Hi.
1. At your budget, I would certainly consider s/hand. Especially if you're unsure as to whether you even want an SLR. If you don't get on with it, you can sell it on for what you paid or a very small loss. I've also never had a problem with the s/hand cameras I've bought.
2. If you're OK with the size of SLRs, then yes you do want one. There are many advantages over a compact, not least image quality.
3. A Nikon D40 is a good little SLR, and within your budget. I have a friend at work that is selling her Canon 20D, she's asked me to put it on eBay for her. I haven't seen it yet, so I can't vouch for it's condition or tell you what lens is on it. I also don't know yet how much she wants for it, but she won't get any more than the going rate for a s/h 20D.
PM me if you're interested and I'll give you more details when I've seen/used it.
Steve.
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