Thanks alot for the advice y'all it's really great to have so many good ideas.
bad news though, she went to the dealership without me
and she is all in love with a white crz she found for 22k.
My ace in the hole at this point is the cruze, the top of the line one is about there, and it has more features and comforts. SO I'll try to get her to drive both before she picks one out. wish me luck y'all