cheap or nice used car

So I'm tired of spending more and more money on my old car and want to buy a new one

I got a few grand on hand and was thinking about buying a 3k used car but after looking there not much newer than the one I have ( be the same mileage in around 2 or so years ) so I was considering getting a loan for a much newer used car

basically I am just wondering if you think getting a newer car would be a better value over time
I'm a freshman college student and don't want to get into too much debt but also think that I'd hate to get another car again before I get out of college but hate to get into even more debt and still need a car soon after graduation

Interesting Q,,, Buying a car in the $3000. range the odds will be like pulling a rabbit out of a magic hat getting a vehicle that is better than the one you got unless you get real lucky or know a good deal when you see one.

I see 2 options
(1) you know what you got and only you can decide - will having to maybe be forced with future repairs to invest another 2 or 3K with your present car get you through college. ?

(2) With 3 grand down payment on a new or near new, subject to your credit score etc, choice of vehicle with affordable payments could be the answer for reliable transportation beyond graduation.

I think you shouldn't get a loan. You are in college and that is hard by itself. If you are completely able to pay for the payments that go head. Ray's second idea was good also. My friend put down 2000 for a pretty good car and his payments aren't that high.