I didn't have much problem when I test drove/bought my '05 Xfire base. Granted I wasn't doing the drive in below 0 here is so cal, but it was a rainy day.

There is some sputtering (lack of better word) when I do 1-2 shift. Being smoother with the clutch release helps a bit, and so does turning off stability control. But being in freezing temp where you are turning stability control is probably not an option.

chung