I've had two Audi A4s both with the 1.8t motors, a 98 with a five speed manual and a 2005 with an automatic tranny both were/are awesome. I got 175k miles out of my 98 and only got rid of it(sold to a friend, still going strong) because i got an awesome deal on the 2005.

They have been known to have some issues reliability wise, but my old 98 was ten years old and never had anything happen to her aside from a catalytic converter needing to be replaced, and some other minor things(brakes oil changes,tires all expected) The 05 is flawless aside from a recall performed before i got it. (64k miles on it now, 59k when i got it last june)

These cars rock in the snow due to the AWD and are a blast to drive.They're also not too low to the ground unless you get some crazy sport package. An Audi Would provide a great alternative to a 240 benz.