Bass advice

Reposted from imageboard because it keeps getting knocked off the front page.

I got this AXL Marquee bass (see image) for what seemed to be a decent price - it, a 20 watts amp, and a gig set cost me roughly 360 USD (as of 05/02 rates) - it sounds nice enough, though perhaps not perfect, but since this is my first bass and the bass seemed to be pretty much fresh out of the box I'm not complaining. Generally I'm pretty satisfied with the purchase, but in hindsight I wonder if I could have gotten something better for the same amount of money.

Anyhoo, when I've gotten good enough to warrant it (and I've got the money) I want to buy a better bass. Anyone got any tips when it comes to upgrading, i.e. used vs. new, recommended models?

Kids, it's cool to play the bass. But if someone touches your bass and you don't want them to, that's no good. It's your bass, no one has the right to touch it if you don't want them to.