i'm looking to start playing the viola pretty soon so i'm looking to buy a cheap one under $150. i'm totally new to this so i have no idea whats good or not. i found this one for $120: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Doreli-Model-89-Viola-Outfit?sku=470292
some insight on if its any good would be very helpful. thanks in advance.

I would suggest buying a used Viola to start with, I have find if you buy a new viola for 120.00 you will sound like a 120.00 player. I started out with a beginner/immd level viola kit that came with a case bow and rosin for 465.00, of course I upgraded the strings too. When you purchase a cheap viola it has a tinney sound to it. Good Luck with learning the viola.....

I agree with Anthony. I would recommend going to a specialized store and looking for a good used setup. The model you are looking at will sound tinny and cheap. Best of luck.

Now, you can learn to play viola on that cheap instrument there, it's just you will get a tinny sound and will probably want to upgrade within a month or two. So, if you're looking for a low-cost start up, rent one from some place like Music and Arts. That will give you a better start and it will be more fun to play.

Actually, with string instruments, the value should be more for used instrument than a new.. the instrument should get better as its played more and as it ages. But when your in the very cheap range of instruments that may not be the case.