So people who don't live near PT lack common sense? Get over yourself.

The other day I saw an interesting version of an older model "Daewoo Matiz" aka "Chevy Spark" that had the "BaoJun" horse head logo on it. I think it's called 乐驰/"LeChi". Apparently it's a relatively new brand that GM China has created that is focused on cheap "no frills" cars. In any case, this particular model was pretty successful globally, so if you're looking for something small and cheap based on foreign technology this might be worth looking into. The owner told me they paid around 35k for it new.

www.sgmw.com.cn/lechi/

An important thing to consider is the produced volume of the model. Spear parts are much cheaper for models that have large production runs and you will be needing these.
You need a good maintenance workshop as well. I bought a vehicle new from a big dealer and found their workshop completely useless and incompetent.
PM me and I can give you the address of a good workshop.

matiz is 30 yr old design and technology maybe 600cc injun baojun has more newer stuff. they have some nice looking mpv

It has either a 1.0L or 1.2L engine, which should be acceptable on a car that size. The design is old, but show us something better for the price.

@Anonymous Coward.
It was not GM who created this but a governmental directive that commandeered JVs to set up local brands that would develop their own models. This with the intention to create local expertise in car design.
Of course this didn't work. The JVs gave some completely outdated designs to their local spinoff because that was much cheaper than setting up a whole new research and development department. Only Baoyun became slightly successful but the hart and mind is not in it. The Chinese Government has realized that their plan didn't work and it is expected that these companies will disappear again. (Maybe with the exception of Baoyun).

some jv got all new design faw/vw vw cc. vw magotan

Everyone knows the Chinese government makes foreign companies enter joint partnerships and technology sharing agreements. That's not a secret.

I'm a fan of older cars. I prefer simpler designs that don't rely on endless electronic gizmos and doodads that constantly fail. I think these older cars are perfect for a developing market. I was heart broken when the B2 Passat, MKII Jetta and Gol were finally retired.

I love the mk1 ford escort but I wouldnt want to crash in one, pre abs anything can be scary in china, also need to fit a mk2 foghorn

If you get hit by a bus in a small car, you're going to die...even if you're wearing your helmet. A lot of safety features are just there because of ambulance chasing lawyers. The bigger issue for me is what happens if I hit somebody else and they are badly injured.