Thanks for the replies guys.
Yeah, I 'd rather spend £600 on a guitar than £200 on a guitar and £400 on a finish.
It's the same total outlay, but knowing 2/3 of the cost is just paint seems disproportionate.
The reason why I was thinking of the pacer classic was because I would love a Kramer and the Pacers are the only line I like. Besides its cheap to start off with so I can buy it now and then upgrade as I go. With the new pups and OFR it won't be just a £250 guitar anymore. The only thing that is stopping me from buying it is that although its a mahogany body and maple neck I'm not sure what the quality of the wood will be like. I've read numerous reviews on how good the build quality is. Sorry Philly that wasn't all in response to your post, I rarely use forums and im not exactly sure how to reply to multiple people at once.
Thanks for the recommendation on the MIJ, would love to try one but the music shops where I am are shitee and I don't drive so I'm not going to be able to try one out. My only worry would be spending £600 on a guitar which I might not like the feel of, where as £250 isn't such a loss. Buying a £600 guitar and finding out I don't like it is the perfect excuse for my girlfriend to bump me off... Especially since I've just taken out life insurance!
I can see that the whole 80s thing isn't to everyones taste but I would love to add one to my collection. If you guys think that the pacer's body would be a waste for an expensive paint job then I might try looking at secondhand 80s superstrats around the £300-£400 mark.
Thanks for the replies guys.