Don't let a bad one put you off. If you're in a position to buy again just chalk it down to experience and treat it as an advantage - that you now know what a bad one looks/drives like.
Don't be in a rush to buy. History is important, so any receipts for services, oil changes, belts, all build a picture of a car that's been looked after. In this sense a car with a few miles on it shouldn't put you off, as long as you know it's had the right maintenance at the right time.
I'm not sure what your exact budget is but you might find a better car for sale on here than the usual dealers and ebay chancers.