I got a sweet deal on a Ford escape a while back. I figured it would make her a nice starter car.
One thing to think about is insurance.
My wife does not have her permit or license yet so the escape and my 5 other vehicles are on one policy in just my name.
My insurance is just over $1,100.00 a year for all 6 vehicles. ( on paper, I am a good driver LOL )
Once she gets her license, I was told by my insurance guy to put the escape on it's own policy with both our names on it and expect her policy to be around $1,000.00 every 6 months for 2 years.
At least that is what it is like in NC.....