Not an uncommon thing to trade-up in order to get a much better version of your fav game. Your friend's STTNG looks gorgeous! I can't really tell from the angle, but it looks like the nuetral zone looks like its in good shape. Just need to find some black legs for that pinny. Cabinet looks otherwise beautiful.

Looks nice - If you dont want it, I'll take it! seems fair price - will yours be in better condition then his once its done? Or is his worth the extra $600 bucks to you.
Great pin either way.

I'd love to have one someday. It's the one thing the wife and I had in common when we first met. We both loved ST. The problem right now is that I lack the room for what I already own with a couple machines stored in my brother in laws garage. Maybe I could build a sunroom addition off my den out back and make that the game room.

Looks like he has a great machine. I like the pleasure/reward though of doing my own work to bring something back even if it takes me forever.

I would say, buy the machine, put the best parts from both into the one you want to keep and sell the other for what you can get. My friends have been doing this with old cars for a long time. My buddy's 'Cuda is made up from at least 3 junkers. After selling the two leftovers for more than he paid, he ended getting a good looking and running Muscle car for about $1000.

Trade it! This one looks as good as mine (almost like new) - and I put around 700 bucks in my STTNG and the machine was great even when I bought it.
I also replaced all the ramps, all the broken plastics and I also installed ramp protectors, cliffy protector and protectors for the most common breakable plastics.
I have so much fun with this machine so it was worth to spend every penny on it!