Well you have to ask yourself..."Do I want a Fender guitar made in Mexico by Mexicans" OR "Do I want a Fender guitar made in America by Mexicans" With all respect to my Mexican brothers. MIM or MIJ is a nice start. Also don't kid yerself. Fender hasn't used nitro finish in a VERY long time,,like the 60's. If you want nitro cellulose, (it's illegal according to the VOC act), you have to do it yourself and you can get rattle cans here;
ReRanch Guitar Refinishing
be warned, it is a ton of work. I have done two basses this way a Fender and a Gibson. You had better like sanding. Oh and good luck getting Fenders under sealer off.. Get a heat gun and an orbital sander ready. The "relic" and "roadworn" series is just over buffed and tinted whatever they use for paint these days.