I love the A4s but they're maintenance isn't cheap with a very expensive timing belt change every 60k or so. I can't say that I'd trust a 1.8T with higher miles and an unknown history either, though it is a sweet and very mod-friendly motor. Other than that they're very nice rides and typically priced several thousand less than a comparable year/miles BMW 3-series. In the northeast all wheel drive is a nice bonus.
Scott