[BGCarrera32]

First off and no disrespect intended, if you drove an A4 and ended up with a Honda CRV, that isn't even apples to apples and you would have never bought the A4 anyway.

Keep in mind that the A4 is a bit more involved than some other cars. They have their issues but also have AWD, more electronics, more luxury and IMO are more fun to drive. Timing belt/water pump/tensioner pulley should be done by 70k mi even though the factory specs 90k (some belts have snapped). That service is expensive at $800-$1000+ because front bumper removal is required (more labor but no big deal). Any competent PPI on an A4 will involve getting the car on a hoist, removing the big plastic engine tray on the bottom of the motor and spotting the pressure fed cam chain tensioners for oil leaks. The gasket that mates them to the block can weep oil as this is a high oil pressure area. If the oil was changed regularly or it is a warm weather car, these shouldn't leak.
Many had issues with front control arm ball joints which are now under factory recall, the design has been changed, and it is a widely known issue that has been addressed.

At 94k mi. the only unexpected issue I've had was a coolant temp sensor that tripped a check engine light. I plugged into the OBD2 port with a friends Palm Pilot, got the code, spent $50 and changed the sensor myself.

All in all I classify the Japanese imports as reliable. I classify the German stuff like the Audi as durable, where they require maintenance and some additional expense but ultimately can be kept going a long time. Good luck!