Considering a 2011 Aveo5 1LT

[kkleiner]

Been trying to find a decent car to replace my dying 2002 sentra and stumbled upon a 2011 Aveo5 1LT (automatic) at our Toyota dealer a few weeks ago. I decided to look at it again today as I am not having much luck locally with cars in my price range. This car would be driven my teenage daughter for back and forth to school, and possibly commuting to college in 2 years. Living in New England we deal with snow, so wondering about that - I would put winter tires on it.

I have zero experience with these and my first thought was : bad in the snow and I'm fearful putting my daughter in such a small car (she is a new driver). I know some cars are safer than others, and the ratings on this look decent.

I have to have her drive it, and I need to drive it again on the highway, corners, listening for stuff, etc. Not really sure what to check on.

It has 95000 miles on it, so I assume the timing belt MUST be replaced if not already, dealer doesn't think it has.

There are 2 rust areas on it (really hate what winter does to cars in new england) - anybody see these areas and if it would be an issue? photo attached. One area on bottom of rear drivers side wheel basin and other above passenger rear wheel area (looks like a ding that is rusted)

They are asking $3499, it's come down a lot in the past 40 days.

Any thoughts on this? Thank you very much.