I need help choosing a Fender Stratocaster I've been playing the acoustic guitar for almost 7 years now and I'm fairly good at it. I've always wanted an electric guitar but just never really had the money for one until now, or when I did have the money I just would go out and buy a new acoustic Martin because I didn't feel ready to move to the electric.

I originally wanted a Les Paul but when I went to a couple different shops and played the Les Pauls and the Strats I just felt like the Strats were more my style. 

I plan on spending around $1500-$2000 on one but I really don't know too much about the actual physical hardware of electric guitars. It may seem like a dumb question but are there any types of woods, years, or models I should try to stay away from. I just want to make sure that whatever I buy will last a long time and won't have any problems.