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I figured I'd kick in my 2 cents as the OP. I bought the car because I saw it as a great value. I couldn't justify spending the extra cash on a 997, given that it was a joy car, and I already had an occasional-use car in storage. The 996 was, for me, a super buy for the performance. That said, I wasn't looking for a "cheap" car. I paid on the high end from a Porsche dealer, and I was happy to do so for a car that had, essentially a new interior and no wear. I threw around the bargain car options, but I knew I wouldn't be satisfied. I had a similar buying experience when I shopped for my 928; lots of cheap prices, but spending more on a clean one paid out in spades.