If you’re in the market for a used pinball machine for sale, you’re probably excited—but also cautious. And you should be. A great-looking machine could be hiding expensive problems under the glass.
As pinball experts with over a decade of experience, House of Pinball is here to help you buy with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the biggest red flags to watch for when buying a used pinball machine—and how to avoid them.
Because the only surprises you should get from your pinball machine… are multiballs, not repair bills.
🎯 Why Red Flags Matter
Used pinball machines can offer great value—but they can also come with:
- Hidden damage
- Electrical problems
- Missing parts
- Expensive repair costs
Knowing what to look for helps you avoid bad deals, overpaying, or buying a machine that won’t last.
🚩 Top 10 Red Flags When Buying a Used Pinball Machine
1. ⚠️ “I Haven’t Turned It On in Years”
If a seller tells you the machine hasn’t been powered on in a long time, that’s a major red flag. Pinball machines are mechanical systems—sitting unused can lead to:
- Dried-out rubbers
- Seized motors
- Battery acid damage
- Corroded connectors
💬 What to Ask:
“Can I see it powered on and running through gameplay?”
2. ⚠️ No Pictures or Only Stock Photos
If a listing doesn’t include clear, detailed photos of the actual machine—especially of the playfield, backbox, and underneath the cabinet—proceed with caution.
Photos reveal:
- Wear and tear
- Repairs
- Missing parts
🚫 Stock photos or blurry shots could be hiding serious condition issues.
3. ⚠️ Missing or Non-Original Parts
Check for:
- Replaced boards or displays
- Custom paint or decals (not always bad, but worth noting)
- Missing ramps, plastics, or toys
- Flippers or buttons that don’t match
👀 Mismatched or missing parts affect both gameplay and resale value.
💬 What to Ask:
“Are all parts original, and is anything missing or modified?”
4. ⚠️ Burnt Connectors or Acid Damage
Always inspect the backbox and underside of the playfield. Watch for:
- Burnt pins or connectors
- Green corrosion near battery holders
- Signs of fire or overheating
🔌 These are signs of past electrical issues—and fixing them isn’t cheap.
💡 Tip: Ask for detailed photos of the boards or open the machine if you’re inspecting it in person.
5. ⚠️ Weak Flippers or Sticky Bumpers
When playing the machine:
- Flippers should snap back fast, not feel mushy
- Bumpers and slingshots should respond instantly
- Ball movement should feel smooth, not sluggish
If gameplay feels off, it could point to:
- Worn-out coils
- Old rubbers
- Dirty or damaged switches
🎮 These affect your experience—and repair costs add up fast.
6. ⚠️ Water Damage on the Cabinet
Water and wood don’t mix. Check the cabinet for:
- Warping
- Swelling at the base
- Peeling art or bubbling paint
- Musty smell
💬 What to Ask:
“Has the machine ever been stored in a garage, basement, or shed?”
📦 At House of Pinball, we climate-store and fully inspect every machine before listing it.
7. ⚠️ “It Just Needs a Fuse”
This is the pinball equivalent of “it just needs a jump” when buying a car.
Often, it’s not just a fuse. It could be:
- A blown transistor
- Faulty power supply
- Short-circuited components
💬 Ask to see it working before you even consider buying.
8. ⚠️ No Playfield Glass or Keys
It may sound small, but missing playfield glass, lockdown bars, or keys can make transport and maintenance difficult.
📉 These parts can be expensive or hard to find—especially on older or rare models.
9. ⚠️ Unwilling to Let You Test It
If a seller won’t let you:
- Power it on
- Play a full game
- Open the cabinet or inspect inside
🚩 Huge red flag. Walk away. They’re likely hiding something.
✅ At House of Pinball, we encourage testing—on-site or via video walkthroughs if you’re buying remotely.
10. ⚠️ The Price Is “Too Good to Be True”
A low price might be tempting, but be wary of:
- Non-working machines being sold as “great condition”
- Scams or fake listings
- Machines missing boards or key components
🧠 Always compare prices across trusted sources like Pinside, eBay sold listings, and reputable retailers.
💬 What to Ask:
“How was the price determined? Are there any issues that justify a discount?”
✅ Bonus Tips to Avoid Getting Burned
- Ask for a video of the machine playing if you can’t see it in person.
- Bring a flashlight and test all features if inspecting on-site.
- Use a checklist to guide your inspection.
- Avoid cash deals with no paperwork—get a bill of sale.
🛠 Want to Skip the Risk? Buy From a Trusted Source
Buying used from private sellers is risky. That’s why House of Pinball exists—to give you peace of mind.
Every machine we sell is:
✔ Professionally refurbished
✔ Tested and cleaned
✔ Includes a warranty
✔ Backed by lifetime support
✔ Shipped with care, nationwide
We don’t just sell pinball machines—we protect your investment.
🎮 Explore Fair-Priced, Fully Inspected Pinball Machines for Sale
Looking for a pinball machine that’s been inspected, cleaned, and guaranteed to play great from day one?