Does that include delivery? Where will you find an LE for this price? GLWS

It means the game was used commecially in bowling alleys, bars, restaurants, arcades, etc. Owners that make money on their games change them out from location to location, aka a route. Pretty much any game in your price range will be routed. It's not a bad thing because you are buying based on condidtion of game the day you are looking at it is for sale, but routed games typically have more wear. However, if it routed without wear or hacked boards, I wouldn't worry about it Home Use Only vs Routed.

One that’s been on location and might be in a little rougher shape. If it works and plays good and you are ok with cosmetic issues this might be something to look for.

My advice: BE PATIENT

I get the excitment of owning a game TONIGHT, but you need to slow down. Take your time and find something that you like, fully working, and not overpriced.

Meteor or Joker Poker can be had for around $1000. Both great pins.

I don't know specifically, you can check Pinside price guide, but new Stern LE's cost $9,000. An LE is likely to be home use only, but not always. Home use only is as the name applies, it was only in someone's residence, which means less plays and probably more cared for.

It’s definitely something to take your time on. Have you played any of these games such as Taxi? $2700 may or may not be a good deal based on condition. In fact the avg price around here is less than 2400:

https://pinside.com/pinball/machine/taxi

$1000? Grand Prix. Butter up the spinners and let them rip. Or Fire Power.

Welcome. Have fun!

Avg price on pinside is shown on each game, individually. Check out my taxi link for instance. It is a far more realistic price than eBay!!!

For price guide on Pinside, click on machine tab up top and type in the machine. The splash screen tab of the machine gives a price range based on Pinside sales. Like I said before, seems like everyone wants more than the top end of the price guide. I have heard the reason is the average price is held down becuase the guide takes into account project pins.

Edit: Just checked and Transformers Prem/LE is $4,250-4,950. I don't know anything about the specific game, but appears to be priced to sell.

Do not buy a South Park without playing on location first. It's a Mr. Hankey IMO. That's not a safe game to get before playing first.

You need to read the reviews here on Pinside. This goes to any game you may be considering, but never played. It's been a long time since I've played South Park, but it just didn't have much going for it. Very empty game. I don't recall if I reviewed it though. I believe theme alone keeps prices up.

Edit: Nope I didn't review, but it's ranked 252 for a reason and the price doesn't reflect.

Hmm $1000...

Why don't you buy just a Stern topper, place it on your mantle and revel in its price to actual value ratio

Lethal weapon 3 has that , good starter bang 4 buck game IMO

That was quick. Thread title went from good pin for $1,000 to good pin for $3,000. Yep, that's the reality today unless you like EM's. $3,000 opens up a lot of games.

I called Fieldsweeper and talked pinball for a few. He’s a nice guy. Rest assured I’m not selling him a game spur of the moment like that. Since he’s new to all of this I suggested he come over and check out a few games so I can take the glass off and show him a few things to look for when buying and what have you. I did warn him that once he buys one he won’t be able to stop. He did up his price range to help get a few more options.
Welcome to the hobby Adam

I’m a huge fan of early solid state pins. A great way to get into this hobby is by way of games like Space Shuttle, Pinbot, or Firepower. These are great games to learn on, with little risk. Add another grand and you could get into something like a Stargate or maybe that Taxi. Patience is key.

Dude, you are the man. For real, good for you. You need a 1,000 upvotes.

he will be putting a GNR LE on credit card next week. LOL

Yep, thinking about it myself. We had to move stuff in the house to make room for my recent pin purchase, as I no longer want to deal with steps to basement. We just bought a new couch to have room for another pin in the room. My wife is totally on board. I think I have her hooked. Key is finding themes she also likes. This hobby escalates fast even though I had a slow burn at first.

Now that you've bumped up your price to the 2500-3k range i would reccomend the getaway. T2 is decent too and no fear if you can deal with the theme (i personally love the theme)

Hell, now Doctor Who is in your budget. Love that game. It has one of the best toys/mechs in pinball in my opinion. A three level mini-playfield that rises and lowers. Plus a kick but topper.

World poker tour would be a good buy in the $3,000's

How about 4 Aztecs?

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I would sell mine right now for $3k. I was thinking Getaway, T2, Black Rose (maybe), Dr. Dude, Space Shuttle, even a good deal Roadshow...

Black Rose is a great underated pin that you can get for not a lot of money (well relatively speaking). I've had an eye out for one, but waiting to see what tax season looks for me this spring.

+1.

I would also add in WCS (World Cup Soccer 94). It will be on the high end of OP' budget, but is a heck of a game, and undevalued for what it is.

Edit: And how could I forget... ROLLERGAMES (RG). Suuuuper fun game. I personally love the cheesetastic theme, and the price is relatively low because many others don't feel the same way.

My suggestion... save a little more and get a stern pro from the pinside market

Same here, my first and still favorite game!

Some of the best pinball machines out there are still well under or around 2k. Plenty of great EMs under $1000 as well. Just because it doesn't have toys, a commercial theme, or an LCD screen, doesn't make it lame.

Great pinball isn't "old", it's timeless. But if you like all the bells and whistles that come with modern pinball, then maybe start saving up for something in the 5k to 7k range. If you like 1990s machines, id say Fishtales, Judge Dredd, Dirty Harry or Whirlwind in the 3-4 range are solid choices.

Great idea updating the title....adds so many great pins to the conversation.

Increasing your budget to the $3000 range has opened you up to a lot of very fun games. A quick search of the marketplace for pins between $2000 and $3000 shows a whole bunch of games that I would be more than happy to own. Good luck on your hunt!

Roller games is great. I thought of this too.the pinbot games are in this price range, probably below $3,000.

You’ve now opened up most system 11 games (excluding WW, EATPM, and BR). You cannot go wrong with most any system 11. You’re also in the category of some WPC games, Bride, Getaway (maybe), T2, WCS.

Edit: actually here is a WW for under the 3k mark which doesn’t normally happen. May want to look into it. I consider it the best system 11 ever made
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/102471

Dr. Who is really good I agree. I had one for a bit and i regret selling it. Especially at the price i sold it for lol. I also agree that black rose is good and underrated. Kinda hard to get dialed in though

Judge Dreed
Roadshow
Dirty Harry
Fifa

I say narrow it down to 2 or 3 titles and try to play them on site
Iam new to pinball myself and once I hit a tour around town of Pinbars and Arcades my wanted list changed.
No matter how many youtube videos you watch,its always best to get hands on.

You and me together brother. I sold mine for a price that sold in a minute. You know you priced to move when it happens that fast. Luckily it went to a good friend for friends and family price and I still get to play.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-shaq-attaq-22#post-5893633

Shaq Attack and in the same state as you!

Welcome to the hobby!

Steve

there is a shadow for $3400 on facebook right now.

If it's in decent shape that sounds like a great price.

I do like that we've quadrupled OP's spending limit in only one day! Not bad, Pinside.

Concur, class act!

I go to bed and now we are up to $4,500? Can't beat Star Trek pro in my (worthless) opinion. Good flow and mix of shots, family friendly if that's of concern, and just plain fun. My favorite Stern release for sure and should be relatively low maintenance for you as there are not alot of complex mechs, etc.

4500 gets you into used Stern SAM category. Spiderman, Iron Man, Star Trek...lots of great titles to choose from https://pinside.com/pinball/machine?query=&machine_generation=36#results

You could possibly find some newer SPIKE Sterns like Star Wars or Aerosmith or you could go the opposite direction and look at a few Stern Whitestar games.

Pretty much any System 11 game, a boat load of WPC games as well can be had at that price.