You'll likely get most bang for your buck buying used. What I did was go where the local professionals members get theirs serviced, which also sells viol family instruments, took their advice, then chose one with the sound and feel that appealed in my price range.

New ones up to $2,800 didn't sound as good (rich) especially in the high end. Nearly all sounded well on the C and G strings. I was on sick leave and told them so, asked if they could do any better on the price; I got my German-workshop-made $2,100-tagged instrument for $1,600, bow included, case extra. Most of all, don't buy it if she doesn't love it. The right one is out there.