[notmytarga]

I am seeking the savvy opinions of my trusted fellow Pelicans.

My 19 yo daughter needs a car to get to third-year nursing school rotations this fall in Seattle. Nursing jobs aren't guaranteed - but plentiful.
Her 21 yo sister is nearly done with college (Bay Area) and is driving a '06 Sonata with 110K miles. Uncertain career path. Non-profit administration etc.

The general plan regarding cars was to provide a vehicle when needed and "gift" a serviceable car at graduation, pay insurance for 6 months and then cut the umbilical cord.

Observations - the 21 yo is quite a slob and had two major accidents in her first two years of driving. The 19 yo is more meticulous, has had one minor fender bender and happily attended a Teen Car Control Clinic so she could drive at Thunderhill.

If logic prevailed, a vehicle would be purchased now for the 21 year old and the Sonata would go to the 19 yo to be traded in for her "gift" when she graduates. The Sonata has been reliable($1000 total in repairs this year for fuel pump, battery, latch actuator) and would survive 2 years in Seattle. Another benefit is that these two expenses would be spread out.

But another part of me asks why I am handing a newish car to a daughter who has shown little interest in cars and caring for them. I guess I'll need to remember the popular definition of "gift".

So Pelican peoples - please lend your opinion on the issues addressed above and help me take heart in my coming expense.

We (wife and I - keep the kids out of it) looked at Corollas yesterday - the LE's are being cleared out for $15,500. We have considered Ford Focus, Fusion, Camry, Impreza etc. The new ones don't seem to be that much more than used examples - many are prior rentals. $16,000 is about as much as I would want to go given budget and precedence. I will likely finance half and pay it over the next year if terms are favorable.

So - New/Used? Models?
Cheap/Better?
Importance of being economical on Fuel and/or initial expense?