I've been reading and searching...here is my dilemma...can you please help, constructively. I want to continue my 40,000 mile/year commute from NH to Boston in style and with some pizzazz...So, of course a A4 is going to be purchased...soon...my only criteria is I would prefer to spend about $10-13k..in the following scenarios lets assume all the cars have the same mileage and are at a good price for the year

I won't be moding. I will be enjoying the power seats and the decent gas mileage coupled with the AWD, while still having a nice looking car that handles well.

1) should I buy a 2004 with 1.8T vs. or a 2006 with a 2.0 T - any real concernable difference? or is it just preference?

2) should i buy a 2007 with 2.0T or 3.2 (since there is no Turbo to worry about when i hit 200,000+ miles?) It seems the 3.0 is more reliable???

3) Manual Vs. Automatic - does it really matter if I have no preference - does either have a longer shelf life?

Thanks in advance...I appreciate it...Im trading in my Prius...yes i get 47.6 ave...on the highway going 70, but the comfort level is LOW!!!

 

With that kind of milage I'd go for the bigger motor heavier car. I'm 61 and used to like manual now it's automatic all the way. Automatic is easier to drive with 1 hand in traffic. Handy for coffee etc. and if you have a better half it also might be a factor.