re: Guitarists - need advice on Strat purchase etc...

I would avoid squier's altogether but that's just me.
cheaply made budget line

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is pretty nice.

Generally speaking, you can find used Fender strats for 60 - 70% of original value. Do not pay more than 70% of current list.

That being said, you can probably get an American Special for around $700. You could probably get an Highway 1 (no longer in production) for $550. I bought a used American Deluxe Tele for $900 about 2 years ago off CL. At that time they were going for $1500 new.

Personally, I only buy used. Usually, the guitars have already been set up and have that nice broken-in feel.

If I were to go the Mexican route, I'd just go with the Standard. I actually really like the Standard. Don't pay more than $275 if you go that route. Fender does make some more expensive Mexican guitars in that $500 - $700 range. I don't really understand the point of that - I would just buy a used American made guitar for the same price. But that's just me.

I always buy on CL. Ebay tends to price out higher, but that could be because I live in Nashville and all the musical poors are trying to dump their gear for cash and a real job.

I would look for a used Made in Japan Strat. Many of the older ones sound better than the American made models and blow the Mexican versions out of the water. You should be able to find one in your price range easily.

1986 Japanese Strat- EBay