You have a tough (fun?) choice. The $ delta is due to the potential risk of the higher mileage car -- wear and tear = repair expense. If you know the car/driver and can get hold of the service records (and they show regular servicing), then that reduces the risk. I'm a firm believer that highway mileage induces almost no wear on a car as long as the oil is changed regularly.

That said, your other choice is color. Do you have a preference and is silver worth $4500?

I bought my 2003 with 37k miles in April 2005 and now have 160k. Almost all highway miles. Replaced clutch and flywheel, alternator, and front axle boots. Still on original battery, shocks, suspension, etc. TB replaced at 90k. Turbos are my only concern -- the car still runs like a dream and is stable and very comfortable at high speeds. It is outstanding in snow.

As pointed out, the 2005s and newer are rated at better quality than the 2003-04 and much better than the <2003 models.

 

Heyyyyyyyyy, now...
Actually after working on it you start getting those good neuron connections and start realizing what $hit you got yourself into.
The sad part is that the... affection toward the damn car grows exponentially

 

Its funny I don't think of the car as a being a lemon. It is just a little tempermental. Perhaps I am just drinking the cool-aid.

In addition, since I drive past the dealer every day on my way to work it is very convenient to drop off the car and pick up a loaner.

You also have to remember that 335HP with Quattro is a lot of fun to drive.

 

Thanks to all of you for your advice.

I have chosen the black one with higher miles. I figured I know the guy who drove it, I called the dealer and they said he did everything to it and it has never had any problems. The owner said all he ever had to do was put in some windshield washer fluid once. It's almost all highway miles. When I drive the car it feels like its brand new and tight. And it has a few more options that I like, HID lights, bluetooth, and a few other things.

Thanks alot agiain for the input. I've driven it for a few days, it's only got one issue, or maybe I have the issue. I cannot move the steering wheel. It's a manual adjustable wheel, and when I release the lever, it won't move. It's OK where it is, but I was curious if anyone else had this??

 

this is what i was gonna say.

 

Isnt there 2? One for tilt, another for telescope?

 

I though that would get a rise outa Chefro -- Please notice that I included the Cali freeks and PA guys. I left the FL guys off the list cause all they they are concerned with is reattaching their headliner.

Kevin - I carefully chose the word Lemonaid cause there is a lot of sweetness that goes with the opportunities to swear and belong to the more money than brains club.


Tilt and telescope -- My Audi has two handles like Midniteoyl says -One on the left and one on the right. I'm just the brain dead guy in the middle...

 

On the 05 model there is only one lever. The lever releases, but the column does not move. I'll take another look at it.

 

Sure your doing it right? Doesnt yours have memory too?