Gotta say Levi, you when you're not blasting other pinsiders, it's refreshing to see a well thought out, wholesome response. Are you ok?

To the OP, if the game is cheap and you're up for it, (basic mechanical skills, knows how to use a screwdriver, can solder (or at least learn how to solder)), the price of parts on these games aren't that bad. Probably $200 in parts assuming you have to rebuild the major mechs (flippers, drop targets, pop bumpers and slings, etc.) plus new rubber and new random other parts. If you can put in some time everyday to learn something new everyday, in time you'll have the game cleaned, resetting properly and eventually playing properly. the process itself can be very rewarding. The playability of the game is a another kind of reward. Make sure it's not missing any parts. You'll have to acquire a schematic and learn how to read it, even if you can stumble your way through (like me).

if you buy it, and after a time, don't feel that you can get a grasp of getting an EM running, then you could just as easily sell it. I normally wouldn't recommend buying a project EM as a first pinball machine, but if it's cheap, then go for it. If you can get a working 1 player game, that is probably a bit easier to start off with, then you can ease into tweaking and repairs.

Pinside FWIW can be a very good place to learn everything you need to know about reviving and maintaining games. In that regard, you couldn't ask for a better community. We all gotta start somewhere.

Without seeing it, it's impossible to place value on the game. In today's market, a nice working Surf Champ could go for 800-1.5K, I would guess (big range, i know). Good cabinet, nice backglass without flaking, and good playfield with little to no wear. Again, just would be my guess.

With several of the solenoids not working, it could be a number of things; likely a combination of things wrong with it. usually these could be fixed, so it really depends on the cosmetics.

The ad says:
"this vintage machine is in full working order. There is some noticeable fading of paint on the wooden frame of the scoreboard that could be easily sanded and repainted. It has been garage kept and was serviced in 2020."

But you say:

So the game is not full working order, not even in the slightest bit. Does it need going through or doesn't it? Was service was done in 2020?

If it were me, I would ask for more pics of the cabinet, head, coin door, and under the playfield, and ask what he meant by "service," and if it's in full working order, why there are so many things that don't work.

4-600 for what you are describing. Likely the seller saw what a nice example was priced at, and figured that's where he should list his at. Happens all the time.

Just be prepared to walk away...