Daughter wants to go to NYC to see college

We live in oklahoma and i am just trying to figure out if i should rent a car and just drive and sleep in the car while we drive up there then stay at a hotel in the city my concern is parking while in the city ive never been to nyc so im a bit overwhelmed on that part. I dont think i would have an issue driving in the city at all. I appreciate anyone that takes the time to answer or help point me in any direction thank you for taking the time to read this if you got this far. She is 17 and has saved up 2k working at sonic this summer for the trip i just dont want her to waste her hard earned money by booking some all inclusive package thru expedia or something and then it be crap or worse her get stuck and need bailed out.

Well since in the first 10 mins I got multiple responses saying do not drive if there is anything I've learned reddit is the one place you listen to the group. So looks like we are flying and figuring out public transit any apps or anything I need to get or would be helpful ahead of time?