I typically prefer to buy them new, but that's just preference. Often I HAVE to buy them new because it's a new edition or something.

I prefer new but when you don't have the cash used OR renting is a good option. There are alot of sites for selling textbooks (locAZu, studyfrog, studentbiz, craiglist, kijiji) or you can look at the bulletin boards around your campus...usually some people post lists of books they are selling or renting.

My sister is going to pass her books on to me for most subjects but I might just order ebooks for the rest since there so expensive.

Buy used if you can.
I'm not even in university yet.
I've got:

1. Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (the older course) - cost me $5
2. Calculus (Stewart), 5th ed; came with a bunch of midterms/exams + solutions - $10
3. Elementary Linear Algebra - $5
4. Introductory Mathematical Analysis - $5

Trying to look for Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Randall D. Knight for a decent price. Gonna work through these before university next year.

My point is, look for them. Get older versions. I'd almost go so far as to say new text books are a rip off. Maybe not quite a rip off... but they're seriously expensive.
Buy used if you can!

Well, I have a year off. I'm not in school.
I actually enjoy studying mathematics and physics in my spare time. Since I do, I figured I may as well get through first year before first year.

When I get to those courses, I'll be able to do everything with un-laboured flawlessness anyway. That's all I care about. I go to university for the marks and the piece of paper I get at the end. I can learn all the course material myself more quickly and more efficiently. And for fun!

What for? Coop experience is something I'm gonna be going to university for. :)
Besides... this is just what I do in my spare time. I'm not spending 12 hours a day just doing textbook work.

PLEASE HELP EVERYONE!

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In all honesty, I've been getting really lucky with used books. I've been using Kijiji and UsedOttawa (well, you'd use 'Used[insert town name here]), and I've connected with students selling textbooks that they used last term, looks brand new, no marks, for way less than I coud have bought them anywhere else.
For my Chem program, I need a textbook called 'Chemistry 1st Canadian Edition', by Olmsted. Buying new, this book is about $160 (give or take) brand new. I bought it for $70 (still a lot, but much better!) but this textbook never looked like it had been open. It was perfect. So, it's all up to personal preference, but I like buying used books so I can save money (I really have no choice, I can't justify spending $160 on a pile of paper when I can get it cheaper). Just make sure the seller is willing to let you look at the book before purchasing- lots do.
This way, I've saved money, got like-new books, and it's the current edition needed. (Many people are right, if you buy the edition before, it still works fine- they only change a few things usually, but most publishers have the 'What's new in this edition' if you look online for it- to see if it's worth it).
Luckily, I also have a friend who took some courses over the summer to kick-start her first year at the same school in a similar program, and she's lending them to me for the semester. There are just so many options!
Finally, from my humble opinion, if you're going to go new on any books, at least buy the ones you want to keep and the ones that are a staple in your Major (keep new Chem book if you're going into Chem), but if you're buying a book for an elective, it's up to you. So that's my experience. Good luck!