Buying a used pinball machine for sale can be one of the best investments for your game room—but only if you know what to look for.
At House of Pinball, we’ve sold, serviced, and restored thousands of machines over the years. So whether you’re shopping your first used machine or adding to a serious collection, this ultimate checklist will help you buy smart, avoid costly mistakes, and pick the machine that’s right for you.
🧠 Why Buy Used? The Perks & Pitfalls
✅ Pros of Buying a Used Pinball Machine:
- Lower cost than new models
- Wider selection of classic and discontinued titles
- Machines often come fully restored or lightly used
- Great for beginners to learn the game without a huge investment
⚠️ But Here’s the Catch:
Not all sellers are equal. Buying from a classified ad or private party without inspection can mean inheriting costly repairs, hidden wear, or incomplete features.
That’s why a comprehensive checklist is key.
📋 The Ultimate Used Pinball Machine Buying Checklist
Use this guide to inspect machines in person or ask the right questions when buying online.
1. 🔎 Playfield Condition
The playfield is the heart of the game. Look for:
- Wear near flippers or ball drops
- Cracks or missing inserts
- Bubbling under the clear coat
- Faded artwork or broken plastics
🎯 Tip: Minor wear is normal on older machines, but excessive damage can affect gameplay and resale value.
2. 💡 Lights, Coils & Electronics
Test all:
- Flippers
- Bumpers & slingshots
- Switches & sensors
- LEDs and general illumination
🎯 Tip: Ask if the boards are original, repaired, or replaced. Newer boardsets or LED conversions are a bonus.
3. 🎮 Gameplay Functionality
Play a few full games and note:
- Are all modes and features working?
- Is multiball triggering correctly?
- Are there delays, stuck balls, or resets?
🎯 Red Flag: If gameplay feels sluggish or inconsistent, there may be deeper mechanical issues.
4. 🧰 Cabinet & Cosmetics
Inspect:
- Cabinet decals for fading or peeling
- Backglass for flaking
- Legs and levelers for rust or wobble
🎯 Tip: Cosmetic wear doesn’t affect play but impacts resale and display value—especially for collectors.
5. 🔌 Power Supply & Boards
Ask:
- Are the power supply and boards original or upgraded?
- Any visible burn marks, repairs, or corrosion?
- Has the machine been kept in climate-controlled conditions?
🎯 Pro Tip: Newer or re-capped power supplies improve long-term reliability.
6. 📦 Parts Availability
If it’s a rare or vintage machine, research whether replacement parts are available.
🎯 Tip: Classic Bally, Williams, Stern, and newer Spooky or JJP machines usually have strong parts support.
7. 🛠️ Service History
Ask for:
- Maintenance logs or receipts
- Restoration details (if any)
- Any upgrades (LEDs, new flipper kits, rubbers, etc.)
🎯 Green Flag: A seller with service documentation is far more trustworthy.
8. 🧾 Ownership & Transparency
Before buying:
- Confirm clear ownership
- Ask if the machine is 100% working or “as-is”
- Get written terms for warranty or support, especially from dealers
🎯 Avoid vague listings like “needs minor work” without explanation.
🛒 Where to Buy: Private Seller vs. Trusted Dealer
| Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Private Seller | Lower price, wide selection | No warranty, risk of hidden damage |
| Online Marketplaces | Quick access, reviews | Often sight unseen, inconsistent quality |
| Trusted Dealer (like us) | Inspected, restored, support included | Slightly higher cost, but peace of mind |
🏆 Why Buy from House of Pinball?
At House of Pinball, we offer:
✔️ Certified Refurbished Used Machines
Each machine goes through a 15-point inspection and comes with:
- Full diagnostics
- Cosmetic restoration
- Replaced rubbers, bulbs, coils as needed
✔️ Transparent Listings
- Photos & videos of gameplay
- Full condition report (what’s original, what’s replaced)
- Honest grading (Collector, Player’s Condition, Fully Restored)
✔️ Warranty & Post-Purchase Support
We don’t just sell—you get access to:
- Technical help from certified pinball techs
- Replacement parts
- Setup guidance
✔️ Nationwide Delivery
Your used pinball machine arrives:
- Fully secured
- Plug-and-play ready
- With white-glove installation available in select areas
🔗 Browse Used Pinball Machines for Sale →
What’s the Best Used Pinball Machine to Buy?
Some of our top-selling, beginner-friendly used machines:
| Machine | Why It’s Great | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Deadpool Pro | Fast action, funny callouts, great for beginners | 🔥 High |
| Jurassic Park Premium | Deep ruleset, family-friendly theme | ✅ Moderate |
| Iron Maiden Pro | Competitive, smooth layout, great music | ✅ Moderate |
| Attack from Mars Remake | Classic, easy to play, high resale value | 🔥 Popular |
| The Addams Family (Restored) | Iconic theme, great investment | ⚠️ Limited |
🧠 Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Play Smarter
A used pinball machine is only as good as the seller behind it. Use this checklist to inspect with confidence—and never feel rushed into a sale.
At House of Pinball, we back every used machine with expert service, transparency, and passion for the game.
Ready to start your search?