Yeah, i know the feeling. I worked n paid for my own but right now her job is to be a good student, swim, and continue to practice Jujitsu..

You must be a masochist, or maybe it's just that the Corollas that I've driven have always been at the extreme base end. I think I've driven a couple when looking for a car for the kids that had roll up windows. The kids have had a couple of Chevy Sonics that offered much more in the way of amenities. I suspect a Corolla with more options is better. I once "raced" a Corolla RS (yeah, RS, not just S) with my Miata and it won which impressed me to no end. Still, I'm not sure that I'd have one. If you're looking for entry level, I have to think that there are better cars out there. heck, I'd probably go with a Mazda or Honda first.

For a kid, I'm not sure you need the Toyota's legendary longevity, because chances are (and I know some kids are different) the car won't last that long anyway.

That's not always the case with every kid at every time in every location.
I suspect if that was all she had, she might drive it.
HAHAHAHAHAH ROFLMAO. Are you familiar with the term "teenager" and everything that entails?

Yep, and a 15 year old car is still safe. Heck, I suspect a 15 year old volvo is probably safer than a lot of current cars full of airbags.

Others have already given you some good advice so I'll add to the opinions. You really have to know your kid. If she's a responsible driver then 306hp (don't forget that extra 6hp) may be OK. If she's like I was at 16 then don't do it!
I may be one of the few that responds that actually owns an IS350. I've had it since new in 2007. It's a quick car but it's not a Turbo 911. I've gone way faster than I should have in my IS350. The suspension is a little too soft at high corner speeds but I've been tempted to track it. My kid is about the same age as yours and he has his eyes on the IS350. Of course he can drive it but his daily driver will be a '70 VW Bug with no freeway driving. Good luck with your decision.

Give her a pair of used shoes.

When I was a kid I mowed lawns, waxed cars, grew and sold okra, made great grades, was in Boy Scouts, played in band, took electonics classes in HS, did electronics assembly, and installed custom stereo systems/theater in houses and businesses.

First car was a big Ford station wagon that previous owner was going to have hauled to the junk yard. Got it for $1 and had to spend $200 to get the transmission fixed to get it home. Basically used it like a truck to cart stuff do lawns and stereo installations.

Are you familiar with the term "girl" ?

I'd consider safety over insurance cost and some insurance companies give discounts for safer cars as well. My daughter drives a 2010 Ford Fusion that I grabbed for 6K with just under 80,000 miles. My son drives a 2009 Subaru Impreza that I also grabbed for 6K with just under 80,000 miles. When I was searching for vehicles for my kids I wanted front and side curtain airbags, traction control and anti lock brakes. I figured having my kids in a safe car was worth a little extra on insurance.
You can buy a lot of nice cars for 5-6K that will be cheap to insure and have good safety features.

I see we have jumped into the scared straight program ! :D

With our two boys we did a hybrid version of this . We told both that we would purchase them a used car of our choice ( not their's ) but they would sit in the driveway until they got jobs and earned the money to register and insure . Our oldest son had a job within a week and car was on the road soon after . Youngest son thought we were kidding or would cave......... his car sat in the driveway for a year . He finally realized we weren't kidding and he got a job and the rest is history . I actually parked the car outside his bedroom window and would make it a point to start the car up , rev the motor while he was in his room . A little tough love :D

Just to close this out..i stumbled upon a 2012 camry..low mileage and good price, so looks like she'll be driving a camry. Insurance is still outrageous but guess its part of the game. Thanks again for everyones opinion.
Steve