My mechanic took me for a drive in his Caldina as it was a work car at the time.
Didn't really open it up but the car was quite nice to drive.
He had the 3rd Generation Caldina. (1999-2007)
To me it's kinda like a Corolla on roids...
Being AWD / turbo, it goes good, but it weight about the same as my GTR...
Running cost would be like any JDM import, treat it like how you would treat your R33.
Service it every 5000kms, use good oil, look after it.
You mum will just have to wait for a few mins before switching off the car or install a turbo timer for her.
Toyota make reliable cars and not much to worry about.
Parts are widely available as there have been an increase amount of Caldina's coming to AUS. (Melbourne)
I got a 1987 AE71 Corolla and I still can get parts.
If she gets the top model is has a,
3S-GTE engine
1998 cc (2lt) inline 4
191 kW @6200 rpm
324 Nm @4400 rpm
Caldina GT-T (ST215) / Caldina GT-Four (ST246)