One thing I will add to rkreisher's post is, if you do decide to go the used route, I hope you have a friend or relative you trust who has guitar knowledge. While you can occasionally find a sweet 2nd hand deal, at pawnshops, or private sales, it can really be a minefield for someone without the experience to spot damage. buying new or sometimes even used at a shop, will at least give you warranty rights.

A novice might not know how to check for a warped neck, or many other subtle flaws that that used axe may have, and once you discover any problems, for the most part with a 2nd hand instrument it is too late to do anything about it.