Have it checked out and looked over by a dealer.....if its clean then go for it. There is nothing wrong with an 04. Just make sure its not an early production. These cars are pretty bullet proof as long as they are maintained (thanks to Audi). I have had mine for only 6 months now with 3K miles of fun. Previous owner owned it for 2 years with only $1500 in maintaince cost. Purchased it with 22K nicely maintained miles. Oil changes are easy and can be done yourself (even without a lift). If it does break down it can be costly. But, thats the price you pay for an exotic.
The 06 had some nice changes and if you can afford the extra than look for one of those. But if you have a budget, than a nice clean 04 can be just as much fun. As for the front end lift, mine does not have it and I have not been in a spot where I need it.
Good luck and enjoy life and drive the best you can afford....

 

one never knows if a car has been tracked or not

 

the most problematic areas of G comes from the egear. really only dealer knows how to fix them - by swapping parts sometimes!

on 04 and 05, the clutch doesn't last as long as 06+ because of gear ratio and the clutch itself. you can change the clutch to make it longer lasting but gear ratio can't be changed.

 

So what is the average life span of a clutch then??? I've been thinking of a lambo, but currently do put a few miles on my Porsche each weekend!!

Also, what is the approx. cost of replacement each time??

 

There is no average. I have 15k on mine still like day 1. 7-8k replacement. No big deal.

 

i hear 10-15k mi for 2004 and 2005 running on original clutch.

i think 2006-2008 are a lot better, around 25k mi.

2009 LP560 should be slightly better, still under 30k mi though.

Scott997's cost is right. A full clutch & throw out bearing would be close to $10k.

 

They have had that car for quite some time. I drove when I was in Chicago back in Nov and they want 94k for it then. Car was in good shape overall but definately have it looked over by a different shop (they are a Bentley/Lambo/Ferrari dealer) and this not a high end car for this place. Also make sure you get the egear measurement so you can see if there is a clutch replacement in your future.

I would guess you could get it for low to mid 80's based on how long they have had it. I am still looking since I don't really want yellow or orange.