LOL - thanks for all of the recent responses. I'm not quite having problems with the lock cylinder actually getting frozen and/or not being able to open/close the door using the key.

It's really an issue w/ the electric motor for the power locks not working on the drivers side when really cold. Basically I can't rely on locking the door w/ the keyfob/alarm since its not consistently working.

Thankfully I haven't had to drive in circles w/ the heater going on full blast yet!

Actually, VXKat's story reminded me of my first car in HS. I had a 1985 Mercedes Benz Diesel (300D Turbo). It had 150k when I got it, with a broken turbo, accelerated 0-60 in 5 minutes, and refused to start in negative degree weather since the diesel fuel would gel up. I had to pour in additive to get it started, and my parents wrote me a note that gave me permission to go out in the parking lot and start my car during school hours just so that I wouldn't get stuck after school.

It wasn't all bad though - the car lasted another 50k miles, and had a huge backseat. It was built like a tank, despite the rear bumper rusting out... Great college roadtrip car.