Hey I'm new here and just wanted to get some feedback about the B7 A4 from people who have owned one and enjoyed/loathed them. I have a modded 335i as my weekend car and am looking to graduate to the European side for my daily also. I am looking into getting a B7 A4, either a 3.2 or 2.0, Quattro. Some questions I hope you all can answer and would be hugely helpful are:

I know the oil consumption and (I think) timing chains are notorious with these cars, but what else are common issues you or others have run into?

Looking into 06-08 model years that usually have about 90-110k miles. What types of maintenance should I verify has been done? How much are you spending per year generally to keep your A4 on the road?

Advantages of the 3.2 versus the 2.0 and viceversa?

Any changes/modifications to the car that you've made that you couldn't imagine living without now?

What modest lowering springs have you seen/used/ would recommend?

Thanks in advance for any help. The more detailed the better, and I know long long winded some of you forum posters can be ;) The worry factor is strong with higher mileage European cars, so I just want to know exactly what I may be getting myself into. My FBO 335i just clipped 70k miles and fortunately hasn't had any major issues in the two and a half years I've had it. I'm hoping I will have similar luck with another German sedan. Thanks again!

Drew