Then the question new versus older TBL. I get this asked more but difficult to answer. Just imagine me stating it’s fine and it breaks after 1 week of ownership 
. Who than to blame?
Think it’s like with any other product, used has a higher chance to break down as new and there is likely no warranty. That’s also why used is cheaper as new if new is readily available. Just common sense.
Anyway, reliability wise I don’t see much difference between the older and newer ones. I don’t see for instance relative more service requests from 3 yr old machines as 6 months old ones. Majority is in the first three months of ownership. Dialing in switches etc. Rug, car and bowling rarely have issues other than switches needing dialing in. Just make sure you are always running latest software, at the moment of typing this it’s rel 113.
What are major differences old versus new to consider? I can think off:
1) stepper motor cardoor changed from bottom main playfield to bottom MPf. Is not for reliability an issue, just makes it easier to take out MPF if needed. Can be retrofitted
2) sn 950+ power distribution board was added. This makes the need to sometimes jumper the Pc zero. Can be retrofitted
3) start 2023 artwork was withdrawn from under starposts.
4) sn 910+ optoscoop was added but that was just to make adjustment of that switch easier. Old design worked fine with a dialed in switch
5) sn 700+ so-called BA limiters were added to prevent breaking bowling pins. Also a new more industrial USB cable was used and a dot of hot glue was added to prevent usb coming loose. Can both be retrofitted
6) and ofcourse I wasn’t there at the beginning so if there was a support issue it took longer 
and is thus remembered more. But, pls remember this is sofar a hobby which went totally out of control (just ask my wife 
…), I do also have a ‘real’ day job. Trying my best but am human as we all are. .
And yes, for sure I am forgetting something.
So, wouldn’t really worry to much about buying an older unit. Just do some proper test plays, test all mech’s, visually check the machine like check for broken plastics or whatever and determine what you see as a fair price. In fact, the same as with any other pinball machine I think. Nothing strange here just because it’s a TBL.
Cortland, NY
Sydney
Thanks, mk
