I too had a bad experience in the snow in the blue ridge in NC around
Christmas.   My rear end just sat there and spun.  It even has trouble in wet grass.
I am going to need something good for dirt roads in the mountains so I broke
down and bought a 4wd Rodeo as syncros are not to be found.   I have only ever
seen 1 and that was close to Yellowstone.

My van is for sale now:
'91 Carat, 4sp, 132k Orly blue with light grey interior.    140 psi on all 4
cylinders.
Synthetic fluids. Blue antifreeze
Very nice condition though not mint.   All the Carat stuff is in great
condition
Located in central South Carolina.
P mail me for more info if interested.

Steve Cotsford
Columbia SC