The good news is you are still thinking Z. If I had to drive in traffic like that every day yeah, I would want an auto too. I am fortunate that my job allows me to flex time so when I had to commute I would go in at 7:30 or earlier, leave at 4. I have not had to have an auto for the past 20 years in NE traffic.
The bad news is...I feel sports cars are meant to row. Any way you can just use a little beater civic or such to commute, and keep the Z as is? The loss in depreciation for a trade could buy you a great beater.
Heck, with good weather down there I'd probably find a NB miata auto to commute in
- b