What is better to get a used car or a monthly payment new car?

I'm a first time car buyer and im trying to determined which is better. Folks want me in something safe and suggest i go with new car with monthly payments. friends say i should get used car for 1st car.

New: safe, but having Monthly payments that would be about 150-200 a month

used:im looking at 3000-5000 and i have to worry about it's history and ETC as well.

Lets here your point of view. I will pick best answer :D