For all you pinball experts: opinions on Bally Expressway pin?

[shardian]

Hi,

I am thinking about buying a Bally expressway pinball machine. From the pictures, it look to be in excellent shape, and the seller says it works completely "to the best of their knowledge". They also say it could probably use a new rubber kit for the flippers and such.
I might be able to get it for less than $200! Is this one worth getting? What is the valuse of it from anyone who has a pinball price guide?

Thanks for any advice.
shardian

[D_Zoot]

$400 - $500 for a really nice one would be a retail price range. 

Can you play it and look at it before you buy?  Check out the backglass from the backside, is it flaking or missing chunks of paint?  How's the playfield?  Worn to the wood in several spots, or only small wear spots in one or two locations?  Play it, everything seem to work?

If the backglass is good, playfield is good and it plays, with perhaps only a few small problems, then under $200 is a very good price indeed and you should snap it up.

D

[Ken Layton]

That's a great pinball machine. I loved playing it when I was in high school in early 70's.

[shardian]

Thanks for the advice guys. Unfortunately, a guy put in a LARGE proxy bid on ebay for it, so no pinball for me...for now. I gave up at $230.

[ChadTower]

Dude, don't do the "I could get it for X" thing if it's on Ebay.

[shardian]

Yes...how horrible of me to say I MIGHT be able to get it for LESS THAN $200, considering there was only 1 bid of the minimum $150 with less than a half hour to go. Not to mention, the game was located in a remote area where alot of traders do not operate. Thank you for your wise comments in a thread that was considered fulfilled.