Astra turbo is $36,990 retail for the coupe [obviously out of the price range].
an N/A R34 for $23k? I wouldnt like to see that, a half decent one will be out of your price range IMO too.
I think these 2 are good buys for the price "pug 206 GTI, Proton GTI" But if she is after a real *bang for buck* then a low vol import like a skyline or silvia really cant be beaten in the mid-size range.
Newsagents have buyers guides which would help decide on a locally made / delivered model car too.
An early model wrx is pretty good value and has 4 doors which a lot of women prefer [kids etc ]...