That is great price. Any wear on the playfield?

Insurance is a must. I had a $1700 claim on an $1800 machine. Things happen.

The pics aren't sufficient to see any lights!

If I was considering dropping $2500+ sight unseen on a machine hundreds of miles away - I would insist on dozens of high resolution pictures showing every part of the machine, including all boards. Any reputable seller will gladly comply. Given the fact that almost everybody knows somebody with a smart phone, it's not unreasonable to ask for a short video of the machine in action. Sure, it "looks nice" on the ebay pictures. I'm sure many people have stories about things that looked nice.

negatives? routed, unshopped machine on location. Not in and of itself a bad thing, but you will get a dirty machine that probably needs something minor fixed. (anything other than that would be a miracle). You can make it look shiny and new, but it will take some effort on your part. that's reflected in the price no doubt, which can be a good thing.

In my opinion the overwhelming majority of people in the hobby won't do what you are going to do - buy an expensive machine sight unseen from an unknown person on ebay. Maybe that just means we are wusses?

Good luck with that. I don't think they will be delivering the machine for your approval and inspection. They will be delivering it to drop it off and leave.

Absent any significant visible shipping damage, I can't see any scenario where someone like NAVL would allow you to load a machine back up into their truck after they have delivered it. They aren't there to mediate any disputes you may have with the seller/shipper.

In a worst case scenario, ebay/paypal would probably side with you on a dispute, but you would be forced to pay 100% of the shipping costs in both directions. So you would be out $500-$700.

Another reason to be cautious about long-distance deals.

I would be wary. I have seen pins like this on location that are really worn. Also says game sold 'as is' which could cover a multitude of sins. Personally my tactic now is to buy local from someone who takes pride in looking after their pins - an enthusiast. This minimises my chances of buying a donkey!!

Does Buck make a noise going across playfield? Have a friend who had this and he was told it is normal???

Good advice!

I definitely understand that. I would have a hard time buying a machine for a few thousand sight unseen.