[s-cars] Sports Wagons? Replacement for '95.5 S6: S4 Avant V8?

[Keith Franchetti]

Hi Again-

So now I need to figure out what to drive.  I've been dreading this day,
since there are precious few true sports wagons out there.  Actually, I'd
settle for a decent pretender--forget about "true."

First, I'm going to look at a 2004 S4 Avant V8 today.  Guy wants $14.5k.

http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/3761742307.html

He's the 3rd owner.  Says "head gaskets might need to be replaced" because
they are "leaking." But he says the dealership's estimate for the repair is
$450.  Can anyone translate that to something that makes sense?  And
assuming that alone isn't a huge red flag, does anyone know what else I
should be considering or worrying about with this car?

Specifications for replacement car for '95 S6 Avant:

Deal-breakers: manual transmission (with a clutch -- not paddles); wagon;
roof rack

Wants:  big enough to be family vacation car (just one daughter); kick in
the pants to drive, but with creature comforts too.

Cars I'm considering:  VW TDI Jetta; Mini Cooper (new AWDs); Audi?; BMW
(wifey has ruled these out, but I haven't)

I'd love suggestions.  Thanks in advance.

Keith