I have one ... not an expensive one, but an adequate one. I found little of value and lost interest quickly. I'd suggest you rent it, if that's a reasonable solution, and give it a whirl. If you enjoy it, buy later. That's just my opinion though, some just get into it and their finds aren't as important as just getting outdoors in the search.

My dad and had one, I think tgey food a few neat things but nothing of any real value from what I recall. Their intrest in the hobby didn't last long.

Don't wear steel-toed boots while searching with one.

I have a whites metal detector. I like using it because I live in a very old house in a very old town, and much of my family does too. I've found silver dollars, civil war buttons, belt buckles, hinges, coins of all sorts, random car parts, etc. Nothing of high dollar value, but we get to learn about the history of our properties, so that makes it worthwhile. It all depends on what your intentions is and where you go to hunt.

Lots of nails and soda cans

If you decide to buy talk to friends/family first, I know a few people with one collecting dust in their garage.