If you've wanted to try a mando, but don't'want to invest hundreds (or even a single hundred) in an instrument, I've got an instrument for you. It's a Johnson MA-120. Now, Johnson isn't a brand that gets a lot of respect among serious mandolin people, but this is actually not a bad little instrument. If you check Mandolin Cafe, there are people who recommend this as a starter. Unlike most of the Ebay Johnson mandos, it's all solid wood construction, not laminates.
This is an A-style mandolin with F-holes and a sunburst finish. The only defect is that there is a place on the back near the tailpiece where the binding has pulled away from the back wood. This is not a crack in the wood, is stable, and does not affect the sound or action. If I were keeping this instrument I'd either leave it alone or fill the 1/16 gap and finish over it.
If you're interested, email or PM me. $99 plus a nominal amount for shipping get it to you. No case, but I'll throw in a pick, and pack well.
Tim