I'd probably buy a mid 90's honda accord and have plenty of money left over for the brake problem. I'm in college too, and would love to have a DD. Especially sense college campuses are rough on cars (door dings, ect). I'd garage the Z and save the money to fix it, then take it out on the weekends and enjoy the "labor of love." I don't see how buying a new car is a cheaper alternative than replacing the brake system, but what do I know, I'm a noob.