Very true.
Of all the games in my collection Whirlwind is my favorite.
It's definitely not the most expensive, doesn't have the deepest code, or the most toys.

Baywatch

I agree on the 4K range recent Sterns. I like rule games. I would add TSPP to the list provided. They can be found in 4K region.
Surprised the W/B fans have not brought up STTNG yet. I believe still a top 15 to 20 game on pinside with some of the best rules of its era, all the shows stars have callouts, a very satisfying side ramp shot off the upper Flipper, lots to do and Borg multi ball is one of my favorites. You can get one easily in the 4K region. Great game to add pinsound to as well.

WPT

I still love bsd and think its great in the 2700-4k range..... also wcs for 2500-3300 is pretty good also

Taxi: best pinball value imo. Step it up a bit in price and AFM is good value for the money too. Either way, super family friendly fun.

I have written about this topic a few times, feel free to check out:

A recent post > https://gameroomblog.com/guides/bargain-pinball-machines

An older post > https://gameroomblog.com/features/the-top-ten-best-bargains-in-pinball-today

TFTC is still a good value.

WPT, Mustang & TFTC. All great titles w/ deep rules for home-use appeal. Mustang is a sleeper but it's very unique, as it's an EM layout w/ a modern code. Can be had in the $4000 range.

Thread revival! Wow, is there such a thing as a good value pin now? Stern Star Trek and Spider-Man might be the best values in this crazy market.

NIB Stern pros....

I will take a different approach. Here's some that you can actually still find for sale that, IMHO are not overpriced....

Sharkey's Shootout - still a deal. It's better than Eight Ball Deluxe and.... it's cheaper.
Harlem Globetrotters - I know it's getting higher in price with all the new parts but it's so much fun.
Shaq Attaq - I understand the hate but, it's still a fun game and worth more than the price I see them sell at.
Stars - has always been a deal
Cue Ball Wizard - was always a deal, still is a deal
Mousin Around - surprisingly... still a deal
Breakshot - undervalued, buy one now!
Firepower, Firepower II, Blackout - they are all STILL a good value if you bulletproof them!

Sadly, if you want a newer game with $4500 worth of fun, you have to pay about 9K.