Maybe I can help... I'm new here too but, cars are my vice.
I think if you stick with Honda you'll be ok. But, I also think late 90's is still ok for buying a decent car.
Here's an example: I have been known to buy and sell cars relatively often until I decided to get a little more serious about my mpg. Sadly, my situation is such that I must commute so, the mpg has to be good. On the flip side, I have not had a car payment since 2003 and I'm not about to start.
Most recently, I researched various sites that talked about highest MPG cars made- many older cars will surprise you. During this time I was selling a VW Jetta. One Sunday morning I sold the Jetta, went home and jumped on CL to find a 1997 Honda Civic HX, 5 speed (hx is one of the high mpg models). I drove down and purchased it a few hours later... Was it perfect? Of course not. It was an old car with 150k miles! I replaced tires, brakes and wheel bearings, belts and still have less than $3k into it. (DISCLAIMER: I usually do most of my own work- surprising how much you can save!) It has been in service for several years. Currently sitting at 207k miles and driven daily.
It is extremely reliable. Averages 38mpg if I drive crazy and into the 40's if I take my time.
I think the key is to look at the older cars with the idea that some things will need to be addressed (ie: tires, brakes, etc.) . If you keep the price cap low, you also, in turn, keep the registration and insurance low as well... I think my bare minimums on insurance put me at about $200 a year for the car. (These small econo-cars are usually cheap to repair as well).
I can honestly say that I actually enjoy driving the car! It's not a hotrod, it doesn't handle particularly well, or accelerate very well either. It does however, do the job of getting me back and forth to work- rain or shine and generally passing all the gas stations on the way. LOL
I got rid of a newer Audi and Cadillac some years ago and have been trading down since-(not always sure it's a good thing, LOL-) It's been a great way to save on expenses.
I think if you were to entertain older cars you might be pleasantly surprised... I just purchased and repaired a 99 ford escort for my dad (It shares a platform with a Japanese or Korean brand IIRC). It was under $2k. I drove it from ky to fl with zero issues and he drives it daily. Will it win any beauty contests? Nope. It's an ugly little car but it is clean, reliable and does the trick.
If you dump the CR-V (not sure if it's paid for or not)- you could theoretically buy a "new" old car and take the rest of the left over money to add to the 'stash.
Not sure I'd fool with Prius and battery issues. (I am not a mechanic but, I work on my cars and this one is one I would avoid. I don't like to be at other peoples mercy- especially "stealerships".) Your local, and sometimes not-local Craigslist is your best friend. Lots of great deals to be had.
Hope this rambling might have helped a little.