American Tele VS MIM

Ok, here's the deal. I have recently picked up an acoustic after about 10 years of no playing and I'm hooked. Again. Next step, an electric, naturally. I do not play live or in public, just for myself around the house. I've played around on the Teles at the local shop and love 'em, but my question is about the quality of the made in Mexico Teles. Are they made from lower quality materials (wood, pickups, etc.) or should it do me just fine?
# 1

They are in fact, much lower quality. The pickups aren't as good, and the overall feel of American Made Fenders is much much better. My stepbrother has a MiM tele with some custom shop pickups and from what I hear, it's pretty nice. I suppose you should go to guitar center and try them out side-by-side if you are a serious buyer. If I were you, I'd go for the American Made model.
I'm no expert on Telecasters but that is my opinion.
I'm no expert on Telecasters but that is my opinion.
# 2