Don't abandon eBay because of one bad experience. I have bought many machines off of eBay and have been pleased with them all. You have to look at the pictures so carefully, and then ask for more if you can't see everything you think you need to see. You need to communicate with the seller on how to pack the machine. Once you buy it, you and the seller are in partnership to be sure it gets to you OK....
Hope this doesn't discourage you....for $185 you got what you paid for. Don't let your expectations run away....you have to be realistic.
Hope you enjoy your machine. Take some time to clean it up and get it going. You'll change your mind once you get acquainted with the machine.