I wonder if part of the problem with high-mile cars is simply that they're turbocharged. You're talking about a powerplant that is indisputably, inherently, more complicated and more stressed. I felt some trepidation on buying an NA with 115k, and I don't think I could have been easily convinced to buy a turbo with that kind of miles.

I think the answer to your question simply depends on what you expect out of car ownership. If you like working on cars and can handle most projects yourself, by all means keep it. That's almost always cheaper than buying another car, especially a new car. (Though that Mazda6 offer sounds like a great deal; that is a great-looking car with practically unique double-wishbone suspension and sophisticated engine choices. And no I'm not biased. ;) ) OTOH, if you're dependent on a mechanic and you can't stand seeing the guy, save yourself some aggravation and make monthly payments instead of lump-sum repair costs.

I prefer to buy used and take advantage of depreciation. (BTW, they say that depreciation and maintenance cost curves overlap at about 60,000 miles.) And doing my own work gives me that all-important illusion of control. ;)

Good luck,

Steve-o