To be honest if you want the best bang for your bucks go second hand.

Yes there is an element of risk however that is the price you pay.

I have had two guitars via eBay one was a beauty and the other was OK.

Many of the people who sell on the US eBay will ship internationally.

As the pound is really string vs the dollar at the moment you will be able to pick up some real bargains for not many quids !!