"may need transmission" normally means "needs transmission".
The SVX is a good car in the winter only when combined with winter tires. It is a heavy car and, when driving in the winter with all seasons, it shows! I should know, I'm in Canada (stereotype)
I used to drive a Justy and it was near impossible to get stuck. You REALLY had to try! The problem is it doesn't put out enough heat once it gets down to -20°C or so. Those are my experiences...have you considered a wagon?