For stabilisatoin, the Minolta A1, A2 are great. I have one of each
My wife tried theZ-1, but while it was a good size, she didn't get on with it.

However the Panasonic FZ20B with 12x optical zoom and F2.8 has proved the winner for her.
I wanted to buy her a camera I could use in emergencies

While I got a 20D and a few lenses.

My opinion is that you want optical zoom, not digital.
You can get far better digital enlarging in your computer than in the camera.

Panoramic, again you can do in the copmuter not in the camera.
BUT if the camera has a built in panoramic mode that overlays about 10% of the last photo on top of the next one, then it is a great aid to taking panoramic shots without gadgets.
Now I've bought a tripod, ball head, spirit level, and graduated marks for panning the same amount each image ... I just can't be bothered to do it !!

I got a re-furb Casio a few years ago and it worked great for years until I dropped it at Solverstone testing for the 3rd time. When the case popped open and bits of inside came outside, I knew it was time to retire it
Just make sure it has a warranty (it should if it's a manufacturer's refurb) and it ought to be as good as new, I think.