The only problem with buying something a little crappy is when something goes wrong Im gonna be the one that has to fix it. And I HATE working on cars.Ask around with friends and family if anyone has a vehicle they might get rid of. My last 5 vehicles, all used, I got that way. I also think a first car should be safe, but not super nice, and high mileage is fine, even a little crappy. So if she gets in an accident or hits something its not a huge deal. A first car should have a couple of things held together with zip ties.