Quoted from pinnaf:

problem is this. You put limit of $1000-$1200 on your game.... I get it, but most folks are mentioning games that probably will be at YOUR HIGH POINT (yeah, or they would have bought them first... me too! HA)
Here's where your financial quandary lies: You top out and pay $1000 - $1200 for a LW3, and you risk that you may have inherited problems and issues , along with acquiring your own with any pinball and play. Okay,,,,, NOW YOUR FINANCIAL LIMITS ARE MET and YOU NEED PARTS, LABOR and such to be able to play it or experience full game play at 100%. If those repairs are not met the 10-12 year old will figure it out eventually and it will SIT! $1000lb anchor.
you get my point. Don't buy a Ferrari unless you can afford the gas (AND PARTS and MECHANIC to fix it)
hate to be a Debbie Downer but either 1 of two things are most plausible:
1. you find a steal of a deal in a LW3, LAH or data east - gottlieb game for $600-700 (and bank $300-400 for future fixes/parts/labor whatever)
2. you set your sights a little lower and seek a $600-700 good game from the start... okay enter the 2nd quandary... what "GOOD FUN EXCITING FULLY WORKING HAVE A BLAST" game sells for $600???
As far as that LIST OF GAMES in that price range, sorry cant help ya.
Not trying to discourage your friend but a little forethought may go a long way.
GOOD LUCK and patience with a sprinkle of luck may be his best friend!!!!!!