Bootsfishing;
We've done this with both of our girls and in point of fact are in the beginning stages of looking for a vehicle for our youngest.
Going by the criteria you laid out - easily fixed/available parts, safe, decent fuel economy - I would suggest the following.
I would look for a low mileage but older Civic, Corolla or Golf/Jetta.
Research the years and try not to buy the first year of a major model change.
Further research the year of ones you find as there were years in those vehicles that did give issues.
Even up here in Canada, parts for those 3 vehicles are easily available from aftermarket sources and as a broad statement typically the models went several years without major component changes so again that helps lower parts costs.
Our eldest's first auto was a '90 Jetta diesel that we eventually gave away to our mechanic rather than install a transmission and axle shafts into it. It did have 446,000km on it when we did that though and would still get 46-49 mpg US.
Since she wasn't putting fuel into it - we were - we really, really liked the fuel economy it provided.
Look up the crash test ratings on any prospective automobile too. As a previous poster mentioned anything that is less than 20 years old is much, much safer for the passengers.
Anyway sir, that's what we've done and would do again.
Our eldest decided she needed an AWD or 4WD for her second ride and we found her a very clean Cherokee which again is quite safe and inexpensive to work on. Not a week goes by however that she doesn't comment on how it loves to burn fuel compared to her old Jetta.
Hopefully that was somewhat useful to you or someone out there this morning sir. Good luck with your automotive search whichever way you decide.
Regards,
Dwayne
