Opinions on the Mastech MS8218?

[JimmyM]

I've been doing Electronics hobby projects for a while now and find myself needing more than one multimeter. Also having watched Dave's vblogs I get that I SHOULD have more than one. My first meter (an old Radio Shack) has been replaced a few years ago with a Fluke 189. I watched Dave's review on bargain multimeters and I fear being called a dickhead for buying a pair of Vichy VC99s. They rarely leave the bench, so physical toughness isn't an issue. I've found their accuracy very good. Comparing very-very closely with the 189 (sometimes dead on).
Now I want to get another more-full featured meter like the 189, but can't stomach buying another $400 meter. So I've been looking at the Mastech MS8218. The cost is reasonable (I've found them for $115USD).
So has anyone bought/used one of these?

[saturation]

If you know about DMMs, why not get a used Fluke 80s series on eBay,  in the $100-200, or $150-200 for a used Fluke 87V.  Since its very durable and hold their cal for decades,  most any of them are as good as new so long as it wasn't abused.  There are also a few Agilent 1250s series in eBay too for slightly more money, but they are recent vintage.  On what to watch out for, see a user's buy guide by excavortee, also an eevblog member.

[Kiriakos-GR]

I have an smart suggestion for you.

How about one small and fresh like a hot cake Agilent ?
Check the new line ( three weeks old ) U1230 series

[JimmyM]

I have an smart suggestion for you.

How about one small and fresh like a hot cake Agilent ?
Check the new line ( three weeks old ) U1230 series

The U1232 looks nice. I'll think about it. Can't beat Agilent.

[Kiriakos-GR]

Well if you get it, you will become famous in the forum.   
The first review of it, it will be yours. 

I have the U1272A.

About the price of those new U1230 series, it is too good, for what they do.
If you can forgive the less counts.

[JimmyM]

There are also a few Agilent 1250s series in eBay too for slightly more money, but they are recent vintage. 

I can't find any Agilent U1251s 1252s, 1253s on eBay at all.

I was, however, bidding on a used Fluke 87V last night. But it shot up past $150 and I just let it go. Too much. Would LOVE to have the 87V or the U1253, but they're just way beyond my means right now for a meter that would be a companion to my Fluke 189.

[saturation]

The Agilent's are fewer, so you have to wait for them to 'pop up'.  I've seen 10 in the past month.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110709310039&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Bidding is an art form, if you don't do it well, you won't get the lowest price.

There are also a few Agilent 1250s series in eBay too for slightly more money, but they are recent vintage. 

I can't find any Agilent U1251s 1252s, 1253s on eBay at all.

I was, however, bidding on a used Fluke 87V last night. But it shot up past $150 and I just let it go. Too much. Would LOVE to have the 87V or the U1253, but they're just way beyond my means right now for a meter that would be a companion to my Fluke 189.