If you know what to look out for,
its easy enough to find perfectly adequate
playable / well intoned new Chineses mandos
for less than £50.
I've got 2 or 3 that are good enough for playing out
in rowdy live sessions,
without too much concern or reason for heartbreak
if some drunk accidently trashes them.

Don't forget the Chinese have been expert woodworkers
and fine musical intstrument craftsmen for several millenia...

wise not to underestimate potentially good
value for money bargains these days..