How to Buy a Working Solid-State Pinball Machine for Under €1,200
Plenty of people played pinball back in the day and now want to own a machine without breaking the bank to relive that experience. The answer might not be what you'd expect, so let's walk through how to actually judge what a pinball machine is worth.
Buying Tips
Skip Electromechanical Machines
These machines, while often cheaper, are generally less fun to play and much more complicated to keep running.
Favor 1980s Gottlieb Machines
1980s Gottlieb machines are the easiest to repair and make reliable without spending a fortune — and they're genuinely fun to play, even though they're often the ones in need of repair!
Step-by-Step: Buy a Pinball Machine Without Breaking the Bank
Step 1: Keep an Open Mind
It's important to stay flexible and not fixate on your dream machine right away. The odds of finding it at a bargain price are slim. It's better to cut your teeth on a machine you're a little less excited about.
Step 2: Search Local Classifieds for Interesting Listings
Set your search filter to "over $500" and start browsing listings on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or your local classifieds (Leboncoin in France).
Example Listings:
- Not a great listing: The seller is a "professional" and the machine is listed as "like new" and priced high.
- An interesting listing: The listing doesn't quite make sense, which suggests the seller doesn't know what they're selling and likely picked a price at random.
Reading the Seller's Profile:
If the seller's profile suggests they're selling due to a death, a divorce, or another personal reason, there's a good chance you can negotiate the price. For example, if the machine stopped working because of humidity, chances are a leaking battery destroyed the CPU board, or there's a simple issue like a blown fuse.
Estimating Repair Costs
Worst-Case Repair Costs:
- Transport: Depends on your location. Pinball machines fit easily into a wagon or hatchback. For example, a 300-mile trip in a fuel-efficient diesel wagon would run roughly $60.
- CPU and Driver Restoration: Restoration kit from Pinballs.Store at €289 + €12 shipping = €301.
- Small Parts: Rubber ring kit, balls, bulbs, fuse kit = €65.
- Other: Glass cleaner, elbow grease, patience.
Total Estimate:
If the seller is asking €800, you can probably negotiate down to €600–700. Let's assume you land at €700.
Total cost:
- Purchase: €700
- Small parts: €65
- Restoration kit: €301
- Transport: €55
- Total: €1,121
Installation and Repair
Once the machine is in your living room, install the new boards following this tutorial: installation tutorial. Check the power supply voltage and power it on. In 99% of cases, everything just works!
If it doesn't, follow this troubleshooting guide: troubleshooting guide. If the problem persists, reach out to us for a free video-call walkthrough.
Conclusion
With a little patience and some negotiating, you can pick up a pinball machine at a reasonable price and get it back in working order. Once it's repaired, you'll get to enjoy trouble-free games! If something isn't working the way you'd like, use your machine's test mode to diagnose and fix issues easily. Good luck on your quest for the perfect pinball machine!
