Hi guys,
I bought a Squier Standard electric guitar and then I put a set of Fender Pick Ups. It sounds just like Fender.
I also have done this to a few of my students' guitars and they sound awesome.
So, If you want to have a good sounding guitar without spending too much money, you could do the same thing.
I just did the same thing today. I instaled a set of Fender pick ups on an old Squier, it sounds amazing....!
Harry