394xp vs 395xp in 2025

[6bt]

Hi all, bought my first husky over the weekend. A 1990 288xp. Seems to be a real strong old saw. One of my next purchases will be a 95 cc husky. Locally there's a pretty clean 394xp for $550. Is there any reason I shouldn't snag it, or should I just hold out for a 395xp with better parts availability? It looks like a 395 top end could be thrown on a 394 with the correct parts?

I realize there are more modern designs but I like the 80s-2000s saws.

I'm just a hobbyist/collector/firewood guy.

 

[fleethirte]

There is older thread that discusses the differences between them.
But I would say a good 394 for 500$ seems like a good deal

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Depends on the previous life lead by the 394, if it is a bare powerhead or comes with bars and chains, its intended use and amount of use by yourself once bought.
If it is well used, just the powerhead and you need it for a LOT of big timber cutting- 395 is where I would be looking as they are still being made in some parts of the World- so still a current model.
If the 394 is pristine, comes with a couple of big bars, several chains and will see occasional use by yourself, but smaller saws will do the bulk of the work and you have a spare $500- maybe its a good buy.