I'm looking to buy a violin. My price range is up to $300. Any recommendations?

Question:

I'm looking to buy a violin. My price range is up to $300. Any recommendations?

I played the violin for years but I have always rented the instrument and now I'd like to purchase one. Money is pretty tight and ideally I'd spend $200 but I'm trying to get at least half way decent instrument.
Any suggestions?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Does the place where you rented for years allow you to apply a percentage of the $ paid in rent towards a new instrument? The cheapest, most decent sounding instrument I have ever come across is a Yan Qin. They have it at Southwest Strings for five hundred something. I agree with the people above me. Unless you want a real piece of junk, you will have to find a good deal from a friend of a friend. Stay away from ebay! I have had students come in with ebay instruments and they are terrible! The pegs don't stick and they sound like strings attached to a 2x4.
Why don't you check out craigslist.com? Maybe you'll come across some poor person that is selling a good instrument for less than it's worth because they dont' know any better. I found a fixer-upper grand piano on there for $50.00