In that case am wondering if a used one will do?
You'd be surprised at the kind of sophisticated test meter you can get for 'yard sale' prices these days - new! A digital, auto-range device might be best for a beginner but 'anything' will serve as long as it works and you can prove its accuracy.
Analog meters suffer mechanical issues (don't take physical abuse very well) and overloads can easily kill them so, definitely take a battery to prove the needle moves and shows, at least, a good approximation of what you expect on the dial.
Incorrect use is often the reason they are found in yard sales - with inevitable faults therein.
Just checking on eBay and there are devices from as little as 10 bucks (delivered) and 'decent' versions for under 30. If you are setting out in the world of electrics/electronics then you might as well get something half decent and spend as much as you can on one - the old adage 'buy cheap, buy twice' is ever so applicable and I say that from years of experience!!
Personally I'd recommend a Uni-T model or even a clamp-type meter (which read DC/AC, volts, amps and ohms but are often relatively cheap as most people shun them.... here's a random 'thing' on eBay that's new and does as much as you might need for now....
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ISO-TECH ICM133R Clamp Meter, Max Current 1kA CAT III 600 V - J2 6973945 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk