Personally I'm a fan of the original - Colt. Therefore I almost always recommend Colts when and if the circumstances are right. There are a number of fine 1911 manufacturers, Sig, S&W, Kimber, Springfield and STI to name a few. You can also look at the more budget minded options from Springfield, Taurus, and Rock Island (RIA) that have good solid reputations but maybe less whiz bang features. You should be able to narrow your choices down based on costs, features you want and features you don't.
Here's what I would do if I were you. First, go to gunbroker.com and search in the auto pistol section for 1911. That will give you an idea about what both new and used pistols are available and thieir relative costs. Next, either take a trip to your local gun store, or better to a gun show, and look at the manufacturers you're most interested in. There's also the option of heading to a range that rents guns to shoot some examples.
If you keep an open mind you might very well end up with a better example if used than a brand new budget gun.
I recently purchased a Springfield GI Champion which is the budget end of the scale. My intent was to get a good serviceable weapon I could carry daily and not worry about beating up or holster wear. It's as plain as can be with a dull parkerized finish, but the dang thing shoots every time I pull the trigger.
