Probably a locked MPU. If you look at it, take off the back glass and open the light panel. There is an LED on the MPU (top left board). It should flash 7 times and then glow, if it lights solid when booted, it's locked. Likely from corrosion, but could be a couple other issues (dead transistors, etc.). Not a huge deal unless the board is really eaten, but if you aren't familiar with board work you will likely need to send out or buy a new board depending on the exact issue. If the board is clean and its locking, it usually isn't a big deal at all. Mild to moderate corrosion isn't huge either, only if it's badly corroded will it be in new board territory.

I saw the same ad and was tempted, but I've already got enough projects on my hands. I've gotten games for similar prices in similar condition. For $250, I'm not too picky. It's rare to find something cheaper than that. Basically, if the cosmetics look decent, pretty much everything else can be repaired/replaced/substituted without too much trouble (with the exception of unobtainable parts, plastics, and backglass).

It could be anything. Fuses, loose wires, tarnishing, corrosion, damage from being moved, static electricity killing a chip, cold solder joints, battery damage, problems on the rectifier board, etc.

You're probably not going to be able to diagnose it in just a few minutes or through an email exchange with a seller who just wants to sell. If the problem was immediately obvious upon a visual inspection, the seller probably would've addressed it to get a higher asking price.

If the Meteor is not blown out and complete at $250, buy it.

Likely problems besides cosmetic stuff would be battery damaged MPU, hacked up transformer/rectifier assembly, rusted out / water damage.

Meteor is a really fun classic stern game too.

Like previous posters have said, if its cosmetically good buy it and go. Even if you had to replace the entire boardset with new (which you won't) you will still be fine if you want to sell down the road.

Saw the ad. I'll race you.

Meteor - great game,

250 if complete and in decent condition is a good price - even with MPU issues.

Careful about the "worked before it went into storage" line. That is a classic cover your ass story because you know it doesn't work, and don't wanna be responsible for it. Regardless, I'd bite at $250. If you know how to repair boards, and the game is complete, it won't cost much to get going again unless it is an alkaline damage job.

It is an easy and inexpensive game to repair regardless, even if the MPU is rough.