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"Buy here pay here!" type places are NOT the place to go for financing. A lot of them are unscrupulous dicks who aren't in the business of selling cars, they're in the business of using cars as bait to sell loans only a little better than payday loans.
See if you can get a loan from your bank or credit union. It doesn't matter how small it is, you can get a car that will last you for a few years without much trouble for as little as 1500. (Less if you're lucky, but realistically, 1500) The reason you want a loan is to build your credit.
I'm 29 and never had a loan. I have good credit, but I can't get a private student loan without a cosigner, because I have never had a loan. Getting a car loan is not a bad idea. Just do it with a reputable lender. No one on the internet can tell you whether any of the local dealers in your area are good lenders without knowing where you're living and where you're shopping.
Go to your bank or credit union (assuming you have an income) and ask about loans. Your rate won't be very good, and you probably can't get much, but if you pay it off, it'll help you get the next one. Get approved for a loan, and THEN go shopping once you have your financing set up. (This will allow you to shop anywhere you want, even buy private seller vehicles.)
By the way, if you're a college student, paying for your own school, you don't want a new car. First of all, you probably suck at driving. (you may not realize it, but chances are you do) Second, you're parking your car at a place full of assholes who don't give a shit about others' property, and who also suck at driving. Third, you can't afford it. Wait till you graduate.
Also, remember you're going to be paying a lot more for insurance while you're still paying your loan (you'll have to have full coverage).
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