Audi Repair: oil sludge, sludge problem, oil sludge

Question
Hi,

Tomorrow I'm going to buy a used 2002 Audi A4 1.8T with 47000 miles from a friend for $14500.  She did all of the scheduled maintenance at the dealership and the last record has the car within Audi specs.

Knowing the car's history and that she is a responsible driver are the main reasons for buying it from her.

Then I found out about this "oil sludge" problem with the 1.8 motor and now I'm having second thoughts - I'd like to know your opinion about this.

As I understand, a few of the causes of oil sludge is a hot climate and not letting the car warm-up enough to burn off moisture.  I live in Southern California and both she and I live very close to our work (I would be driving less than 2 miles 5 days a week).

So this has me worried because the conditions are possible for sludge and evidently there is no way to tell if it has built-up.

She has the last two service records and is digging up the rest.  I Googled the oil part number and it turns-up as synthetic mobil 1, that?fs good.  I know she had all of the oil changes done but not sure of what interval.

First of all, do you think oil sludge issues are blown out of proportion?  I mean, do you think it's a big problem or do you think it affects a small percent that may be neglectful?

Second, besides making sure the oil is changed with synthetic oil (especially since Audi extended the warranty for 8 years because of this issue but require proof) and taking it out to burn the gunk out, is there anything I can do to minimize risk?

How realistic would it be to remove the valve cover to take a peek for piece of mind?  Would that be the best way to see if there will be a problem?

Thanks in advance.

Answer
HI
I will not worry about anything if the car has full audi history ( all service done in time and milage) Make sure you keep all bills from any oil changes and you will be fine if anything happen in the future. In worst case audi will cover engine . (if there is service history , by time and milage)
I live in NJ and from what I know East and West do not  use the same oil . There is more problem on mine side than on west coast. So this is more safe for you. I spoke with many people from west coast and some don't even know about oil sludge problem?.  Make sure you use synthetic oil and change it every 5-7000 miles.
Most of the problem ends up in oil pan so if you or somebody remove valve cover , it may not show anything.
good luck                pltech