I live in the Seattle area and I'm considering buying a EM Gottlieb Target Alpha (1976) from a seller that's about an 11 hour drive from me. This is one of my favorite EM games, so the drive is worth it to me. He's asking $800 and the machine appears to be in good working order from what I can tell from photos -- also the playfield looks great as does the cabinet, and the backglass has a bit of flaking over the "Target Alpha" logo itself, but the rest looks very clean and good color. I'm going to talk to him soon to get more details, but assuming no major issues, does $800 sound right? I'm hoping to negotiate a bit since I'm driving so far, just to offset some of my gas and a motel room for the night.

Thoughts?

#2 9 years ago

CDF

Collin

Pinside member

Columbus, OH

11y 116K 5,271 29 82

800 is probably on the high end, especially with the backglass flaking. Plus, that's a long drive for a game in potentially unknown condition. I would make sure you know who you're buying from, i.e. working doesn't just mean "score motor spinning with some lights on."

#3 9 years ago

CCC

ccotenj

Inactive member

11y 77,150 7,231

ta's sit at prices less than that one for a long time around here, and "around here" there is strong "competition" for machines... they also seem to sit for awhile in other places as well...

unless the seller was known by me, before i drove 22 hours for it, i'd want really detailed pics (don't forget to ask for a pic of the back of the bg), as well as a video of it playing through all 4 players to the end of the game...

personally, i'd wait for a closer one, they are pretty common... seems like there are always a few available...

imo/ymmv/etc.

edit: for what gas, motel room, food, etc. is going to cost you, you could almost ship one...

#4 9 years ago

JWD

jdoz2

Inner Orbit Pinball

11y 132K 2,445 26

I agree that its a little too expensive and way too far to be worth it. I bought my old target alpha for 600ish and couldnt sell it on pinside for what I had into it. Had a few people interested but they all backed out. It finally sold to a local guy who had been looking for one.

That said, I would buy one for 600 with a nice backglass in a heartbeat. 800+11hr drive it more than I would be willing to invest personally.

#5 9 years ago

JFH

jfh

Pinside+ Addict

10y 161K 10,147

Just FYI - reproduction backglasses are available if you decide to get the game.

#6 9 years ago

MFS

goldenboy232

Pinside member

Alamo Heights, TX

9y 79,300 1,816 4 15

Thanks guys, and you're helping me see this may not be worth it. I'm going to talk to the guy and ask for much more detailed pics than what he's posted on CL (BTW, if you want to see it and give me your opinion, it's on the East Idaho Craigslist in Pocatello Idaho). If I were to try to arrange shipping (assuming I can negotiate a price I want), how would you recommend doing that? Just search for shipping companies in that area? Thanks guys!

#7 9 years ago

CCC

ccotenj

Inactive member

11y 77,150 7,231

michelle bianchi at precision transport (navl)... her number is floating around somewhere... do a search on "bianchi", it'll come up...

i wouldn't ship that one though... you can likely find a nicer one for 800 if you are willing to pay another 400 (or so) to ship...

3 weeks later

#8 9 years ago

MFS

goldenboy232

Pinside member

Alamo Heights, TX

9y 79,300 1,816 4 15

So I've found another TA owner who is coming to within an hour of me (he also lives about 12 hours away) in a few weeks to visit family and is willing to do the sale once he's here. His price is also better ($450), so I'm thinking about pulling the trigger. The physical condition of his game (playfield, cabinet and glass) are as good if not better than the other one (I'd say they're all in "good" condition), and although it does need some mechanical work, it's all fixable.

So, I'm optimistic that in three weeks I'll land a very nice TA for $450 and then may spend a couple hundred on repairs. Stay tuned and fingers crossed!

#9 9 years ago

POC

Noobee

Pinside member

10y 58,400 421 4

Good luck goldenboy! Let me know how it turns out.

#10 9 years ago

MFS

goldenboy232

Pinside member

Alamo Heights, TX

9y 79,300 1,816 4 15

It looks like he and I have a deal. The machine's really clean (I'll email you some pics) and does have some minor mechanical issues, but it's all fixable, plus the price is right!

#11 9 years ago

RAE

bob_e

Pinside member

Milford, MI

10y 99,150 4,260 17

For $800.00 it ought to be Extremely nice inside and out.

I bought mine local for $350.00 3 years ago, needed to be shopped, back glass is very good too.

The cost to drive there and back 40 cents a mile to operate you car/truck= about $450.00. + motel + food + ect. AND 2 days of your time.

Get a video of it playing, power on, reset, and play all 4 players.

Production run was 7285. You should be able to get one closer to home.

Would you consider:
Solar City 2-player version,
Eldorado 1-player replay,
Gold Strike 1-player add a ball,

Same playfield, with minor rule changes, and different artwork.

#12 9 years ago

MFS

goldenboy232

Pinside member

Alamo Heights, TX

9y 79,300 1,816 4 15

Quoted from bob_e:
For $800.00 it ought to be Extremely nice inside and out.
I bought mine local for $350.00 3 years ago, needed to be shopped, back glass is very good too.
The cost to drive there and back 40 cents a mile to operate you car/truck= about $450.00. + motel + food + ect. AND 2 days of your time.
Get a video of it playing, power on, reset, and play all 4 players.
Production run was 7285. You should be able to get one closer to home.
Would you consider:
Solar City 2-player version,
Eldorado 1-player replay,
Gold Strike 1-player add a ball,
Same playfield, with minor rule changes, and different artwork.

Yeah I'm getting this one for $450 and he's driving it to me. Not sure if you read the whole thread. Machine's in very good condition.

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