From my personal experience owning an F-14 since 2009 I believe it to be a great starter pin because it is built like a tank.

Other than normal, routine maintenance I have been very lucky with my machine. As another poster pointed out, the Plasma displays (or in my case the driver board they mount to) will wear out over time. So I guess my biggest maintenance expense has been the purchase of a new XPIN display, which BTW, is an awesome product.

So really it comes down to price based upon condition. They all were full-mylar from t he factory and every on eI've seen or read about has some lifting of the arrowhead inserts beneath the mylar. Mine isn't enough to affect gameplay so I have no desire to mess with it. The other thing to look at is if the mylar lift has actually pulled the decals/lettering stenciled atop the inserts up with it. That's a big detractor in value in my opinion.

Good luck.