[Deschodt]

I was recently shopping for such animals. I ended up with a 528i, but through no fault of Audi, just a great deal.

The 2.0T is a great motor and my dealer will even chip it (reflash with REVO) under warranty and you have nearly 280 lb/ft of torque. Great engine. The 2.0 has a few issues... Some plastic bits can be improved (DV, loss of boost), and the fuel pump has an issue with the cam follower wearing out prematurely, but all fixable for relatively cheap and totally DIY. I loved that motor in my 08 GTI, wish that car was 4WD, I'd still own it ! In the A4 it's just as strong, but stay away from the CVT according to my mechanic, he's seen many costing $$$ to repaitr. Manual is OK.

A nice A4 quattro stick with 2.0T, chipped, is a heck of a fun car. Front wheel drive, not so much, but it's OK !

I test drove a 4.2 S4 and found it too nose heavy and therefore kinda numb. I did not get to test drive the new 3.0T S4, that's the one I wanted to buy, but @ $50K minimum and awful trade in for my car, I decided to keep my Cayman S and get the aforementioned 528i as a beater instead.
Audi's loss ;-) I'll grab a 2010 S4 in a couple of years when they lost $20K in value !