I thought so. It's really like a car I guess....

That's exactly how I describe a pinball to people.
If you give it a polish and a tune up regularly it'll go for ever.

Don't be too scared to have a go your self newpigirl12.
A good rubber kit will have a map of where to put the rubbers or failing that, the manual should tell you.
A few basic tools should see you through too.
If you buy a machine that has been properly 'Shopped' you shouldn't have any problems for quite a while.
There are heaps of members in Vic. that I'm sure could give you some pointers if you run into trouble.