Just my personal opinion: Taking into account all of your friend's issues, I would recommend her a Volvo station wagon.

Being a wagon lover for many years, I do really like Volvo wagons. They are safe, solid as a tank, and most importantly, very reliable. Price wise she would be able to find a recent model year Volvo for the same price of a 10 year old Merc.

Volvos somehow have a little German flavor built quality (being European) and they feel a little better than a Volkswagen or any Japanese equivalent.

I know, I know, there image is not so great, but recently they have leap years ahead in some issues like exterior design. A V40 or a V70 should do the trick. Anyway, I have never riden more comfortable front seats than a Volvo's (even compared to my S 500's).

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]