Lets not make any assumptions before you know what's wrong for sure. After all, it might not be so bad.
Also, at 400 dollars, having a donor/backup car isnt all that bad of an idea. I can't get a Geo Tracker for 400 dollars, let alone a Z. So either way, I'de buy it. Also, if you are serious about being the quarter mile machine, an auto is not going to hurt you at all.
BTW: what pets do you have?