I'd stretch the little bit extra and get a Pacifica 112. They seem to be a step up in quality of contruction and materials used. They, to me, just feel alot more solid than a Squire Affinity Strat for example.
My first guitar was a Washburn WG500 as I got one very cheap. It was quite nice for what it was and unfortunately it got me addicted to Floyds (it had a licensed one on it).
Can't complain about that though
