I don't know how to car hunt. HELP!?

I am beyond confused and need help. I totaled my 98 civic with 103K on it. I got $7000 from the insurance company. I found a 97 honda prelude with 50K on it that I really like, but have been reading about problems with the prelude SS. Dont know if I want the extra gamble. I also found an 05 lancer, mitsubishi with 50K for $9,000. I really wanted to stick with a honda. The only other one I found was a 2000 civic with 74K on it for $6000. I dont know what to do. The civic is really ugly. lol.

whatever car you buy have it checked out by a mechanic well worth the money