Advice needed

[thstone]

Newer and lower mileage always wins at the same price (all other things being equal, as you said).

The added power of the S model is nice but probably not 2 years and 23,000 miles nicer. And the 2002 base engine is more than enough to give you and your passengers lots of thrills (and even give you a good scare!).

[Ghostrider 310]

As far as automatics go the PDK would be my first choice after a five speed. Having said that, if you drive a tiptronic and are happy with it, one would think you would have great buying leverage given it's discontinuance.