Been seeing several high mileage Savages advertised on CL: i.e.
1)2001, 22,xxx miles
2)1995, 36,xxx miles

From reading posts, I know: a) the cam chain system will likely need replacement.  If I do the work myself, how much $ should be allowed for that?  b) If it smokes and needs an overhaul, can it be bored, new piston, etc?  How much $ for that? c) what other things might be expected?  d) If it did not run so trans, suspension, etc could be evaluated, I would not buy it.

I value opinions of riders on here, and am just trying to figure out at what point to "walk away" regardless of price.  I won't be offended no matter what you say.........tx

I'd go for the 22k bike for the right price.

a. chain, rear guide, gasket... $160 (off the top of my head, could be more) or a verslavy $60 or $110 and gasket $20
b. bore, piston kit, gaskets... $300 (no I'm not going to look up prices)
c. petcock, tune up, clean carb, oil change, tires, battery, hoses, filters.
d. must turn over, doesn't need to start.  check for spark if don't start.  Not much ever happens with tranny, or the rest of the bike.

we do have a buying guide in the tech section, check the link below.

i forgot to say that look at the bike. if it looks like it has been mistreated then pass on it. But 36,000 is nothing. Just pass the break in point.

I agree with built. Save up the 2k and get a newer model. It's really nice down the line when you know the history of the miles on the bike.

KBB say $1100 trade in, $1700 retail for my area.
The mileage seems to be about right for the year.

I wouldn't pay more unless, new tires, new battery, freshly serviced.

most people want to get rid of a bike before said maintenance costs.
check the wear bars, if they're near replacing deduct $100 per tire.
check the battery, if it looks old another $100
oil, black? valves ticking? knocking, doesn't shift easy(keep in mind it can be you)
feel the clutch case next to the oil filter, and knocking there?

these are all good points that can knock the price down with.