Probably biased here, as I ran 046's before I got stuck with a hydraulic chainsaw. Still have 4 of them, that will last me the rest of days. I wouldn't call them dogs by any means. Personally, I don't care for the new av on the newer Stihls, feels floppy,.. like a husky. I just like the solid feel the old saws had. Even if you have to clean the filter every day. Like running a race car, vs.a spongy tuna boat. I might feel different if I had to run one daily. That being said, a 046 is 20+ years old. So if the difference is only a couple hundred dollers, you would be better off with a new saw, unless the old one is very low hours. Imo, the Stihl saws from the late 90's (pre epa regulation) are longer lived, tougher, and will pull chips as good as anything made today.