Looking for an arcade machine, need some advice!!

[Dobie]

OK, I've decided to take the plunge and buy a vintage Ms. Pac-man machine. I want the stand up cabinet, not the cocktail version. I expect to be paying out the arse for one, but how much is too much? I've seen them in the area of $800 or so--but I want one that is in good shape, working, and not all banged up. Is $1000 too much to pay for a good condition Ms. Pac-man stand up?

Also, I've contacted the only arcade machine distributor in my state, but they only deal with newer machines. I know auctions and business closings are a good place to look, but those are few and far between around here, especially ones with old arcade machines. I don't live in a HUGE metropolis. So does anybody know a dealer I can contact that is reliable? Any other places I can look?

I've thought about going to ebay for this one, but I'm kind of nervous about that. This would definitely be the biggest item I've bought off of there.

So.... any suggestions for an arcade newbie?

*Kicks self for not buying one for $300 in college when he had the chance*

[y-bot]

if it's possible you should try to find one on ebay that you can look at and try out before you bid or at least before you pay for it. I know I would be willing to drive a few hours before I spent near $1000 for something. Plus you'd be saving a couple hundred dollars on shipping if you can pick it up. There are quite a few Ms. Pac-Man machines on ebay every month so you should be able to find one not too far away. I have never bought an arcade game off of ebay but I have heard there are lots of shady sellers and shill bidding so be careful if you choose that route. Most of the dealers that I have come across charge alot more than ebay prices for their arcade machines. There are lots of websites selling refurbished Ms. Pac-Man games for $1500-$2000. Another option is one of the arcade collectiong newsgroups (rec.games.video.arcade.collecting and .marketplace and maybe more). I just got a Pac-Man upright locally for $350. Good luck.

y-bot

[Dobie]

I'd definitely be willing to drive. I noticed you're in Portland, that's not too far away from me in Boise... maybe 8 hours or so by car, a weekend jaunt. I'm sure I'd be able to find something in the Portland or Seattle area. Any good auction houses or dealers around there?

[Videogamerdaryll]

I was looking at different Arcade machines on Ebay..awhile ago..(month back)
I noticed a company selling Ms.Pac man machines..
They had a line of them..at a warehouse..
They all looked new..
I cant seem to find the Company now..but I don't think they sold all the machines they had..
I did some Ebay searching..but there is not many listed.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=Ms.+Pac+man+&categoryid=&ht=1&st=0&category3=13715&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&BasicSearch=&from=R2&catref=C3

[Charlie]

I'm in Kennewick, WA... if that's not too far away I have Sega Hologram: Time Traveler machine for sale. $1,500. Mint condition... perfect condition. Not the best game, but if you want a major fucked up game that is sure to draw some attention, I don't think there is a better one out there.

Plus, I would hear offers on a couple of the other games I have. My basement arcade has grown to the point of not having any room anymore so I need to dump some games that just don't belong. I have a G.I. Joe machine (not sure if I will sell it. I got it for my birthday and it seems... I dunno... wrong to sell a gift), I have a working Carnevil machines, sans the Marquee, Vs. Duck Hunt machine, Vs. Golf machine, and I might be equiring an extra Donkey Kong Jr. machine dirt cheap, so I'll sell my old one which has some minor burn-in on the monitor.

[y-bot]

I've never been to an arcade auction. I've heard this place called MusicVend in Portland has auctions sometimes but that was a long time ago. Last summer there was a Ms. Pac-Man for sale at an antique show for $300 I think. It was wither missing the monitor or the PCB I forget. Anyway the perspn who was selling it has a furniture/arcade game store not too far from me. I could check on that one if you want a project. There are several people in Seattle who frequent the arcade newsgroup I mentioned before. Another place in Portland has a website (coin-opgames.com I think) but there prices look pretty high. if you end up getting a game and it needs parts or needs work check out www.therealbobroberts.com and mowerman website (you'll have to Google that one). There is a ton of troubleshooting information on both of those sites. And there are other websites where you can download the manuals for free.

y-bot

[Dobie]

Thanks for the input Y-bot. Its a HUGE help!!!!