Which car is the better choice?

I'm 18, a working student and looking to buy my first car. I'm looking to drive my first car only for a year or two and then I want to get an SUV or something better.

Here are some cars I've found for sale by owners:

$800, 1997 Honda Accord, 130k miles, needs new starter but everything else runs fine. Brand new battery, cold ac.

$750, 1996 Toyota Corolla, 252k miles. Brand new transmission, tires and water pump. Everything in good condition.

$1000, 1999 Acura CL, 154k miles. Runs good.

So far thats all that I can find good for around my price range

Get honda crv for highway safety.

The Honda probably but you can't blindly buy cars without seeing them.

You have to question an $800 car that needs a starter. Most people would replace the starter and sell it for a higher price.

Don't take the sellers word for it.

My advice to you would be to stay away from cars priced under $1000. They will be nothing but repair nightmares. Too old, too many miles, too worn out to be considered a reliable choice.

If you are willing to accept those conditions then proceed with caution. Buy the car tht is in the best overall condition. Nothing else matters but mechanical condition.