Welcome to the forum
I cant help re cvt life. I think CVT problems relate more to the CVT oil changes and the quality of the special oil used etc rather than belts physically snapping. But I might be wrong and others may be able to help more.
But realistically the car is 21 years old. Many cars will have been scrapped long before this perhaps because they need a costly repair that exceeds the value of the car. A major cvt repair could easily tip this balance. But even less costly repairs such as a new clutch on a manual car might be a reason to scrap a car if additional problems and costs are also likely in the near future. Things like advancing rust , other repairs or even the need for a new set of tyres etc. Often prompted by an MOT failure.
But I am NOT saying dont buy the car if the price is right. . If it is in generally good condition you may be lucky and it gives good service for a few more years and more than pay for itself . Maybe it will still be worth repairing if some things do go wrong, but sooner or later you might be the one who faces the dilemma of whether to throw good money after bad to keep an old car running ,or to cut your losses and scrap it.
I cant comment on the brakes. Maybe pedal feel will be harder than on some more modern cars .Or it may have previously been fitted with after market brake pads made from harder or lower quality lining material. I suggest getting them checked and possibly overhauled by an experienced mechanic.. The mechanic may also be able to comment on whether other potential problems are looming . After all would your daughter wish to sell the car to you, or anybody else, if there is some doubt about its brakes etc ?
