First I would like to mention, that I have been a practising guitarist since 1961,
a composer and performer since 1981 and a published member of BMI.  I get good amount
new guitar students. A lot of people, who call me and want to learn guitar, do not
have a guitar and have  no idea as to how to pourchase one.
Here is my advise: BUY A GUITAR THAT HAS GOOD RESALE VALUE.  A lot of people take lessons,
thinking that they will come to musical fruition in the quick and that is not the case. 
Of all of the guitar students that I take on, about 75% quit within the first month and
their guitars end up on EbaY. The impression that the student gets from the first week
of lessons can be critical, so the guitar has to be comfortable and so I suggest that
the student purchase a nylon string guitar. This kind of guitar is built lightweight and
the strings leave a more favorable impression on the fretting fingers.
  A student needs to create callouses on the fretting fingers and a nylon string guitar
offers the most favorable experiance.  Steel strings tend to cut and the fingers may
bleed and that wouuld not a be a favorable experiance for a first week student.
  A student must also practice at least 30 minutes per day and establish a practice
regiment. For a small body frame of a person, a 3/4 or half size nylon string guitar is
apropriate.  Music stores sell these sizes for children.  Remember, this is not going to
be your first guitar or your performance guitar, this is a learners guitar.
  As for quality, you should purchase a name guitar, ie, Fender, Gibson, Yamaha
(they make great learners guitars). These names are recognized as quality and will sell
well if you decide that guitar just is not your thing.
Your first guitar should not cost anymore than, $125.00. You can get a quality name guitar
for that price and if you choose to sell it, a resale at 75.00 to another beginner will
be an easy sell. I also suggest, that you do NOT purchase a case for the guitar until
after you have been practicing with it for three months.
Your guitar should always be in eye sight, to remind you to practice, in those first
few months.  A cased guitar will stay cased and you will lose interest almost immediately. 
I presently use two guitars for composition and performance: an acoustic electric
Alvarez (cost $450.00) and a Ramirez R4 Studio Guitar (cost $2400.00). These guitars represent
my 10th and 11th guitar over a span of 30 years.  For validation: you may visit my music website. Email me for the address  I hope this advice helps. Feel free to email me.  

Walter J Boruta  aka: eb-store-ay