Well I had moved to Melbourne in order to find a good job opportunity only to be offered something back in Perth... So I'm heading back, and now need to purchase a new car!

I want something I can stick my surfboard/surfski in ...

Either an Audi Stationwagon (manual) or it will be a Ford Ute

Question is how much is the Audi to fix, to maintain etc...

Don't want to spend any more than $20000... any other suggestions??

I've heard lots of comments about Audis having big problems that cost a fortune to fix.
http://www.lemonlaw.com/volkswagen-audi-problems.html 
http://www.carsurvey.org/viewmorecomments_review_35563_1.html 
http://www.bba-reman.com/auto-mine/problems.aspx?make=3 

Read these, and RUN AWAY....
Buy a Volvo :P

My A4 Wagon has been an in incredible car, my brother has a Volvo wagon and has so far spent close to $4,000 for various mechanical failures not to mention they're bloody ugly! Been trying to sell it since but no takers...he is extremely meticulous on maintenance too. Get a car with a service history and use that as a starting point. Better yet, drive a Volvo and an Audi on the same day and you'll soon realize which is the better car in terms of overall quality.

Only kidding about the Volvo.... but thought the other links might be interesting..

passat variant, way to go, i have had a 99 passat for 4 years, still on the same brakes, needed a new battery, the ideler arms wear at 1000000klms also do the cv joints, VW blew the ABS module and refused to replace it, i now go to Aidi for my service, dome 100000klms. i will be buying another once finance is up and the company car payment comes in!

Andy

Surfboard in back = Kombi