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I have always wanted a jukebox but I am skeptical about what to pay as I don't know much about them. I really like the Seeburg 100c and I saw the one below and I am tempted as it is not too far from me, price seems right although it does not work. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Would I be better off buying a higher priced one that works vs buying a cheaper one that does not? Any idea on what it costs to mechanically go through these things?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/222406538817?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

That's not a bad price but you need to see what you are getting. If the amp and receiver need rebuilding, that will run around $300 per unit and the mech could run around $350-400 to completely go through. I would wait to find a decent one that's maybe a little higher price that works and slowly fix it up so you can still enjoy it while you do.

As a soda machine enthusiast I do really like jukeboxes and have a 100C. It's a great looking box. If you buy a soda machine not working usually the biggest problem would be your compressor and doesn't take much to fix, in most cases but jukeboxes are a little different. Your good deal can turn south if it does need a lot of work. So I would agree to spend a little more of a box either restored or one that been gone through already. 

Thanks for the input! I think I will hold off to find one that works, appreciate all the info!

I would look for nice original and then invest the money in refurbishing the whole unit.  I have seen units that the seller states had been refurbished that haven't been touched.  Invest the money make sure it's all gone through, keep your receipts and a detailed summary of the work completed .

Thanks for the help!

I noticed this item was relisted. In checking it out again that is a nice looking box. Appears to be original. It's very nice. If it were local to be I would grab it just to have it. Seller is a eBay user having over 100 items listed so he knows all about eBay fees. If you click on the Buy It Now he will have over a $100 in fees. I would offer him $1,000 outside of eBay. I don't think you can go wrong and then just have it repaired when you get a chance. 

Work has been done to the cabinet as that wood veneer kit looks to new and a different color.   The pillisters also look like replacements . 

The replacement veneer and pillasters are not cheap adding some savings for you.  The select receiver and amplifier look original .  Also the mechanism cover on that model should be light teal blue and usually originals had red head cartridges.

Agreed. Cosmetically (not seeing it in person of course) I don't think I would have to do much. So if I went through all of the mechanics (guessing maybe $1k?) I would have a nice looking and working juke for just over $2k, or would it cost more to mechanically go through it? I kind of like the idea of spending the $ to have the mechanics gone through so I know what I got vs buying one that was said to have been gone through then breaks the next day.

I paid $1700 .  Plus the purchase price of the machine .

I have been wanting one but afraid I would have a box that lights up but makes no music . Still waiting on the perfect deal .

I hear you. Want one as well but so far all I have bought is a wallbox for decoration.

Not sure there is a perfect deal.  That's why I found an original and invested the money to refurbish it!  Jukeboxes have so many variables , and adjustments nothing like a soda machine !!

I have a 1973 Seeburg "Matador" 45 rpm. All it does is light up (Free). Overpaid. Maybe one day it will have a YouTube screen. As stated serious electronics work on top of a complex mech. system. Harder than EM arcade games. Perfect deal would be to buy one restored by someone that knows what they are doing. Spendy.
Good luck on the search!!
stock photo.
Creighton