I would have to say to go with Mexican. it's cheaper and about the same quality as a Highway 1. Especially if your gonna change out the pickups anyway. You could even for a Fernandes or something and drop the humbucker in. Save your money and get pretty much the same thing.

As you will come to learn. Fender is a hit and miss company these days. A squier can be better than a mexican and a mexican can be better than an american. Really the only ones you cna trust are the custom shops. but then again $$$$