My MIM P was much better made as a guitar (ie, neck joint, string alignement, etc) than either of the MIA Ps I'd had previously (both 70s), but the MIAs had better hardware.
The worst Fender I've ever had had was an early 90s MIA Jazz. Possibly the worst bass I've ever owned. More alignement problems and the bridge literally fell apart over two years. On the other hand a CIJ 51 P I tried last year was one of the best basses I've ever played.
As above really, if you want a Fender, go to a Fender dealer and try all you can in your price range. Try enough and you will find dogs, gems and everything in between.