Considering a 2000 or 2001 A4 avant

[Wallace White]

Owing to increasing competence and descreasing ambitions for my
5kcstq, it's been a few years since I've followed the quattro list.
I'm glad to see familiar folks still on the list (even Unka Bart!).
Now, I'm considering an ur-A4 avant, and I'd like to know what I'd be
getting myself into. Note that my wife will drive this car more than
I, and we have a new baby, so my goals for reliability are much higher
than the old 5k ever dreamed of.

Here's what I'm looking for:
- side curtain airbags (optional in 2000 and standard in 2001, I gather)
- Tiptronic (unless you can convince my wife otherwise). Steering
wheel buttons in 2001? I drove a 2002 that rev-matched on downshifts,
which is a nice condolence for the missing clutch.
- 1.8T (for better mileage and handling). 170 hp in 2001? Was that
just a max boost change or something more?

I'm not familiar with these cars--I haven't even driven an ur-A4
yet--so I'd like to understand the common issues, what to look for,
and even if this would be a reliable-enough car for my aims. Here are
a few issues I've heard about:

- Failed tie rod seals: did they get this under control by 2000?
- 1.8T oil sludge: what oil regimen should I be looking for?
- Cracked exhaust manifolds (I saw this on an ad or two): please say
this isn't as chronic a problem as on the 5kcstq's MC engine?
- What else?

I found an interesting reliability guide at
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2256/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/.
Broken sunroof slides? I would've hoped Audi had learned from the 5k's
sunroof problems! Part of me says we should get a boring Legacy wagon
and hold off on the "fun" car till the new baby is, uh... in college?
But my wife is already eyeing minivans as our next newer car, so I'd
like to get a satisfying driver's car like the A4.

Is the 2002+ A4 more reliable? Or perhaps the 2001 S4 avant is really
the most prudent choice. ;)

Thanks in advance,
Wallace
'87 5kcstq 214k