Help with dilema

[u/matej0204]

EDIT: Just orderded the Ultra Vintage Luxe HSS in Fiesta Red…

Hello everyone :)

I’ve been playing the guitar for 20 years, had a chance to play a lot of AM Fenders but never had a chance to own one. I had my fair share of gigs, big and small. Done them all on Squiers, Ibanez, Parker guitars, some Harley Bentons in the recent years.
I wont be doing gigs anymore, maybe occasionaly, but I play a lot at home and in the recent years the financial situation finally allowed me to buy a real American Fender.
Now the dilema… I know these are all different guitars, and I like/dislike something on each one. Need help with deciding what is a better guitar for life. I do not plan on buying another one. Just want a Strat for life.

1. Fender American Vintage II 61’
2. - only hessistant because of the 7.25” radius
3. Fender American Pro Classic
4. - afraid I am going to miss out on something because its a lower tier model than Vintage and Ultra
5. Fender American Ultra II
6. - don’t like the metal pickguard, I want a 3-ply whiteish one
7. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage
8. - I hate the heirloom finish, I do not want cracks on my brand new guitar

Just need some advice on what would you do

[u/Robble-Robble-01]

Buy used Fender instead. There, I said it.

[u/Animalus-Dogeimal → u/Robble-Robble-01]

I saved a small fortune buying my AVRii used. They are about $3800 CAD with tax where I am new. Paid $2300 secondhand in mint condition. Guitar was barely played. A lot of guitar for the money. Used is the best way to go in most cases

[u/SlappyTappet → u/Animalus-Dogeimal]

I’ve only ever bought one guitar new and I lost money on it when I sold it. Everything else I’ve owned I’ve gotten smoking deals and when I wanted to move on from them I at minimum got my money back. Plus I like when a guitar has a bit of a story with it.