If you're toying with the idea of the A4 and you're not a badge snob. why not look for a Octavia estate.
Heres a 2005 TDI with 94K on the clock for 1500 of your hard earned..
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/747547.htm
I've never had one or been in one, so no idea what they are like, but if you only want one for about a year, gotta be worth a look