Yes, I remember at 100K and you were walking. Those were the good ol days. I still think the were really good old days but cars last longer now.
Our family 1962 Chev inline 6 engine had to be rebuilt somewhere after 100K. It did not make it to 200K before another rebuild and sold. That is the only pre 90's that made it past 100K.
We had a 91 Plymouth Acclaim V6 200K plus, an abused 95 Dodge Dakota (bought with 190K showing) with 210K, 95 Dodge 2500 Van 220K, still have a 14 year old Chrysler T&C with 213K.
Yes, except for the Dakota we had new, did maintenance by the book mostly by me. All of the above were still running when we got rid of them.
Yes, all had to have some repairs along the way. The Acclaim needed a transmission at 75K, 2500 van had to have the limited slip diff replaced at around 100K, the T&C has has some engine and transmission work along the way. Still cheaper than a new one.
Like the OP stated, these things don't last for ever. Expect to make some repairs.
As said above they are better now. I think to some extent the imports from Japan helped them to improve.