Originally Posted by White[Pony]
I lub teh A4. 2.6 quattro is great. But if you're modding it the 1.8tqm is the only way to go.
I did a lot of research on them when I was looking hard into my next car. They're pretty solid.
I myself would probably get the 2.6qm because I want to have an NA setup for the track.
For starters, no such thing as a 2.6, it is a 2.8.
As for 1.8t vs 2.8, if you are keeping stock (which I doubt you will) 2.8 is pretty good, but 1.8T is dominant for modding. I have a 1998.5 which was one of the last years win Non-Drive-By-Wire, which makes for easy modding. Also, this year had the most power accessories and fun toys (i.e.) Motion sensors, one touch up down windows, etc.
Also, that price is OK, just make sure you keep the KM's down, ensure the TB has been changed and look for these common problems:
-Lower control arm bushing skweaking or clunking
-MAF sensor blown
-BPV faulty
-Blown Turbo
There are others, but I can't remember them off the top of my head. I would go to
http://forums.audiworld.com/a4 and register there. That is by far the most knowledgable group of Audi enthusiasts around.