2002 Audi TT Quattro

I recently test drove a 2002 Audi Quattro tt
with 162k miles for 5.8k including taxes at
a dealership. It drove smooth besides the
fact the flex pipe needs repairing but has a
fairly new set of tires, slight rust starting in
the back. The car is clean and I like it but
I've heard that the average was 1k on
maintenance. I don't know if I would like to
spend that much on a car and still have to
throw so much money at it. I drive 4hrs
from a university to home and back every
so often. I really find vw golf/gtis, Acura
integras, and Honda preludes to be
attractive but this car is a bit more modern
than the options above for the models that
fall under my price range which apparently
is about 5k. This car has everything I want
but the average maintenance is really
getting to me. Any advice is helpful,
thanks.