I wouldn't see this as a show-stopper. Show stoppers would be nasty drivetrain problems or body rust.

Dash and instrument lights are controlled by the dimmer knob, at top left of dash, above the hedlight switch. The dimmer can burn out, causing those lights to not work. Dimmer can be bypassed with a jumper wire, or better to replace it with a part from a junker. A fairly easy job. Dimmer also conrols the P-R-N-D-2-1 shift indicator light.

No tail lights is likely caused by bad contacts on the bulb holder, or dead bulbs. Look for corrosion on bulb holder contacts. Not a show-stopper, but they might need cleaning. Also check fuses. Fuses with white-metal contacts tend to pick up corrosion and fail where they contact the fuse holder. Fuses with copper/brass contacts resist corrosion, but are harder to find and cost more.

Buy her 4 snow tires if it snows where she will be driving. And maybe put 4-6 cement blocks in the back of the car.