is your relationship with your parents very good/stable? I would take the upfront option (paid rent) over the three years later option (car) even if the car is worth more, because I'd be concerned the car offer might disappear by the time I got to that point, if your relationship with your parents breaks down or they get into financial trouble.

the other thing to consider is what quality of life impact living in the apartment would have - are you and your friends party people? are the dorms particularly shit? basically, what is living in the apartment worth. also, how does it impact your food and transport costs?

are you working at all? how long would it take you to save up $25k and if you did, would you spend it all on a car?