So, christmas is coming up. I am currently using a POS Behringer Vintager, and want to get a new guitar. I was planning on buying one when I had a job, but thanks the the economy, me finding a job as a 17-year-old with no experience whatsoever is somewhat unlikely. I'm planning on asking for one for christmas, which means I am looking at cheaper models, which are not consistent in quality, though you can get some gems (my friend has a squier strat that has the kind of action guitarists have wet dreams about). I was wondering what to look for in a guitar. Low action, no buzzing or dead frets, smooth neck, pick-ups that aren't noisy until I want them to be, good tuners, anything else? Oh, and how would I be able to tell if the tuners are good?
I am also considering asking for an Agile, and just suggesting that in case of lemon, if they get one, they get it shortly before christmas, so there is time to make sure I like it in case I want to return it.