I agree - the 185 is a fine machine but first you have to find one, then you have to get it to the spec you want and after all of that you have no warranty on an aging airframe. The market rate for a 185 is well above the $130,000 mark (phew).
The 185 is also significantly more complex to maintain. There's no doubt, however, that it is a great aircraft. In terms of ruggedness, however, there isn't even a contest (the aileron pushrods on the Wilga are about 3/4" thick for example) - that's one reason why it's not as quick.
I've also got a fair bit of time in a Helio 295 - that beats both aircraft for speed, load carrying AND field performance but it is a thoroughbred and requires seriously high end money to keep it tip top.
PS - 45lt/hr isn't that bad is it? YAK owners are happy doing 125kt and 60lt/hr +.