Buy used, and buy cheap. I would suggest an older camry, accord, or civic, all three of those cars in the mid to late 90s models are reliable, cheap, easy to maintain, and most of all cheap. You don't want to start racking up debt now, and college parking lots are horrible places, you will get scratched, dinged, danged, and bumped many times over the course of your college years. Get a cheap beater than will last you 4 years.

There are great tips in this thread as well: http://discusscampus.com/questions/757/what-is-a-good-car-choice-for-college-students

I don't want to discourage you, but why do you want a car? It is going to be a big investment, so do you get that much use out of it?

If you are considering buying a car because that makes it easier to get everywhere, consider a bicycle also. A bicycle is fast, cheap and doesn't polute at all. And you can get with the bike everywhere.

I live in the Netherlands, and as you might know, that is the bike country. When I go to the city, I see bikes everywhere. I live in a city with a lot of students and the bicycle is the best way to transport yourself through the city! Consider I bike!

Don't forget that it also usually costs a lot to park on campus-- factor in permits.

Absolutely buy a used car...& get the CarFax report to be sure no major accidents or damage have occurred :)