I have many arcade games in my game-room and am very happy with the hobby. Like everyone else I get satisfied to easily and wanted to expand my collecting into the pinball world. I'm 35 and was looking for something relevant to my time that is very desired and hopefully will keep increasing in value as I add or change out down the road. I have never owned or operated a Pinball Machine so I would want something that is reasonably priced and was a good piece to learn the insides and outs on. Is something like Sopranos or Star Wars good one's for a 1st Pin ? My budget is enough to get just about anything within common reason, but obviously the less out of pocket the better. I also would probably need to ship the machine so any help on avoiding major issues there is welcomed as well. Thanks In Advance
Chris
All prices are based on my personal observation of asking prices, sale prices and general knowledge of the current market. These prices reflect a 100% working machine that is cosmetically good. I would consider these prices accurate for a title that is in above average condition.
Pinball Machines that I expect to continue to increase in value over the next 2-3 years.
1. Williams Medieval Madness -- current market price $8,000+.
2. Williams Cactus Canyon -- current market price $10,000+.
3. Capcom Big Bang Bar -- current market price $12,000+.
4. Stern Tron Legacy LE -- current market price is $7,000+
5. Stern Spiderman Black -- current market prics is $8,000+
6. Stern Lord Of The Rings -- current market price is $3,500+
Pinball Machines that I expect to rise and fall in value over the next 2-3 years. But they will remain near their current price points.
1. Williams Cirqus Voltaire -- current market price $4,500+
2. Williams Monster Bash -- current market price $4,500+
3. Stern Spiderman -- current market price $4,000+
4. Bally Attack From Mars -- current market price $4,000+
5. Bally Theatre of Magic -- current market price $3,800+
6. Stern Iron Man -- current market price of $3,800+
7. Stern Simpson's Pinball Party -- current market price of $3,000+
8. Williams White Water -- current market price of $3,000+
9. Stern Family Guy -- current market price of $3,000+
Now, some of the more modern Sterns such as Sopranos, World Poker Tour, Nascar, BBH, CSI, 24, Shrek could all be worth more in -3 years, but it's much tougher to forcast. The could easily be worth less.
With all of this said, I recommend that you find a pinball machine that you enjoy playing. Once found, buy it in working condition for typical market price. Use Boston Pinball, ebay, Mr Pinball, RGP, KLOV, etc as a guide to help determine a fair value.
When the time comes to sell it, I believe that you will be happy when you discover that your sale price will be pretty close to your original purchase price. It may be a litte less and it could be a little more. But my experience tells me that it all evens out in the end.
My 0.02.
Marcus