How to buy a car?

[kddani]

Hi everyone, I was hoping to get some advice that can point me in the right direction.

I've finally decided to break down and buy a car. I'm 22, and have never owned one. But I've been living in the city for the past 4 or 5 years, and the bus comes often and near to my apt. so it hasn't been TOO much of a problem- getting to school and such. But with winter coming and trips to the store a pain b/c I have to borrow my roommates car and not knowing where i'll be working next summer, I've decided to take the plunge. So I have some questions:

1) Buy something newer that I'll have to make payments on, or get something older that I can pay for all at once? I don't have a ton of money, but I don't want to drive a k-car either.

2) Any recommendations on specific makes and models that are reliable for used cars? I want something smallish (not metro small, but not SUV or Towncar big) because I have to parellel park the sucker. And good on gas, especially city mileage.

3) Recommendations for websites that I can educate myself with? I don't have a whole lot of time to go out and look, so i'd like to know as much as possible before heading out.

4) Once I get the car, should I start my own insurance policy, or stay on my parents? I'm on my parents right now b/c I don't have a car and just driver theirs very very rarely. PA law requires all drivers to have insurance. Any recommendations on best companies for young people with perfect driving records?

And any other general advice would be much appreciated!