IMHO, nothing wrong with MIM Strats. You will always have some people tell you that they are junk, but they are not. They are literally built right down the road from the US Strats. Same materials ( except electronics), as the US versions. If you want to impress your friends buy a US. If you want a great playing guitar, for much less money; buy the MIM. Check plenty of them, and make sure the body and neck are good. After that, the sky is the limit. I bought my MIM used, and hardly ever played, for $250. Then upgraded to Everything Axe Pick-up Set, added 2 push-pull pots, upgraded graphite saddles, and a brass Trem block. The guitar is AWESOME. Outplays most everything else. And I have the added bonus of having Humbuckers, in all 3 positions, as well as the ability to change them all to singles, and play all 3 pick-ups together. All for around $800 total (including guitar purchase). Worth a thought.