2000 Mercury Sable Cold weather problems

The engine light in my car started blinking and I was unable to accelerate over 40 mph. There was also a slightly sweet smell that started to drift through my car when I tried to accelerate above 40. My car was parked outside in subzero temperatures with heavy winds and a snowdrift around the front end. This same situation happened to me last year at the same time of the year with similar weather conditions. The end result was me taking it to two different mechanic's shops. The first just replaced a hose they said had frozen up. But the car started having the same problem again with 30 minutes of when I left the shop. I took it too another and they told me water had gotten inside the spark plug boots and some things had shorted out. I had to replace 2 igniton coils, the boots, and plugs plus pay for all the diagnostic fees and labor. I am not interested in shelling out that kind of cash again. Is there something else that is being overlooked or needs to be warmed up or dried out?