Chery J1 or buy a Used Car

[Rodge]

My stepdaughter and her boyfriend's old car, (circa early 1990's twin turbo Subaru Legacy) was stolen last night and because they're on a really tight budget it wasn't insured.

Anyway after a legacy, (excuse the pun that's intended to be a number of old cars) that leak oil and continually break down and cost a lot too keep on the road they need something they can count on to get to work and back and shopping and running around with our grandaughter e.t.c.

The other day my other daughter clipped something out of the newspaper that surprised me.

Adrew Simms are opening a new dealership In Botany Downs Auckland and have an opening special on a brand new Chery J1 for $8,800 Kiwi, (approx $A8,000) plus on road costs and rego of $650. Total $9,450 Kiwi, (approx $A8,500), drive away incl 12 months registration, 3 Year warranty 100,000 km's. This is unheard of in terms of brand new car value.
http://www.cherymotors.com.au/media/...re-Oct2013.pdf

Now I know they're made in China, (so is a heck of a lot of the stuff we buy today, clothes, TV's, computers, all sorts of stuff really), but the point is they're on a really tight budget and don't need the hassles with costly repairs and breakdowns and after owning a long line of old bangers I feel I should help them get into something new or near new. The beauty of this deal is its SO cheap and because its brand new with warranty the first 3 years of servicing should be fairly straight forward and anything untoward should be covered by the warranty.

Should I help them into this deal or a 5-7 year old something else of equilivent cost ? (Any alternative suggestions MUST BE very fuel efficient and reliable) Thoughts ?