Fun game but bring the lube if you are in the market for one. Not many unmodded ones out there and those that are modded are priced at not exactly deal pricing (as you've seen already). Not saying that these are not the market as I don't know what the market really is for this pin but they aren't cheap.

Here is where I'm going to get flamed. Based off what I'm reading I don't see you as being a major Pinball Collector or enthusiast and that you are more looking to fill a gap in your collection/hobby room. If my interpretation is correct save yourself $4K and get a classic. You'll have an IM pinball machine to complete your collection plus you will still have the money to buy that Star Ship Troopers as well and still pocket nearly $2K. If you are a pinball enthusiast then save your money for the Pro but if you aren't then you have to do a cost benefit of what you are looking for especially with a machine like IM.

I'll be the buzz kill. This solidifies my thought process. I truly think you will be just as satisfied with a classic. You are actually the perfect market for the classic as you are more into the theme than the actual pinball play. I've seen classics pop up here and there for sub $3K and I don't see why you couldn't find one for mid $2's if you are patient.

I'll give you some advise I wish someone would have told me when I first started in this hobby. DO NOT fall into the "gotta have it now" feeling with pinball. If so you will overpay just about everytime. The best way to do it is to set some funds aside and be patient for the right thing to come along. You may actually have better luck with cragslist and Mr. Pinball with a WTB add for a classic. To be frank, Pinside (or any pinball forum) is not going be the market for a classic With a WTB add be very causious as that is where the scammers get real bad. Try to pick something up but if you can't I can't recommend enough having someone check the pin out for you first. If nothing else they can confirm it really exist. Most on here would be willing to take a short trip to help out so you can post a request and location and I'd bet you'd get a bite.

Happy hunting and I wish you best of luck with your decision. This is a hard one to make. We all go through it at some point. Normally now is the, should I get the pro or the Prem version

Yeah and their is a right and wrong way to express ones opinion. Of course this being pinside we now have a lot of the wrong way to do it.

State your opinion but no need to badger the guy. He's obviously not a pinhead and is just wanting to fill a collection and have a game he can have fun with. Their are people out there with the classic IM, Batman and even the Pin and are actually happy with them. Would 99.9% of the members here be happy with them? Heck no, but our community doesn't represent the whole market.

With that said, $3K for a classic is high but if the OP is happy that is all that matters.