Buying my first car!

I don't have a huge budget and don't want payments since I am moving cross country
soon and can't predict my future income.

Should I buy an older model of a car with low mileage, or a newer car with higher miles for
the same price? E.g. 2001 Hyundai Elantra with 50k or 2006 Elantra with 130k?
Comparable features and condition..

OR should I consider an originally more expensive car that is a few years older, such as
a volvo, audi, VW, etc, vs a newer car with less..um..panache, such as a toyota, honda,
what have you? Assuming they all relatively fall within the same price range.

Any pointers would be very helpful!