How to Buy a cheap pinball machine and Avoid Going Broke: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are considering buying a pinball machine, don't make the mistake of buying anything without proper preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice and avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. Define Your Budget

The first step is to define your maximum budget for a fully functional pinball machine. A good rule of thumb is to divide this budget in two:

• 60% off the price of the pinball machine
• 40% for possible repairs and improvements

For example, if your total budget is $1500-$1800, your price range for purchasing the bare pinball machine should be between $900-$1100.

2. Consider Transportation Costs

It is rare to find a good pinball machine near you. So be prepared for transport costs. If you have a station wagon or a trailer, it will make moving easier. For example, in a 320D touring e46, you can transport a widebody type volcano.

Allow around €10 per 100 km for transport, allowing for tolls in France.

3. Plan for Small Supplies

Small supplies needed for pinball maintenance include:

• Pack of rubber bands, balls, bulbs, fuse kit: €65 to €100 (allow more for LEDs)

4. Choose the Right Model

At this price range, pinball machines will often be broken or "in need of restoration". For a first purchase, it is recommended to choose a pinball machine from a recognized brand, because the forums are full of advice for these models.

5. Avoid Bad Purchases

Here is an example of a pinball machine to avoid, found on a German site. This model combines many points to avoid:

Announcement Analysis

• Price too high : If the price is above your range, move on.
• Sinbad Model : A check on Pinside (The indicative price does not necessarily reflect the local market) shows that US prices are quite low with a high range of 1720 USD (around 1565€), you risk not covering your costs in the event of resale.

Photo Analysis

• Repainted red : This means it will need to be repainted to return to its original condition, an expensive and skilled process.
• Electronic Problems : Dominoes and slight corrosion near the battery are bad signs.
• Cluttered interior : Alligator clips are not meant to replace fuses. Fiddled-with wiring and a red-painted body are signs to watch out for.

• Even the ace board was tinkered with the plot in the middle of the outhole is not supposed to be there:

Conclusion

Do not buy a pinball machine with these problems:

• DIY wiring
• Roughly repainted body
• Modified tray
• Fuses replaced with something other than fuses

For recommended listings, check out my other blog posts on models like Mars God of War and Raven .

Check out my other articles

For more recommendations and tips, be sure to check out my other blog posts, which include detailed reviews of models like Mars God of War and Raven.

By following this guide, you will be better prepared to purchase a pinball machine that will not only meet your expectations, but will also be functional!