wear. If the chain brake, throttle lockout, or anti-vibration components are damaged, professional assessment is prudent.
Set a repair ceiling before authorizing teardown. For many buyers, a $150-$250 repair limit makes sense when the purchase price is already around $250, unless the saw has unusual sentimental or parts value.
How to lower the 028 AV purchase and repair bill
Ask the seller to start the saw cold, demonstrate the chain brake, and show it oiling the chain. Check the bar rails, chain condition, starter, fuel lines, and visible leaks before negotiating. A missing or worn chain can be priced separately, while a seller who cannot demonstrate operation should be treated as offering an unverified saw rather than a ready-to-use one.
Request itemized quotes from at least two repair shops, including diagnostic fees, parts, labor, and any warranty. Avoid paying extra for cosmetic restoration if the goal is occasional firewood cutting. Bundling a bar and chain with a repair may reduce separate labor, but only if the chosen parts match the saw.
The best savings usually come from buying a tested saw and avoiding unnecessary restoration. Keep a small reserve for a sharp chain, fuel-system service, and safety checks rather than spending the entire budget on the initial purchase.