Quoted from cosmokramer:I checked my Craigslist app on my way home from work yesterday like I always do, even though I purchased a Sopranos the day before and had no intention of buying another. I came across an ad for a very low play HUO LOTR that had just been placed a few minutes prior. No pictures but description, I called the guy and he said he was original owner and that it was in his storage unit for the past several years. Told him I was very interested in it and would call him back in 20 minutes when I got home to get cash and address. When I called him back he said he already had six other calls since I had talked with him and that 2 people offered more than he was asking. He said I would have first shot at it since I was first to contact him. I made the 1 hour drive to North San Diego and picked up this beauty for $4900. Audit read 204 total plays and it looks like new, it just needs to be cleaned. I was planning on ordering a TWD pro but that is on hold for a few months which is probably better so I can be more informed and not just purchase due to hype.
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Whether the audit reads 204 or 2040 makes no difference. A "low-play" claim, especially along with a "I had it in storage" story, is automatically a red flag because the storage claim can't be verified and the audit can be manipulated.
$4900 for a (well-)used LOTR in the current market is not a competitive price even IF it may be in 100% working condition. As to whether or not you made a financially astute decision in this instance, you can only find out when/if you ever try to trade it up towards a TWD in due course.
As an aside, current LOTR owners fall into two categories. Those who want to get rid of their LOTRs because JJP's THLE will be released soon, and those who want to hang on to there LOTRs for the same reason. As a result of the first instance as described above, many LOTR's are now available at good prices to grab these days.
I personally subscribe to the second line of thinking. Money and space not being an issue, it'd make sense to pair an old LOTR with a new generation JJP THLE which would complete a collector's series and give you the pleasure of owning two Keith Johnson pins next to one another, each representing a different era of pinball technology, platform, and coding.
Ronkonkoma, NY
