I'm all over the map trying to decide what Audi might work for me. I have a 96 A-6Q with 180k- time to start thinking. EVERY model appeals to me but I gotta get real! I can't spend much over 20k (probably shouldnt spend that much). I need Quattro, I need some quickness (I'm a 58 yo kid) and I commute like 55 miles total/day. A A-4 with the 1.8 manual miught be the ticket but I feel like it may not last into the high miles area. An older A-6 even with a 4.2 might be doable- I do a lot of my own work- anyway I just thouight I'd post the question on each engine forum- someone else did on the 4.2 and that engine is suprisingly economical and durable. I would imagine a 3.0 is also- I don't know about the 2.7 turbo or the 1.8- comments?? longevity stories??

The 1.8T is strong enough for your daily 55 miles

I've owned several 1.8T A4's and one 2.7T A6. Both engines are rock solid if you stay on top of routine maintenance. The guy that bought my '99 B5 1.8T now has about 250k miles on it now. I put nearly 100K miles on the 2.7T and have several buddies with A6's and S4's that have north of 200K miles on theirs. My current 1.8T has 140K on it. Other than routine oil/fluids changes and timing belts, I haven't had any unexpected repairs to speak of. If there's any "weak link" it's the OEM turbos. On the A4, it's no big deal to change. One the 2.7T, you need to drop the motor. Both get decent mileage on the highway.

Best,