86-89 = 1st generation

90-93 = 2nd generation

94-01 = 3rd generation


for that price range, you should be able to easily find a 94-97 (depending on trim level). personally, i'd look for 96 and up as there were some kinks that were worked out of the 94-95 model years.

you might hear some people mention that the 94-95 is your best bet due to ODBI, where as 96+ is ODBII, due to the power difference and mods. however, the difference is negligible, and you're probably looking more at reliability for your daughter.

as an example, a quick search that i did already resulted in a 96 LS hatch in NJ, 104k miles, for $3500.