Since you want a new bike, you should get a new bike. BD is a good start, and many other retailers - both online and brick-and-mortar - often have deep discounts on previous years' bikes.
As for the Panasonic, I feel your pain, brother. Getting rid of it seems like it would feel having your dog put to sleep. You say there is no more room - what about keeping it as a 'beater' bike that you leave locked to something outside, while all the 'good' bikes are kept safe in the house or garage? Every time you need to run to the store for a bottle of Colt45 or smokes or whatever, the Panasonic will be waiting for another adventure with a lock and everything! And repairs can be as minimal as a new rear derailleur (~$15), new cables (~$10) and a small can of oil. Add new handlebar tape and it will feel like a new bike.