I like the new TDI, but its a lot more money up front. Is she just going to park it on the curb? That's a good way to wreck a car, parallel parking, left in the sun 24/7, party-goers in the back, you get the picture.

I think get her a MB for college, THEN a nice next gen TDI once she's gotten her diploma. She'll gain an appreciation for MB, if not already by now.