I owned a tiptronic, although it wasn't the 2040. I loved the IDT foot and it stitched out the most beautiful stitches I have ever seen on a home sewing machine. They are good machines, very reliable.
To be honest though, a machine is a very personal purchase, and sometimes, regardless of how fabulous the machine is, the user just isn't comfortable with it. For me the Pfaff was like dealing with a gal on PMS, and it was too complicated for me. I'm a seasoned sewer and I found myself writing notes in pencil next to every button on the machine. If it's possible for your granddaughter to try the machine out first, I would recommend that before you purchase it. If she is not comfortable with it, then it is not the machine for her.