I am a newbie member to Pinside and the collecting community. Just started collecting some arcade games this year. Went to a party a month ago and my wife fell in love with an old pinball machine. Now we are looking to pick up a machine. I am learning about arcade repair and know little about pinball, but eager to learn. We live just south of Baltimore so planning on taking the almost 3hr trip up to Allentown. Obviously, it will be my first Pinball convention.
Hopefully you guys won't mind answering a few questions
Not sure if I will be bringing a Subaru Forrester (04) or may rent a minivan. Either one should fit a machine for the ride home. If (when) I decide to buy one, do I bring cash, or just do PayPal on the spot?
Do I need to bring tools and a dolly to get the machine in the vehicle? If so, what would be a good selection of the correct tools?
Compared to arcade games, I am still in sticker shock with regard to pinball machines. I am happy at $500, OK at $1,000 and groaning at $1500. We are actually looking for early to mid 80's, in working condition, solid state games. Are my finances just out of reality for the market? It is difficult for me to tell when I see the same game go for $750 one time and $3,000 the next. I look up the prices in the game section here, but the Classified's are listed for so much higher.
Assuming my financial range is feasible, any thoughts on fun first games? The one my wife loved was Bally - Lost World.
Any other tips for a first timer?
I apologize for the inquisition and thank you for your help. Pinside is on my daily reading list but with Pinfest a week away, I feel like I need assistance climbing the learning curve.