What's a smater investment?

I do have the money for a newer car, $18,000, or I can buy my moms car from her, $5,000.
The thing is her car is 10 years old and I'm not sure how much longer its got, everyone says I don't need a more expensive car because "its just my first car", but I don't want to waste $5,000 on a vehicle thats going to break down a lot quicker, vs. A 2014 vehicle that will cost me more now but will also last a lot longer.
So which one would be "smarter" to put my money towards, the older Honda thats cheaper (gets 18mpg, 120,000 miles) or the newer Toyota that I can afford (30mpg, 30,000 miles)?

The old Honda can continue running for at least 60,000 miles more.
As a new driver, the odds of you crashing within the first five years is just about guaranteed.
Get Mom's car now, get the better car after you crash the Honda.

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