Hi guys

I'm looking to buy a 2004 S4 with about 65k miles on it. It's a 6spd MT and the clutch has been replaced already.

I'm not really sure what else it has had done or any upgrades as I'm buying from a Kia dealership, but it looks pretty clean except for some staining on both front leather seats.

I'm going to have the car checked out by the Audi dealership, but I've got a few questions which if you guys don't mind answering.

1. Any potential big expense items I should be on the look out for on that particular year? I've heard about the timing chain guides, but anything else?

2. It it worthwhile doing a compression test during the inspection?

3. What's the realistic cost of upkeep on these vehicles? Are they high and expensive maintenance vehicles? Or have German engineered cars gotten better for reliability ?

4. I know this is an Audi forum, but are there other vehicles in the $18k range I should look at with similar performance and luxury? Like a BMW 335?

Thanks a bunch for any help.