[JesseK]

Some college kids drive like the biggest nut jobs you'll ever see. Save your first 'nice' car purchase for after college so you're not so focused on someone damaging your nice car; waiting will also make it more satisfying.

DO NOT PURCHASE THE CAR IN THE COLLEGE TOWN. Sorry for yelling. If you buy it from a college kid, it probably won't last another 4 years without a major breakdown sometime (sorry for stereotyping and/or projecting, but I've been there...). College kids aren't known for having enough money to do preventative maintenance on cars. Don's advice is sound -- do the 'small stuff' yourself.