I'm getting another throw away VW for this winter. But thats it, I'm buying a Silverado.
For the last few winters I have been driving throw away cars that I picked up cheap. Don't do anything to them, and junk them for $200 in April. Cheapest transport ever! Almost cheaper than walking!
I havn't driven a diesel in the winter since I sold my SD, and I don't miss it. Its not worth the hassle unless the car is in really good shape. My friends E300D does well, I wouldn't mind living with a 1998+ diesel. But a gas car will do something my SD didn't always do...start on the first try with no fuss when its below zero out, and the car is a block of ice. No messing with freaken heaters and plugs to.