Tigersaw, welcome to the hobby. In reverse order: you sound like you will have no problem maintaining machines. Having owned several, there has not been a problem over the years that I have not been able to solve. You will need a tech manual for the specific machine, a copy of the logic "rules" ( both available for free on line in most cases), a basic understanding of wiring schematics / soldering. If you are not into repairing circuit boards ( you will eventually have to replace bridge capacitors), repair people are readily available. I have also gotten repair tips from the internet and people on this web site are very help full.

As far as the Addams Family posted, I would stay away. Damage to the play field and cabinet like you are picturing greatly de values the machine. I found one last summer for a little more money that was in far better condition. He is asking far too much.

as far as shopped versus re furbished. I have seen both terms used interchangeably. Re furbished infers more work but you need to ask specifically what the vendor has done to the machine, look with your own eyes and take the glass off and try the switches by rolling a ball with your hand. Look inside the cabinet body for cleanliness and the back board for hacked wires, burnt connectors, etc. Lastly feel free to ask questions on this forum. The people here are very helpful and supportive.

I am no expert, but the TAF looks very rough and and played hard. How on earth did that back get so tore up? Looks like more of a $1k machine in that shape. I play one locally at a pizza shop and it is way better and gets beat on daily.

TS, welcome to group and good luck with your first purchase. Sulli seems to have answered your questions quite well and I agree that although TAF is a great Pin and highly sought after I would stay away from that one...at that price anyway. Depending on the rest of the Pin I wouldn't give more than $500. Hopefully the guy is not trying to take advantage of a new PinHead but I can not figure out why he thinks he is going to get $3000 for it. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Welcome Tigersaw, good questions you ask. Sulli10 provided some good info and I would agree to stay away from this particuliar TAF as the asking price is too much for this condition. There are other machines available that are in better condition and patience really pays off. I think you will find many helpful people here at Pinside that will be able to provide you with their input and experience with different machines and sellers. Theatre of Magic is a great game but in all honesty the MK codes really dont come into play at all. The game will leave with a smile everytime though and thats whats great about pinball. Welcome to Pinside and good luck on your search.

welcome Tigersaw.

"Refurbished", "shopped", etc. - means different things to different people. Both should give you a clean, 100% working machine. Beyond that, it's a crapshoot as to what was actually done to the machine.

If you are going to go as deep as a ToM or TAF as your first machine (good for you!) - I'd really recommend you try to hook up with a local collector for some guidance and assistance. The TAF that you picture above - that "scuff" that maybe you could live with on the playfield - can mean the difference of hundreds and hundreds of dollars in the value of the machine. If you are buying a $1000 machine, a little wear typically won't hurt you much. On a high end machine, it will significantly impact the value. And what is "insignificant" wear to you as a new collector may very well be a "deal breaker" for someone who has been in the hobby awhile.

I generally try to get machines with good cosmetics, because I know I can fix or replace the electronics. Can't always do that with a playfield or backglass that is in bad shape.

But really, if you are going to spend $3-4k on your first machine, take your time. Ask around here for opinions. It's not uncommon for people to overpay when purchasing their first machine, and in the price range you are talking it becomes even more critical to make sure you know what you are getting. Good luck!

It is sad to see a TAF in that condition...

Speaking of TAF!!!
I was playing TAF the other day... (kidding! )

Seriously TS, (Great Avatar BTW!)
If you wanted an MK send up for pinball go get a 'Funhouse'!
Ed Boon did ALL the voicework for Rudy!
Or if you really want to hurt your wallet- get a MM!
Dan Forden gives the ol' "TOASTYYY!!!" shout out as well...

Good luck with the TOM hunt though!

toasty.jpeg

It's beat up pretty bad, but it's still worth than $500 IMO.

I see what you did there!

If it works, and you can get the seller to come back to earth on the price I'd go for it.

I wouldn't pay more than $1000.00 for it (and that's only if it's running 100%). I have a feeling the seller is trying to take advantage of you because he knows you're new to pinball.

That being said, offer him 1K. At that price, you can dig in elbows deep and learn alot pins, and not worry about messing it up.

Practice up on soldering. You'll need it where you're going.

Welcome to the site and hobby!! That machine is a mess I would advise you to stay away from it. You would likely want a machine in better condition for a first machine. And it really seems like this guy is trying to rip someone off trying to charge $3,000 for a machine in that condition it is a good idea to stay away from buying from guys like that. Even at $1,000 I would advise you to stay away from this one because it is much better to ease into learning how to fix these machines.

People that claim they shopped or refurbished a machine means they got it in working order cleaned the playfield changed out bad bulbs and rubbers. It is just a claim until you actually see it for yourself. I would focus on trying to find one locally or like you did in this case get as many photos as possible. It is more important to get a machine with a good playfield then one that has been shopped since you could really do that yourself.

My advice is to play the machines before buying and to do what you are doing, namely check the ratings and opinions. Also as it is a first game don't pay over the odds as you may like to exchange or sell it in the future.

The TAF looks tatty!!

As for first pin - you would probably enjoy so many. For me, I have shortlists and wishlists and it is simply what becomes available. Then it is condition and price. Right condition and right price, you cannot go wrong because if you get bored quickly, it is simple to move on quickly and get another.

Buy an unloved dog and you could be stuck with it!

They do not often sell for 6000 on ebay though. Pinside provides an estimated value for most machines, for TAF it is $2960 and $3440 based on 58 auctions. Another useful site to see what pins actually sell for is:
http://www.mindformation.com/cgi-bin/ebaypins.pl

Another good site to gauge a value on machine is:
http://www.pinpedia.com/

Hope this helps

+1 on everything The_Dude_Abides just said! never use the stuff that sits on ebay (and sits and sits and sits...) as a price guide. pinpedia is an awesome resource and i use it all the time to check on pinball prices. pinside's price charts are good as well. welocme to the hobby, bunch of great people here for sure.

Get'em ALLL.... Sell yr Least Fav---- Take out a Loan for 50k and HAVE FUN !!!!!!!

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T2 a great 'bang for buck pin' and great fun. Not super deep but great for learning shots and really nice flow. Popular as well, so easy to move on.

tiger saw welcome to the world of pinball. as you can see there are alot of friendly helpful people here. with that said if i were you i would check out the bang for buck list under the top 100 tab this will give you a general idea about what machines are going for. also dont assume just because someone else doesnt like a machine that you wont. the 2500 dollar range should get you a great starter. if you have a place to play near you go play some machines learn the rule set give each game a fair shot. if you dont like a game at first move on then comeback to it some games grow on you. my best advice is dont rush into it take your time. you dont want to get stuck with some thing you dont like (no brainer) but also something you will have a hard time getting rid of goodluck!

Welcome to the forum and hobby! Black_Rose is a serious pin flipping wild man! Hes had a ton of pins in the past year or two. Sometimes there lucky to be at his place more than 24 hours! But seriously, there tons of great pins to be had for much less than 3k, and this is a great place to ask a question or two. Very knowledgeable people here, and they'll steer you in the right direction! Put up a whats it worth post when you have one in mind. Careful though, there like rabbits! They multiply quickly!

I've got a T2.. Yes, I still have it.. I do have 2- Previous Buyer's of mine want-n it,, But I'm NOT thru with it Yet.. And it will be 4-sale in the next month.. and yr a Long way Away !!! I Haven't set a price yet,, will be between $ 15 and $ 1700.00 .. Order-n the 2nd 1/2 of the insert Led's 2-nite from
.. http://shop.cointaker.com/ and I'm think-n about gett-n the Home rom for T2 at

,,, http://www.actionpinball.com/cgi-bin/romorder.cgi?name=T2Prof

. The Profanity rom's Should give T2 some Umph !!!

...

. Forgive me ,, For i am Insane !!!

BK2K_&_T2.jpg T2_.jpg

Black Rose.....You need a bigger garage.

SW was my first pin and I love it! And you can usually find them for $1700-$2200. Great theme and very fun to play!

Bought my 1st machine (Jurassic Park) about a month ago. I don't regret it at all. It's fast, fun, cool toys and lots of shot variety. Seems like a great game for a player like me who is going to play for a 1/2 hour a night.

JP and T2 would be a great combo to start with, and you could pick up both for about $3K total. Star Wars has a great theme, but you might get tired of it pretty quickly.

Also found a "Funhouse" for 2500, says everything works just fine, and he lives rather close.

That is not too shabby of a price...
What you should look for is of course- Rudy working properly (eyes, eyelids, mouth etc...), subway not cracked or damaged, bulbs, trapdoor, wear around the cellar holes and that the displays are bright. Also if the seller is nice enough... Do a switch test with a pinball to see if everything is working as it should.
Also if it has a "Diamond Plate" PF you can check it under the right flipper...

Here!

image-37.jpg

It just means that it will be more durable towards heavier cleaning if the PF is dirty or scratched.
I think it was around 200 or so first run machines that had it stock. The rest were updated as a NOS replacement later on...
Good luck with it if you do decide to buy!
I would love to LED one six ways til' Sunday...
But that's just me!

You might get tired of the T-Rex eating the ball after awhile. Pretty cool at 1st.

Yeah, the only bad thing of the T-Rex is it slows things down, however because it often triggers a Tri-Ball it's often the calm before the storm. The Raptor Kickback is also just fun.

Here you go!
http://www.flippers.be/basics/101-pinball_tests.html

uuhh, no these machines being old and having so many parts need to be worked on more then you would think. I enjoy working on them even though it can get frustrating at times. Hiring a tech to come and service it when you have issues will get very pricey quickly so if you don't have extra money to spend on a tech you need to learn as much as you can as quick as you can to begin fixing the issues yourself.

My pick would be a good conditioned T2.
Mine is a players pin that is taking some work to make up to snuff but coming along.
I don't want many projects again.

Sounds like you have the right attitude for sure I think you will enjoy the hobby!!

"I'm highly intelligent"

Did you really say that? WOW!

I feel ya on that one. Its like its a crime to let people know how AWESOME you are! I live my life by the motto "Its Awesome being awesome!" That phrase is trademarked BTW lol

I always felt as if you have a talent or gift for anything, let others do the bragging for you.

Arrogance is a quality these days?

I would pick Frankenstein over Hook its a much better game.
If you see them in person would be the best option.The first thing
to check is the boards and see if they are in good conditon and no
battery acid,Put the machine in test report and see if any errors pop up and
check the DMD in the screen test also they are very costly to replace especially
the Frankenstein one.

+1 on that.

What your budget is like? For me, price was one of the largest factors. I really couldn't spend over $1000 so I basically was looking for whatever came along. If you have 2-3-4k more games are going to be available.