https://pinside.com/pinball/top-100/bangforbuck

https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds?s=1&radius_latitude=39.7392&radius_longitude=-104.98469999999998&keywords=&ad_what%5B%5D=machine&ad_wantedforsale%5B%5D=forsale&min_price=1000&max_price=2000&pinsider=&ad_condition=0&machine_type=&ad_machine_manuf=&year_from=&year_to=&ad_countrycodes=&radius_distancekm=0&source%5B%5D=pinside#results

Welcome to the pinball hobby! If machines are few and far between there, you may have to ship something or go for a long drive. Pin runs are great. Your price range for a 90's pin is pretty low, even for a system 11 game. (Williams 1986-1990) Some 1990's Gottlieb games can be cheaper, and great games too. Best of luck. If you have a bit of electrical-electronic, and mechanical knowledge, it comes in handy in this hobby.

$1000-$1500 really limits you unless you want a couple EMs or maybe a early Bally. If you could put together another $500 you could round up a demo man, Time Machine, Maverick, JM.

You could probably find a sorcerer for $1500. Great pin.

Space Shuttle! $1200 and around. Good theme, fun game and easy resell.

Doesn’t hurt to double check on shipping. NAVL info is on pinside, shipping fairly easy. Some might do it if you arrange everything

For example:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-lost-world-21

If you like newer pins, stay away from ems. Nothing wrong with them, just usually not as fun or fast. I've had a few, harder to sell and kinda intimidating to work on. Just my .2 cents tho,,

I'd sell ya a nice aerosmith for 5 k if you want

Some people are way off

It’s generally pretty accurate, low end for players condition, high end should be nice. Your price range is tough for solid state but great for a shopped 100 percent EM. $2000-$3000 opens up a lot more “modern” games.

I agree system 11 is a good choice for the budget. I bought a Cyclone as a first pin and posted a thread for help here. Got it running and now I have 14 after 2 years. Good luck.

Sys11 for sure

I would look on Spokane Craigslist. Its only 200 miles away which isn't to bad.

This good advice, I think your best bet is to take that shipping money an add it to your budget , look in the entire region, anywhere in a 4-6hr drive, an be ready to pounce!

I recently drove 4hrs to an estate sale, was there 2hrs early! And snagged a beautiful pinbot(system 11 a) for 650, you could also look for operators in the region, call them, maybe they have a project in the corner? Or one they are replacing!

Having the ability to see an touch a pin before purchasing it has its own value! Alot easier to negotiate when you can see it in person

Early Bally SS would be a great option for your first pin. My first was a Fireball II almost a year ago to date and I am now up to 4. In your price range, and fairly easy to work on which is half the fun of owning your own pin. Good luck and happy hunting. Be warned...they multiply fast!

I think you phrased the project part perfectly. Get something that might need some TLC but you can still play it. Getting your first pin, then trying to fix it for months is no fun...you want to be able to play right away!

Someone already mentioned a Sys 11 game or (at least around that era)- that would be my first choice for a starter pin. Regardless, plenty of good choices. Some of the Data East pins are a good value too, but aren't as 'loved' as much by the collectors. For example, a LAH just went pending for $1900. I still have a LAH along with the newer titles, and it's been rock solid and still gets played. Had a micro switch conk out, but other than that - no issues. Really good shape too.

Don't forget that OBO is your best friend. Make an offer and show up ready to put cash on the glass. Work down on any flaws you find not listed previously. Always be sure to remain looking like you really want to take the thing off the seller's hands then and there.

this exactly! & Data east (the first four titles at least) were heavily "emulating" system 11 .... some great games in that genre , but people are catching on quickly & they aren't as easy to find now

Contact Daditude

I know he offered me privately a very nice Bally for a reasonable price, even with shipping I think it's in your range

Not if you’re patient. I bought my first one in April of this year for $1200, fully working and just purchased my second also for $1200. Just have to be patient and you’ll find a good deal. (Both system 11) Now obviously MT is going to be a little more scarce. Look up local estate sales and Facebook marketplace ads.

Possibly a Time Machine. Maybe a Maverick if you got *really* lucky. You aren’t going to find a working DM or JM under 2k.

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This guy knows what's up. We aren't in 2014 anymore.
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Right!

I remember when you could buy , DM,JM,or Shadow for 2000 or less, not happening anymore! I remember the going rate for Sttng being 3000, times have changed!

It is tough to find good working pins at reasonable prices these days...especially ones that people actually want to play! Lol

System 11 for sure. Amazing bang for buck, almost every title is a winner and they’re super addictive. I’ve got a number of decent pins and Whirlwind cops more use than any other.

You aren't going to find a working Whirlwind in his price range either...

Including shipping in the 1000 to 1500 range really limits you. If you can keep an eye out local, Firepower, Space Shuttle, F14 (probably creeping over 1500 these days but still usually a reasonable price), and maybe some of the higher production/cheaper classic Ballys like Harlem Globetrotters, Black Pyramid, or Silverball Mania would probably suit you well. Even Flash and Gorgar are affordable fun!

If you're on the look out enough I've seen a few sub 2k Lethal Weapon 3s in the past 2 months, my buddy ended up with one for around 1300 I think. If you're not too hung up on theme you could probably find something like a Shaq or Space Jam but honestly the older B/W stuff is probably better and an easier sell down the road anyway.

Keep an eye on FB, Offer Up, and Let Go in addition to CL.

Remember too,in your area winter closes in fast!! You want to get a pin before the weather changes to white!!!!Good luck!!

You have to be ready with the money in hand and ready to go or you will miss them.I just bought a Dirty Harry in Boise a month ago and it was pristine and a good price. It was 230 miles and I was there in 3 hours after I saw the ad on craigslist. You can't fart around or they will be gone. Another way I bought one was calling people that had one pin for sale and asking if they had any more at a lower price.I got my Earthshaker that way.

Data East 'The Simpsons " popped up for $1.6k in the marketplace!

https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/83550

I should add, get one the better half likes to play, will go a long way on pin #2.

Did you buy one?

Bump, what Dax ^^ said.

How about the Comet for $1200 will ship?

Games tend to be more expensive in the winter (everybody is done playing in the sun and stuck inside, pretty much, paying attention to their games). And if you have to travel to get one, it's just easier before it snows, especially since you're in MT may not get one locally.

Finally, yes, temperature/humidity changes aren't good for playfields or backglasses.