Opinions on 1996 A6 Quattro

[ToddHinNYC@aol.com]

Am considering buying a used 1996 A6 Quattro (wagon) with about 25,000 miles, 
pretty fully loaded.  Test drove it and liked it (although it didn't quite 
have the same zip as a 1996 Volvo 850R that I am also looking at). Loved the 
feel of the interior.  Am looking for people's thoughts on the reliability 
and potential maintenance/repair costs.  Have heard that the 1996 model had 
some transmission problems and doesn't stack up to the 1999 model. Is this 
true?