Make sure you wear your seat and shoulder belts in this car. It is old and has virtually -0- safety features compared to cars of the cars built since 2005. It will get good mpg, it should handle OK, and the brakes should be OK, likely no ABS though.
The 22 mile commute is all about where are these 22 miles? This is not a car I’d want to be riding at 75 mph on an interstate and get tangled up with an 18 wheeler. I’d give mom a chance to voice her concerns. Then see if you can ease her concerns, showing how you have been responsible in the past would help.