Hi there,
I agree with Steve that the $30 meters aren't a bad deal for automotive work. I have a terrific Fluke 8060A, a top of the line 4 1/2 digit meter, but actually prefer to use my old Radio Shack Micronta for automotive work, as it's less sensitive to the high frequency "noise" that one finds everywhere under the hood. Also, if I should pull a Stevebfl trick and run over it, I wouldn't feel nearly as bad as if I destroyed my 8060A. There are plenty of meters available for under $50 that have excellent features and good accuracy. I would look for one with STANDARD lead sockets, so you can buy some high quality meter leads.
Good luck!
Richard Wooldridge