I think the answer to this question will depend to some degree on the cars you have already owned. If you have experience with Japanese cars, for instance, the relative lack of dependability of the Audis, Mercedes and Bimmers will be disappointing to you. If you have $4,000 to spend, and the choice is between a newer, lower-mileage car and this Audi, then go with the lower-mileage car. German cars are *not* Japanese cars, they are quite expensive to fix, and they, frankly, aren't made as well, or as thoughtfully. I say this having owned 3 Audis, 2 BMWs, and a Mercedes....but also 2 Honda Accords...you get the picture.

The absolutely worst thing you can do is buy a high-mileage German car that has not been *scrupulously* maintained. You really need to see the maintenance records, otherwise, pass. If the records are all there, and the car is beautiful to look at on the outside and the inside, well, maybe you have a shot. But bear in mind that the few thousands that you will be saving over a lower-mileage car can be eaten up by one larger hiccup. On my '99 Mercedes E Class, bought from new and extremely well-maintained, why did I need new rings at 85,000 miles, and a rebuilt tranny at 105,000? On your car, how is the suspension, for instance...the shocks/struts, springs, bushings? What about the timing belt, etc etc.Personally, I think you should spend that amount of money on a Honda.