How to Buy a Pinball Machine Without Going Broke: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

1. Set Your Budget

The first step is to set your maximum budget for a fully functional pinball machine. A basic rule is to split this budget in two:

• 60% for the price of the pinball machine
• 40% for any repairs and upgrades

For example, if your total budget is 1500 to 1800€, your price range for buying the bare pinball machine should be between 900 and 1100€.

2. Factor in Transport Costs

It is rare to find a good pinball machine close to home. So be prepared for transport costs. If you own an estate car or a trailer, that will make moving it easier. For example, in a 320D touring e46, you can transport a widebody such as a volcano type.

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

3. Plan for Small Supplies

The small supplies needed for pinball machine maintenance include:

• Rubber ring pack, balls, bulbs, fuse kit: 65 to 100€ (allow more for LEDs)

4. Choose the Right Model

In this price range, pinball machines will often be broken or "to be restored". For a first purchase, it is recommended to choose a pinball machine from a well-known brand, as 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 website. This model brings together many things to steer clear of:

Analysing the Listing

• 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 fairly low with a high end of 1720 USD (around 1565€), so you risk not recouping your costs if you resell.

Analysing the Photos

• Repainted red : This means it will have to be repainted to bring it back to its original condition, a costly process that requires know-how.
• Electronic problems : The terminal blocks and the slight corrosion near the battery are bad signs.
• Messy interior : Crocodile clips are not meant to replace fuses. Cobbled-together wiring and a case repainted red are signs to take into account.

• Even the playfield had been tampered with; the post in the middle of the outhole is not supposed to be there:

Conclusion

Above all, do not buy a pinball machine with these problems:

• Cobbled-together wiring
• Case repainted in a sloppy way
• Modified playfield
• Fuses replaced by something other than fuses

For recommended listings, check out my other blog articles on models such as Mars God of War and Raven.

Check Out My Other Articles

For more recommendations and advice, feel free to check out my other blog articles. There you will find detailed analyses of models such as Mars God of War and Raven.

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