Heh I know it doesnt seem like logical timing. The thought of driving round in the starlet in icy/snowy/wety weather all over the country is not pleasant, let alone for another few months. I will feel more comfortable in the Almera and safer too as it's not a crisp packet and I've got very decent winter tyres for it.
I've done all this de-rusting and protection so that I can drive it in the winter and not worry too much.