Quoted from bobhvacguy:F 14 is a BRUTAL game to own as your first pin!!
I bought F14 as my first pin and I can vouch for this. It makes kids cry.
Most import is to make sure its playable. If you've only got $1000 to spend, you don't want to be stuck with a Sys11 that has bubbling mylar and raised inserts. Also always check for battery acid damage!
A $1000 machine that needs a $400 MPU and $600 playfield is not a $1000 machine. You can easily get burned in this price range, so bring a friend.