First car in about July-August 2008?

Sup Peeps, I'm 17 and about to graduate from highschool in 08. I'm going to college but before that I want to get my Patient Care istant Licence before I go on to college so I can have a job to pay for a car. They make about $9.00/hr in my city. But I need a nice reliable used vehicle from back and forth to home, college, work and etc. What are some good used vehicles... I like 1997-2001 Ford Explorer or what other USED cars are good. Shall I lease or what.. remember I am just 17 turning 18 in 2008, I live with my parents and they pay all the rent.