Thinking of getting something cheaper..

ImportConvert

If I were going to get out of a 370Z and needed to get into something for $13K or less, it would be a C5 Corvette with highway miles.

Why?

300rwhp, great handling/dynamics, the LS1 is a VERY durable engine (mine had 150K miles and ran the same as it did when I bought it at 72K miles), the T56 is a very durable transmission (same story), and the C5 still looks "new" because the styling is very contemporary, even today. If not for the C6, people would think the C5 were current production.

That's the only $13K car I can see myself driving in the sports-car category, but you will have to stretch your budget a bit to get into one for that, or you will have to find one with highway miles on it or something. I recommend a 2001 or newer because they got the LS6 intake/PCV system, and that will give you 10whp and save you some headaches as well. The C5 gets better mileage than your 370Z, as well, btw. My LS1 car got better average and highway mpg than my 370Z, at least. It was a heavy brick of a Trans Am, too, compared to the lighter, sleeker (0.34CD vs. 0.29CD) C5.

The C5 is a pretty robust system. You might go through some wheel-bearings if you track the car hard, but that's about it. I was told T56's need a rebuild every 80K miles, but I got 150K miles out of mine with no problems except reverse was a touch hard to get into sometimes, which is a common ailment of the T56 (nothing crazy, just hold pressure on reverse and let the clutch out slow and it pops right in.) Anyway, over-all, the C5 is cheap to work on (except the transmission, sadly), and very simple, while retaining very very good performance and feel. It probably feels way better than a 370Z, I know I prefer how my C6Z felt compared to my 370Z, over bumps and in corners. Much better car, stability-wise.

Now, all this being said, I totally empathize with your wanting to cut cost. I am going to either refinance my 370Z, or move into something cheaper myself in the next 4 years when I build a house. Why? I would rather be able to afford more house and less car, and the 370Z will be a "has been" after 2015, anyway, what with all the new stuff coming out. I would love maybe a little BRZ if they can find a way to install a turbo...

Anyway, you might also consider an S2000 in your price range. I dunno, I am thinking sports-car to sports car.

PS: I would NEVER own a car with timing belts. F that. I never have, and never will. Go into any dealership that belongs to a brand that predominantly sells timing belt equipped cars and I promise you will find several mangle-valved heads sitting around. They pop. Simple as that. A timing belt is as much of a deal-breaker as if you told me that the car had a giant apparatus that plunged up through the driver's seat-cushion and randomly had its way with you. Because that's exactly what it does to your wallet.