I was a kid once, and also had to teach myself the basics. I first picked up the Clymer and Chilton manuals because they were the easiest to find. Those manuals always left me frustrated and wanting for more specific info. Then someone turned me on to the factory shop manual, and that was it. Good info, pictures, everything.
If your friend knows absolutely nothing about cars, then perhaps an older automotive mechanics textbook would be just the ticket. Obviously, they are written for the novice and explain things in very general terms, with simplified illustrations. A textbook coupled with the factory manual should cover her needs.
Just a thought.
