I own a mexican fender, it's a good guitar only the neck is damaged a little, some of the varnisch is vanished.
A friend also got a mexican fender, but his one isn't as good as mine.
Also the frets must be replaced.
I don't like the sound of the bridge pickup.

I'm going to buy a new american series or let one make it.
It's expensive but in the end you get what you pay for, i like the strat sound.
Lately i saw two guitarists, one with an fender and one with a japanese guitar. No guitar can beats the characteristic strat sound(in my opinion).