Welcome to the forum.
Just to give you some FYI's. A nice oil cooler for the Z is actually much cheaper ($350 for small one to $550 for race one). See stillen or Z1 motorsports website. You only actually need an oil cooler if you track so city driving you will be ok especially since the 2012 Z's come with an oilcooler.
The car does get noisy at high RPM. I personally don't mind it. Take into consideration how often you really will be >6000 rpm (probably not a lot).
I'm all about how much a fun a car is as well. To me, the Z is a lot of fun. I think this is a personal thing, however, that you will have to see for yourself and see how you like it. I wouldn't trust a magazine to make my opinion for me, go out and test the all the cars you're considering and see for yourself. GL with your search.
As a side note also consider what exactly your looking for. Best handling, best power, most comfortable (subjective), best refinement (subjective), best looks (subjective) etc. I'll tell you right now. Non of your choice are best in all of those categories so it's more about what you want out of a car.
Hope this helps.
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2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee
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