well, deed is done (sorry the...you was too late). The boy and I did a road trip on the train down to SD and picked up this:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=223829378&dealer_id=444255&car_year=2006&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=AUDI&transmission=&model=A3&distance=200&make2=&address=90025&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=128&end_year=2006&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&body_style=WAGON&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=2&cardist=110
Paid a lot less than the "red tag" price, 13K miles, transferable CPO warranty until 2012. Car is *very* clean, carfax is clean. Only niggle I've found is the cut of the sport seats hits my shoulder blade a bit odd. It's no S4 Avant, but it also is way cheaper on all fronts. Money better put towards the track car...