Neo Geo pre-purchase queston - What is it worth?

[Zrooney]

Hey all hope everyone's summer has been good. I finally finished my Mame cab of 3 years, woohoo!

So that has started an itch, an itch to own actual arcade hardware. This Neo-Geo popped up on Craigslist
http://reading.craigslist.org/vgm/4665592703.html) recently and is a stones throw away from me. Here is what the add says for the lazy.

NEO-GEO DOES NOT WORK correctly--SOLD 'AS-IS' HAS 'KING OF THE MONSTERS' AND 'WORLD HEREOS 2 JET' ON FRONT DECALS-with cartridges- screen lights up with digital scrambled picture.

SEE AT KEMNER'S SURPLUS WAREHOUSE, 114 S. WASHINGTON ST. POTTSTOWN,PA. 19464 --TUE AND THUR 1-5 PM; FRI, 1-8PM ; SAT 10-6PM.

OR MAKE ME AN OFFER!!!!

The asking price is $225, i am no expert but i think that is a little high. What should i realistically offer this guy assuming the cab is in ok shape and it is a 2-slot. And is the scrambled video a common problem that can be fixed with a cap kit, something more severer, or something that i will just have to take a gamble on? Any input is greatly appreciated, and if this thread needs to be moved let me know, i was not sure where to post it.

[knave]

My best case scenario guess would be dirty contacts on the cartridge/slot. Worst case...something wonky on the board. Doesn't sound like a monitor issue.

If the monitor works and the cab is in decent shape with all the controls/coin mechs, It could be a decent buy. I'd try offering $150. You can buy a new one/two slot Neo Geo board and still not break the bank if the board is shot.

[ChadTower]

Neo Geos are a dime a dozen, literally.  Every auction you see a line of them going for $50-150 depending on what games are in it and how many slots.  Expect that monitor to be crap because nearly all of them are from surplus.  I wouldn't offer more than $50 sight unseen. 

Don't ever forget that you can walk from a bad deal as there will be many more to follow.

[Zrooney]

Thank you both Knave and Chad for your input! I got the ok to put it in the basement from my parents so I will be heading up tomorrow to check it out assuming he has not sold it already. I will start at $100 than go to $150 as a max, Thank you guys again!