2001 Honda civic burning oil quickly. Diagnosis?

Have a 01 civic at 179k. Got an oil change few weeks ago. Hit 750 miles driving and noticed oil was really low. Poured a quort in. Next day drove around a little. When I took out the dip stick, some white fumes came out from under the engine. Stuck dip stick back in, took it out and same result. No leaks on floor. Anybody have an idea?

Higher mileage, newer car, OR lower mileage, older car?

Long story short, my 2009 Civic (80k miles) was recently totaled by a distracted driver. That car was running smoothly and had been in 2 previous accidents because of my work commute. I'm changing my commute, but now I'm scrambling to buy a new car. So I want to stick with civic between the 2009 to 2011 model years. That car never gave me any problems and, believe me, the safety checked out. Engine was great. So I want something comparable. I've narrowed it down to two options so far:

Car 1:

2009 Honda Civic LX
Price: $12,750
Miles: 22,482

Car 2:

2011 Honda Civic LX
Price: $12,900
Miles: 34,306

Both CarFax reports check out, but I will be doing additional research.

So which one sounds like the smarter buy? Or are they the same?
I've heard some people say actually to go with the newer higher-mileage car because that may be an indication of proper break-in, compared to an older low-mileage car. And of course, I'm hearing a lot of opposite opinions. Obviously, I rack up a lot of miles on my commutes to work, which is unavoidable, so normal wear and tear will happen. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Not looking to get a civic with more than 40k miles, even though for the above model years a lot of Honda gurus consider that a baby.

What's my honda civic worth?

I have a 1995 Honda Civic LX that runs great, I drive it daily, but needs new CV Joints. The speedometer and odometer hasn't worked in 3 years, it needs a speed sensor, the A/C doesn't work, it needs the belt and pulley, and the radio doesn't work, it needs speakers. I've started work on it but don't have the time to finish. The inside is pretty clean, nothing busted, just carpet stains. It has a new water pump, timing belt, spark plugs, headlights, and hood. How much should I ask for it?

How much can I sell it for?

I have a 1995 Honda Civic LX that runs great but needs new CV Joints. The speedometer and odometer hasn't worked in 3 years, it needs a speed sensor, the A/C doesn't work, it needs the belt, and the radio doesn't work, it needs speakers. I've started work on it but don't have the time to finish. The inside is pretty clean, nothing busted, just carpet stains. How much should I ask for it?How much can I sell it for

Should I get this Honda Civic?

My parents have been looking for a car for me (I'm 17) for the past couple of months. Their price range was around $10k so we've been looking at quite a few used cars, but none have really been that great.
Today we found a used 2012 Honda Civic Coupe EX for $14.5k. It even has navigation and a sunroof. Do you think it's a good deal? And do you think it would be a good first car?
Any help is really appreciated, thank you.

Also the mileage on the car is 35k.