Dnt get me wrong..d7000 is considered higher level alrdy back in d day for aps-c camera..not full frame la...cuz i started wit d beginner d5100..n kinda regret didnt go for d7000 at d time..if got budget a d7100 is a good investment....but u will not go wrong wit d d7000..always remmber..better a good lens with a decent body than a good body with a crappy lens.

Sure you want DSLR??
Do consider mirrorless too

If you intend to do sports/motorsport,DSLR is the way to go
If you intend to do street stuff,mirrorless is better as it is low profile

Basically pick the right tool for the job

For starter,
DSLR:
Canon 60D/700D + 18-55 kitty or 18-135 kitty(18-55 AF will die few years down teh road)
Used D7000 with Tamron 17-50mm F2.8/VC

For used unit,you can buy with reputable camera shop that sell used unit as an alternative(kldslr.com,YL Camera etc etc)

That's why first camera is best you get a new. From there you learn what is the typical failure.
Do you think all the people that attack me here will be honest to help you? Indeed, they are helping each other to dispose their unwanted junk with higher price.
BTW, spent your time in Nikon Center already?

LOL the more i read the more i feel funny.. i don't know bout that supersound fella so anti goldfries

Dear TS, if you're just starting up in photography and wanted a camera for learning purpose do go for a used camera. There's no point spending thousands on new camera only to realize later that you need an upgrade after you've master photography.

Speaking for my personal experience, I don't find anything wrong about buying used camera as long as you purchase it from a reputable shop/photographer. Make sure you tested it or bring someone who knows about photography to test out the camera before you make your purchase. I started of with a used Nikon D50+18-70+SB-600 that camera served me for a good 2 years before I upgrade it to a higher end camera. Bear in mind when i upgrade I still keep my lens and SB-600.

With your budget you can actually get a good condition D7000 which packed with tons of feature and enough for a beginner to learn.

Well it's your money after all neither me, supersound or goldfries can decide for you which is good for you. All i can say there's good and bad in everything, up to you to choose which one.

for around RM2k+ you can get:
USED
Canon 60D
Nikon D7000

all solid performer, particularly I've handled both 60D and D7000, they perform absolutely well especially when you pair it with quality lens.

NEW
Nikon D5200

If you buy New, I guess only D5200 fits the bill. Or there's any other DSLR choices at the same price range?

Disclaimer:
Buy new, you get full warranty covered.    Bonus - you get the feel of unboxing and sniffing that out of box smell. 
Buy used, you get high performance stuff at cheaper price. Sometimes you can even get stuff that still under warranty.

New or Used, it's up to you to decide. If I were in your shoes, I'd choose used because 60D/D7000 simply outperform any new DSLR at that price.

Well basic things you need to take note is (i might missed out some)
DSLR
- shutter count
- is there dust on the sensors
- cosmetics (rubber grip etc)
- external flash mount & internal flash
- functions of camera buttons

LENS
- any fungus, dust on lens elements
- AF function is it working properly? Any back/front focus issue
- cosmetics

Mirrorless also can attach DSLR lens, Nikon already have this. But need to do conversion
Since you are getting second hand, have you asked the Nikon Center's guy on what to look for? Like what is the typical problem for D7000 when is send back to them.
6th floor have 2 used D7000 for sale, can have a check, test kaw kaw before buy(ensure to have Nikon Malaysia's warranty card). Do not go to Lowyat Plaza as some of them are selling grey sets regardless of new or used(info from Nikon Center).

@imnick, so what camera u bought ar?

once u get your d7000, go into fb, join the nikon fb group or go attend classes at the nikon academy, let your photos do the talking after that

no one was born a master la

You work your way up. Find a subject and start snapping. Not everyone here born with a genius-like photography skill la.

just to "inspire" u a bit

2008 shot


vs

2014

yes it took me 6 freaking years, but so what? 

he tipu you la. i already told you mine from 2007 to 2010 mah.

you don't be so negative please.

Cameraphone can produce more than decent photo, so you can start playing around with it, if you have one around. 

Taken by my old Xperia Ray. 8MP sensor.

DSC_0788 by Yap Yee King, on Flickr