The thing about EM pinball machines is that all the parts are serviceable by the average person, assuming you can find/buy parts and have tools and knowledge to affect those repairs. The other thing is that you can count on having to do some repairs to the machine from time to time, more frequently than on a newer machine. Newer machines will normally operate for some time before needing repair, but it will eventually be necessary, even on a newer machine, not to mention normal cleaning and such. Another thing to consider is that normally, an EM machine can be acquired at a much lower cost than newer machines, simply because most collectors would rather have a newer machine with special features/displays and toys on the machine. A lot of people would rather not work on their machine frequently, in order to keep it operating normally. So just get ready to work on the machine if you decide to purchase it, because it will be necessary.