Used, Certified Used or New?

My goal is the get my driver license Summer of 08, early during the first weeks of June, then later purchase a car. Don't suggest leasing, because from reading and whatnot, I heard in the long wrong its cheaper to buy.

Now I'm wondering what to do, should I buy use, Certified Use of get a loan and buy new. Let me say, I believe that I'm going to have to get a loan to buy anything.

Also in college, and from doing a little online, I've learned of Student Car loans, where you in some cases you don't start payment on the loan till after school, and if you default or anything, they just take the car back.

Any tips, suggestions, is this a good idea?

Used, Certified Used or New?

Certified used is a good deal because since it's certified it means it's in really good condition(like new) and it's cheaper than a new car.

Used, Certified Used or New?

My son had good luck hunting down old guys who were hanging up the keys. You might not get the hot sports car you want, but low mileage well-maintained 20 year old Cadillacs aren't a bad ride. Often, you can get them pretty cheap (so you can pay cash), repair parts are cheap and plentiful, and they're a lot easier to work on than newer vehicles.

If you're going away to school, you probably won't be driving all that much, so gas prices aren't as much of an issue as you think.