Sounds like a car that's only been used for short trips which could bring a loads of problems, ie exhaust rotting from the inside with condensation, valves caked in carbon, battery may be on its way out, extra wear on brakes & clutch. Emulsified oil (mayo in oil filler cap).
I generally stick to cars with average mileage as a minimum. The last few cars I've bought have been higher than average mileage knowing the car has been used "properly"
In some respects this is true. Babied engines tend to use more oil as well.
