Fluke 87V vs 179

[echen1024]

The specs sheet look the same, and the only notable difference is the lack of a uA range on the 179. Which one would be better for electronics work, especially as I can find a new 179 on ebay for $175.

[rsjsouza]

Although I have a 179 and it is a war tank, the 87V is your man for electronics... Not because of the µA range (Dave's µcurrent covers that area), but it has other features such as relative mode, filtering, duty cycle, etc...

This is discussed somewhere around the internet... Places for electronic aficionados or electricians.

[kg4arn]

I have them both.  I agree with rsjsouza, 87V for electronics, if you can afford it.

[retiredcaps]

especially as I can find a new 179 on ebay for $175.

Be aware that buying any new Fluke multimeter on ebay is likely NOT going to have the lifetime warranty honored by Fluke as most sellers on ebay are not authorized dealers.

With this in mind, you can easily get an used 87V for $175 on ebay.  With patience, you can get a 87V as low as $125.  An used Fluke 179 goes around $100 to $125 on ebay.

Regardless of which you choose, make sure to ask/get the temperature probe.  Without it, you will have to spend $25 extra to get a Fluke branded one.  As you saw in Dave's EEVblog #512 - Rigol DP832 Bad Design Investigation, it came in handy.

[Fsck]

For 175$ish budget, a used 87V is probably the best choice, as the rest said.
you really need to make sure it's fully functional though. go local if you can, where you can handle the meter before agreeing to purchase.

ebay can be a minefield