I really need a car, but i have mo idea about anything to do with cars.

Ive been looking for and older, reliable, economical, beater type car that i can use to go to work and school. Ive been told to buy a Toyota corolla and a honda civic by my dad, but i want to know what you guys think. I also don’t care what the car looks like, as long as it has the attributed mentioned above. Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.