I just thought you shaded pretty heavily in the direction of saying failure was almost inevitable. If your point is that most enthusiasts get turbos so they can tweak them and therefore end up needing to replace them, I'm with you. I'm an enthusiast who hasn't done that (yet?) so I'm not counting on having my turbos fail.

Your point about buying used is well taken -- a BIG reason why I sought out a car that had low miles (bought mine with 28k on it).

MODS/UPGRADES:
17x8" BBS RKs (great AW story about how I got them...) | H-sport anti-sway bars | ToyGuy short shifter |
IceLink/iPod integration | Escort 8500 hardwire | fog/running light rewire | HomeLink home lighting control |
fold-down bag hooks in the trunk | aux power socket under the armrest | hidden Symphony EQ settings |
remote locking control recode | debadged

SUGGESTED READING FOR C5 A6 OWNERS:
2001 A6 info from AudiWorld | 2001 A6 info from Edmunds.com |
Audi 2001 maintenance schedule | Stoney's links (the ultimate A6 links page) |
the nOOb's guide to everything | how to make your car shine

The other ride: 1998 Mitsubishi Montero (typically with a kayak on top)