Iconic "P-Bass" sound; versatile Alnico V pickups; great resale value. Yamaha BB734A
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can yield the best deals, but they require more diligence since there are typically no returns once you pay the individual seller. Community Perspectives
Run your hand down the sides of the neck to check for jagged fret ends. Play every note on the fretboard to check for "dead notes" or excessive buzzing.
Active/passive configuration with a 3-band EQ; highly versatile for many genres. Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass