Has anyone noticed the trend in older em pins. Seems so many being advertised. Is it because no others are available? Unfortunately whenever you buy a second hand or even new pinball you have to do some repair work or adjustments. The old the more work and money. So buying too high is a waste.

  to AP 

Usually, private sellers moving on their EMs will sell you a working game. They would more than likely be hobbyists that have enough knowledge to maintain their machines. In the last 4-6 years, the market has been flooded with project games that are complete junk. Many of these games were sold on eBay, and then are re listed by the new owners once they find out that the game is a basket case. I've had quite a few of these in my workshop, and they needed a lot of work. Some were advertised as having minor issues, but the truth is, the buyer was expecting an easy fix, and then would be playing the game. Many newbies were burnt, and as a result, lost interest in the machines and move them on.

A reconditioned 4 player EM should be no more than $2000. The average would be $1600 - $1800.
A restored 4 player EM would start at $2200.

Unless you are looking for a Captain Fantastic, Fireball or Mermaid, you should find a bargain easily enough.