Audi's don't suck. They look great, are fun to drive (in the winter here as well), and get
decent gas mileage. The only hang-up in the past has been maintenance IMO.
There are all kinds of maintenance issues in the S4s/Allroads (2.7t). I had an '01 Allroad that
had problems with the air ride suspension and a turbo failure. I would never tell anyone to buy a used Allroad.
I also owned a 00 BMW 328i that was in the shop more than a Land Rover. Sensors going
bad, caliper locked up. Radio issues. When it was running it was really fun to drive.
After the Bimmer, I picked up a '03 A4 1.8t qt that was bullet-proof. Drove it for 80k with
no issues other that normal wear and tear. My dad has a '09 A4 that has been great as well.
Maybe I'm used to it from my water-cooled VW days, but I really don't think it's that bad.
If you want something that is super reliable, go get into a Camry or Accord. You can marvel
at it's homogenized styling, and tupperware-like dash. (I now have a 09 Accord for my company car, it's mind blowing.
)
Can't have it all.
-Dan