I doubt it's the PV that is causing the problem. Make sure that you're filling your cartos properly and keeping them wet. Dry cartos taste burnt and usually can't be salvaged. You also need to make sure that your juice isn't too thick. If you're
vaping anything higher than a 60PG/40VG mix, then it's probably too thick and clogging the cartos. I've heard that some people have a hard time using cartos with dark juices, but I vape lots of coffee flavors and haven't had any problems with it clogging my cartos or ruining them.
There are a lot of options out there that won't break the bank; the Riva or Ego, the E-power, even Smokeless Image if you want to stick with the cigarette type batteries. You'll just have to do some research and figure out which e-cig is going to work best for you. My opinion is the best e-cig is the one that ultimately makes you happy and keeps you off the cigarettes.