You can get great dropped domains but you have to be very careful and ensure you do tons of research - all the answers will be in google search...
Personally however, I prefer new domains (unless there is a 100% squeaky clean used alternative)...
New domains are especially important if your in for the long term, as you control it from day 1...an example, I used a previously registered domain and it took me ages to get it to page 1 of google - and usually, with new domains I get on page one in less than 3 weeks....