I have my eyes on a 2000 SSEi with 57k or possibly a 2001 Audi Quattro AWD Auto 2.7T with 97k. The Bonnie is asking about 1.5k more and I'm wondering what maintenance would most likely be required right off the bat. Is it that much different from the standard work required by 96-99'* or am I way off base?

I don't expect anyone to know what work needs to be done to the Audi. I can ask elsewhere.

A couple of things specific to the 00+ are the intermediate steering shaft, and the rear window regulators. Other things to look for are: burned out lights on the radio and dash, notices on the DIC like check gas cap, service stability system, and that the car is level front to back, as occasionally the leveling sensor can go bad.

I did some research on the intermediate shaft and it seems some people had it replaced, but the issue can back. Then I found some reviews of drivers who just have it lubricated every 30-40k miles and its fine, however some found a loss in handling performance after this lubrication. Could this be the mechanics applying too much or just a side effect for a few thousand miles until everything "settles"?

Did GM ever design a shaft to correct this problem?

GM did come up with a replacement design that uses a "double D" design instead of the splined shaft. There have been no reports back on this shaft having the same problem. IIRC, the complaints of the handling have been when the shaft was clunking. It'* subtle, but just doesn't seem quite right. Have you read the techinfo article on it?
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=111

Be very careful on the Audi. A friend of mine has the 2.7 turbo and there is a very expense maintenance item to do with the timing belt. I forget, but I think it is around 75k miles. You need special tools and the front end of the car needs o come off if memory serves

Yeah I probably won't look into the Audi more because of the high maintenance costs.