What kind of cello is it best to buy for an adult beginner (me!)?

Question:

What kind of cello is it best to buy for an adult beginner (me!)?

Is it best to buy a more expensive one from the start or go for a cheapy and see how i get on. I play the violin already so am not a complete musical beginner but know nothing about cellos. What are the best brands to go for/ price I should be paying? Found some for around ⣱50 but are they any good or to be avoided? Watching a couple on ebay but need tips in what to look for. Any good musical instrument websites to recommend? Advice will be very much appreciated!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hi,
I am a pianist and piano teacher yet a beginner on a cello. I bought my cello on ebay for $750 Australian dollars. It was second hand and so had been played in for a few years. I was also able to talk directly with the owner to find out more about it and how it played. It is not a proffessional cello of course but it is a good student one. I like that it is not brand spanking new too.
I also bought a new viola from ebay and it is pretty crappy but I am happy to have a viola. There is a definite difference in molded instruments and carved instruments. My husband actually makes violins so he hates my viola but thinks the cello is ok. Being that you are already a musician, you would likely pick up the cello quickly. The most difficult thing about it that I have found is the finger strength and stretch. A really cheap cello will likely frustrate you to no end because you may be accustomed to a certain quality of tone. I would advice a middle of the range one and/or better. The thing about instruments like these is that they tend to gain rather than lose value (particularly if you buy a good one) so the money you spend on a good one will almost certainly be recovered if you decide to sell later down the track. renting as suggested in the above answer is a great idea too, depending on what sort they have available. There are often rent/buy plans too.
all the best!