Where you can purchase a cello of good quality for you budget really depends on where you live, I feel. I know where I live I had many of places that I could’ve purchased my cello from. For example, I got my cello from a violin shop called Brobst.
So I recommend doing research on the instrument shops in your area and checking their prices and reviews. Shops usually let you play the instrument you’re interested in before purchasing or renting.
I really recommend that you just don’t go ahead a buy the first cello you see that’s in the price range. Most shops have payment plans. I knew I couldn’t afford my $2,000 cello straight up, but the store let me have a payment plan, where I would pay maybe $200 a month until it is payed off.
So, really you just need to search your area, and also maybe search ebay or craigslist. I recently bought a new cello case that would’ve been $300, but the lady selling it sold it to me for $75 and it’s in mint condition.
I really hope this helps!! The cello is a beautiful instrument and can take you many places in life. I know it has for me. :D