As others have said, it depends on the music you are playing. As a "shotgun" approach I would say go with a Fender (yes I said it) American J bass. Under $500 if you wheel and deal. They hold their value, and play forever. Now I personally don't like Fenders and I have had my share of them. However, they are a great all around bass. I had a Fender Aerodyne Jazz bass that was pretty slick, I almost kept it.
On my wish list is a white, or korina wood Gibson Explorer.
It would look great with ..
