Try an old Lotus or something like that. If money is an issue, stay away from the Fender; you'll just be taunting yourself.
But, talcool is right. Initially, buy yourself a decent acoustic guitar and just start learning the chords. After you have gotten the feel for the chords, start trying to play notes (that's really no fun if you are teaching yourself). Mastering the note playing is the key to becoming a good guitarist, IMO
If you have a good ear, play some CD's with good guitar rif's that you like and try and play them back. This, IMO, is the best way to teach yourself how to play. Learn the basic's, try and play back what you hear, and practice. Once you get good at that, treat yourself to nice Fender Strat and start wailing on that bad boy
