Its really up to you. There both good quality, except ones made in mexico. I would save and get the American strat and pimp that thing out.

I agree with Hippieway.
Both Mexican and American Strats are good quality instruments.
American one's have better reputation, because of their nationality. But it doesn't really matter where the guitar was made.
If I were You, I would just visit a shop and play both guitars.
Just listen and think, which one You like most? Let Your ears lead You.

i had a friend who bought a (fender) mex strat and i played it alot. i thought it was a pretty good guitar for the money. please dont buy a squier. i never saw a squire that didnt feel terrible to me.

I was just reading that Andreas Kisser of "Sepultura" tours with three MIM Stratocasters fitted with Floyd Rose trems all, and that's all he uses. I really don't know much about this band, but I'm thinking this is a guy who afford to take anything with him on tour. Whenever anybody asks me what I think about a certain guitar, I'm usually inclined to tell them that they have to go and try it out themselves. It's one of those rare moments in life when it's really all about you, and what you want.

Thanks for everyone's input. I went to the shop and played some of the mexican made strats and I ended up buying one that felt right to me and I love it.

just because you buy more expensive guitar doesn't mean it's durability is gonna last longer. it all depends on its owner...if you buy a MIA strat and treats it like shit, then eventually it will turn into something that's worse than squire strat. just go and try all strat - no matter where they're made from, i've played really amazing MIM strats, and i've played some shitty american ones...

im glad that you found something you liked - not many people do that...they just listen to other's opinion and go to shop and buy american strat without trying it for awhile because "others" say it is better than MIM strat or whatnot.

the truth is, if you're good, you're gonna sound good no matter what you play on if you know what you're doing. my buddy has this cheap ass fender duplica and he sounds better than most of fender freaks in my school...ironic isn't it.

I'll tell you what dude. I've had a mexican strat and currently am abusing a mexican telecaster and I've played a lot of american strats and teles in stores and things and honestly, I notice a difference but not a $600 difference (400 vs. 1000)