My .02, don't think buying a new game means you will have to do less in repairs.

My TSPP is the only game in my small collection that hasnt needed serious repairs.

My NIB WOZ and GB both had issues that required me to get in there and replace parts.

Buying and maintaining a pin will require you to get your hands dirty, new or used. Luckily, in most cases, the repairs are simple and the mechanisms are fairly straight forward with many here on pinside willing to lend a hand.

I also echo what others have said, don't pick/buy one sight unseen.. even if its a drive, take the fam somewhere to play pins (or find the nearest pinball show and make the trek out)

The warranty you get on a new game is typically 1 year on the parts. So if something breaks that is a MFG defect (blow a light board on a DI, blow a node board on a stern, etc etc) they will send you a new one, but it is up to you to do the actual work (warranty does not cover labor or sending someone out).

Not trying to scare you off, purely for the sake of the new VS used discussion.

When I got my TSPP I knew absolutely nothing but learned as I went (adjusting switches, cleaning/waxing, etc). Just trying to set proper expectations, owning pins for me is a blast and I enjoy working on them, just get some basic tools (posted above) and be prepared to post on here and ask for guidance/help when something comes up.

Other than that, just enjoy trying to figure out what pin you want to get first.

Congrats. Most games have a "Club" on here (other owners (or fans)), for GNR, this would be:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/guns-n-roses-gnr-members-only

Will definitely come in handy when those inevitable questions come up.

and don't stress about knowing nothing of working on pins, you seem to have the right mindset (when something comes up, post on pinside, get input, check things out, apply some tweaks, reach out for help if needed and you'll be fine)