Agree with the above…patience is key. If you set out to buy a game on your trip to Pinball Wizards, you’ll likely make an emotional purchase (I really want a game) rather than an informed purchase (the game is worth the money and is in good working condition).

If you have local places with pins, go often and play to find what types of games you like. Join a league if that’s an option. Get to know others in the area who are in the hobby. They can be a great resource for questions and leads on games. They can let you know reputable (and more importantly the not-so-reputable) sellers in the area. May even meet folks who would go with you to look for issues with a potential purchase.

Another piece of advice would be to also budget for tools and parts. You didn’t mention how the parents’ PinBot was serviced, but if you aren’t familiar with pinball repair, you will be. This site is a great resource to help troubleshoot problems, but you will need tools beyond screwdrivers, like a voltmeter and decent soldering iron.

And be prepared for your second game sooner than you might think.