Also are you looking for brand new car or used? if new then it again narrows the choices but if used you open up a lot of options.
Personally for me, Its been about 6 months since I moved back from the states to Pakistan and my thinking about cars is still in the states. So for me seeing a C-class, 3 series, that are nearly double or over the price that you get in the USA is just crazy (Yes i know import duty, etc. but still its messed up). Thats why I say Audi very unique and interesting as there cars are about 33% more than US prices and about equal to UK prices (depending on engine size and options) and that is very appealing. They have probably done it to make customers and in the future (a few years down the road) they will raise the prices to match Mercedes or BMW.
I really do not care about resale value that much as I tend to keep cars 10+ years and hate to sell cars. First thing I personally look at is do i like the car? does it appeal to me (as in looks, interior is attractive or not, etc.) also I love understated cars such as Audi's that emphasize a good car that doesn't shout "look at me". Second would be how is the drive (is it fun to drive, is it comfortable, will i be able to sit in it day in day out and not get bored, etc.), Third would be what features are standard and what options are available. And the last item would be the cost of maintenance, how much to repairs, cost of parts, etc. There are other criteria that look at but these are the top items that I look at when I want to buy a car (used or new).
Just my two cents but in the end see what you want out of the car you are looking for. Listen to advice but make it your choice and try not to get influenced by other people because you will be driving it everyday and not them.
