Slightly OT - Pachinko purchasing

[brihyn]

sorry for this being slightly off topic, but figured this was a great source of knowledge.
The wife's been asking for a pachinko machine for a few years, and now that I've played one on VP, think it would be a fun addition to the basement. Time to begin Christmas shopping...
Is there anyone here who can give me a rough idea of how much I should spend vs how much is too much when searching Craigslist?
What should I be watching for, looking at when viewing the machines, etc? Basically, what do I need to know?

Thanks!

[HaRuMaN]

In my area they range from $20 to $200...  The $200 seems a bit much.  I'd probably pay $50 for a good condition one.

[BadMouth]

remembered seeing a few on craigslist around here lately, so went back and looked.
$200 asking price for the ones in excellent shape
$150 asking price for one in pretty good shape

Keep in mind that they probably aren't going to get the asking price and most people will accept much less if you offer an immediate cash payment with no hassles.  No asking to hold it for you, offering stuff in trade, needing help delivering it, etc.  They'll usually sell for 1/4 to 1/3 less immediately or even less if you're willing to wait until they've exhausted other options.

I'm sure I could have picked up one of those nice $200 ones for $150.  I wouldn't go over $200.

[Vigo]

The price also depends on what era machine you are looking for. If you are looking for a shiny modern one, you will probably be looking at 200-500 sometimes more or less depending on theme, condition, etc. I never owned one, so I can't help there. A Star Wars one will sell for much more than something based on a Japanese TV show that isn't known in the west.

The vintage ones you can find to be relatively cheap and plentiful if you look around. They are mostly mechanical. I bought one for $20 a few months back. It works pretty well. I have inherited others that were too damaged to even bother with unless I really get into them as a hobby.

Collectors look at things like the design rarity and placement/style of the flowers, spinners, etc. I am too casual on the topic to tell you about that stuff. They will be able to spout things like they have a ultra rare '73 Sanyo with rainbow clovers or junk like that. I know nothing about that collector stuff. 

So here is about all I know:

Mechanically broken Machines:  Try to avoid unless you need parts or want to do a repair for fun/to learn on. There are too many working machines available.

Electrically broken Machine: OK for the vintage ones. They are 98% mechanical, and the electrical is pretty much lights. Easy to fix, and the machine doesn't even need it to work.

Missing glass: OK. You can get a new piece cut to size easily. I think most people use plexi.

Pachinko Balls: Getting a machine with good unpitted, non-rusting balls is a big plus. They otherwise need to be ordered and with shipping, it does cost money. Don't play old balls. It will be bad for your machine.  If you can get balls in a real pachinko ball tray, that is a double plus.

If you are getting an old machine, you will usually to clean it head to toe. That can also mean taking it apart. They really can shine up nicely with the right attention. Give yourself a couple weeks for cleaning. The nice part about a cleaning is you learn exactly how they work.

Other than checking the mechanics, when looking a machine over, just make sure the spinners are not trashed, the flowers look working, and the chrome metal parts are in decent shape. Certain things like if the jackpot is working I think are difficult to check before you buy.

[RandyT]

Definitely spend the extra and get one with an LCD.   The older ones can be fun, but the video, sounds and bonus reels make for a much more interesting and engrossing experience.  As Vigo stated, the theme plays a big part in the cost, but don't get too wrapped up in the pictures if you want to get a good game at a decent price.  They all play pretty much the same, and some of those quirky Japanese character themes are just as fun and can give it a little more authentic appeal.  I will also +1 on it having a large quantity of balls in good condition.  The more you have, the less time you spend dumping them back in the hopper.

I've been looking for one as well, but I won't spend more than $175 for one.  That limits the market for what I am looking for, and shipping costs would put that out of the question.  But I'm not in a hurry and can wait for one to show up on CL within driving distance .

[BobA]

Best forum for Pachislo and Pachinko.  Lots of good info.

http://www.pachitalk.com/