I faced the same dilemma not so long ago, and ended up making a list of what was essential and what I could do without and then hit the Fender website to find my ideal Strat within that AU$1k to AU$1500 price range.
What I wanted as standard equipment was locking tuners, noiseless single coils, a Maple neck, and a two point trem, and maybe 22 frets and some tricky PU switching, .... and Fender had it in the form of a MIM Deluxe Stratocaster. The only things I didn't like that much was the large headstock and limited color range, On the Fender site they had it RRP of AU$1800.
I ordered it online from Mannys in Melbourne AU at a special deal price of near AU$1200. After a supply issue debarcle It arrived direct from Fender Australia some 10 days latter. And yes it's special which Fender USA know about as the headstock is a one of a kind.
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