Having bought several cars…
Having bought several cars in my life, new vs used, I think she went with the right choice. A used car would be initially cheaper, but might end up costing more to keep running in the long run, with repairs and such. A new car gives you a sense of confidence driving long distances, knowing that in all likelihood your car will make the trip with no issues. Your friends’ reactions are likely tied to the monthly payment, and the hours you will have to put in to afford it. Remember if that ends up being an issue down the road, you can always try to refinance it and get that number down.