[Humdizzle]

997's are not going down any time soon if ever. At 30k you are scraping the bottom of the barrel for the used market on those. Base model with a terrible auto trans and high miles.

996 is an option although they are the black sheep on the 911 world. But its still a 911 and has the engine hanging out at the back so you get the '911' driving characteristics.

06-07 first gen caymans would probably be a better pick. although being MR its not gonna be your typical porsche in feel. I'd probably pick one over a 996 though.