Picked up a 2008 MIM Standard Strat on Gumtree. It still has the thin plastic covering the scratchboard and trem plate cover with all the decals. It is completely clean, looks like it has never been played, or if so, very very little. No dents, scratches nothing. The gig bag is dusty so it looks like it has been in a cupboard for a few years. The pack of manuals etc is still sealed. It also has a set of Fender '57/'62 vintage pickups installed. I paid R6.5K. Not the greatest deal but considering it's condition, the combination from Fender would cost $499 with the pickups $159. $658 plus shipping, duties and margin.
I have always wanted to own an original, but didn't want to spend too much and even considered the Squire for a while. I don't play enough to warrant spending more than double for an American Standard. It looks beautiful, has that Fender name on it. I am happy. It is even that candy apple red that reminds me of my old Honda Blackbird.
I am away from home at the moment and will only be able to play it next week. Can't wait.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8u0poenp0ralrk5/20140917_173746.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yrbx7p9osa6fzp1/20140917_173805.jpg