Noob who's very interested...

It's time for a new (well, used) car. I'm in the process of selling my Toyota Tacoma for either an Audi A3, or a Honda Element SC. They both seem like great cars right from the start, but it's time to get serious and find out more about the A3. I'm pretty new to Audi's so I could use all the help I can get here. Just a run down on my situation:
I'm looking for either a 2006 or 2007 A3 with fairly low miles for 20-24k. I'm located in San Diego and have been searching through Craigslist, autotrader, etc to find my dream car anywhere in So Cal. What should I be looking for to get the most out of an Audi? I'm pretty set on the 2.0t auto mainly because it fits my price range, and I'm fine with that. I'm 21, love to go to the beach, snowboard and be outdoors so I want a vehicle to fit those types of needs. I've been browsing the forum for a week or so, as well as the Element forum and trying to notice the goods and bads of each vehicle. The goods I see in the Audi are things like performance, luxury, comfort and one attractive automobile! But with all that comes a price, of course which is tricky for a college student. The Element SC is a really sleek vehicle, much better than the original version, I've heard really good things about them, and I can get an '07 for around 21-22k. Keeping in mind I'm still at a young age, an A3 seems as a vehicle geared towards those with a family to fill those seats, but I've always wanted one since 2006. Any input?
I know I have much more reading to do throughout the forum and this looks like a great place to get lots of info, but I was hoping to introduce my noobiness in hope to get some feedback in the right direction. Any recommendations? Things I should look for? Why the A3 is better than the SC? How does the stock stereo sound? I don't plan on doing much as far as mods, I left that all for my Taco.
I appreciate all the help

-possible, future A3 owner

You will have an insane amount of fun in an a3 because its so damn fun to drive and it is awsome all around. I live in socal, a little north of san diego, and I also snowboard, and love to go to the beach. Not sure if you surf or bodyboard but I bodyboard and everything fits perfect in the trunk without having to fold any seats down or anything and if you need to you can fold the whole 2nd row down for a lot of space. I havent taken my a3 up to the mountains yet and I know there has been some controversy about snow chains on the A3 but as far as the beach goes its perfect. Ive never driven a honda element but I can garentee you its not close to as fun as the a3 is. If you can, you should try to test drive both just for your personal opinion.

A3 > Element is my vote

good luck!