[need4speed]

The Cavalier/Sunfire are pretty inexpensive and low cost to maintain. My daughters each had one or the other and they have served them well through their college years. Hondas run a little high in cost but they do last a long time so higher mileage is generally OK but other than those the key with any used car is to try to find one with relatively low miles and yes, you have to act quickly to get a good deal. Another option is an old Mustang, which is really not too expensive if you get one with a 6-banger. Generally these have not been driven too hard and are also fairly economical. I am sure that there are tons of other responses that you get but whatever you end up doing, don't let her get an old VW. Yes it will run forever but the lack of AC will get old real fast. I know first hand since that is what my oldest daughter talked me into. Took her about a year to go through the "learning" process.