I saw a secondhand Yamaha YFL225 for sale for only $250. (That's Australian dollars: multiply by 0.75 for USD or 0.4 for GBP.)

I understand that this is a very good model of flute, and the other secondhand Yamahas I've seen were $400-$500.

My massive problem is that I don't play yet. (Not at all, not one little bit.) So how can I tell if this flute is in good condition? Do I have to start taking lessons to be able to pick out a flute? If so, I risk losing a good deal on a flute (if this flute actually is in decent shape) because someone else might buy it first.

What sort of problems with the flute could there be and how can I detect them? At that sort of price maybe it would still be worth buying it and having it serviced. (?)

Regarding the plating (or lack thereof): the engraving does not state an "N" or an "S" at the end of the model number. The flute is a light silver colour with a creamy sort of tarnish to it. Does that indicate nickel or silver plating? Is a nickel-plated Yamaha better than a silver-plated flute from a cheaper maker like an Emerson or an Armstrong?

CandyMann,
If you have access to this flute,
I'd advise you to take a professional flutist or a flute teacher to experiment playing this instrument.
I know Yamaha is a respected brand, as Micron said, but I still believe that in this case, being you a person without a prior experience in this field, it's worth taking care of the fact that it's too cheap, and you must have a clear idea of what is needed in terms of repairing/adjusting to put this instrument in good condition. Your learning depends on this.

Zevang

Do not but the flute unless you can get it checked out and returned if defective.

I have encountered Yamaha flutes in nasty condition in the wild that should have just been thrown out, be careful.

The worst Yahama I have seen had key heights bent so out of place that they resembled a hilly workout pattern on a treadmill... the repair probably would cost more than the flute itself.

<Added>

Ugh... I definately need to refrain from posting using my MDA at work. lol.
"Do not but" = "Do not buy"
Yahama = Yamaha