I use winter tires (Dunlop Wintersport 3D) on all four corners from December to late March. Admittedly, we don't have much snow here in Seattle, but when we do, it's at the worst possible temperature - 32 to 34F - and plenty of steep hills to go up and down. The mountains get plenty of snow (a dump just yesterday!). The 2.0T with those tires has been fantastic, everywhere but slippery sloping wet grass over soggy mud (long story - don't ask).

I've never driven an A3 3.2Q, but had several new A4 2.0T Quattros as loaners, both sedan and wagon. I was very happy to get the A3 back after a day in them. The A4's are very nice and surely satisfying to own, but are far behind the A3 in the fun-to-drive category.

 

slippery sloping wet grass over soggy mud.... most AWD cars wont even fair well in that... no ammount of wheels spinning will help once you cake your tires in mud, even in a full size 4wd truck.

There is a 07 black used 2.0 here in town thats certified (not S-Line though)... might have to go take her for a spin and see how it compairs. Thanks for you input again. I have waaay to many options / ideas floating around in my head to come to a conclusion.

 

I just purchased an 07 3.2 s-line quattrofor 31600 with only 3500mi on it. I asked for 30600 but wanted the car bad enough to go for 1g more. 1 owner first reg. was 3/15/07... I think somewhere below what I paid like 2 to 3 thou. would be good...

 

Regarding a 2.0T in a heavy winter area. I live in Montana and will be taking off my snow tires this week. We got 6 inch's about a week ago but was gone in two days. I use Bridgstones Blizzak Revo1 and getting around with 2-5 inches on the ground was a walk in the park. The even worked great when we had some ice rain and the roads froze over. The ESP is great and helps alot. Never got stuck once. So maybe a 2.0T is in your future

 

I would be curious if the car has new tires on it... I am at 23K and am going to need a new set soon, so if it has the original tires on it I would be expect to put in some additional $$ in the near future.

Just my $0.02...