I will also mention my current DD, because it is one of the best all around cars I've ever owned. The ML 320 CDI.
It's important that you buy one of the current series (2005 and later) because they are bullet-proof, whereas the predecessor series was plagued by small flaws. You should be able to pick one of these up lightly used for the price of a new Tiguan.
It's a hugely comfortable car, that has similar dimensions to the Tiguan. (it looks bigger than it is.) And the diesel pulls like a freight train, but is incredibly economical.
It's worth throwing into the mix. I have had three friends buy this car after taking mine for a spin. They in turn like theirs so much that they have convinced others to buy it. I was chatting to the dealer about this and he tells me Mercedes have never previously had a model that has sold so much just by word of mouth. The diesel with the seven-speed auto box is a sensational combination.