My tale is very similar to 450's, less the tracking. I initially was in the market for a 3.2 litre 911. My budget was 25-28K. I wanted a nice one. With market values where they are, the 996 came into the mix also. You know, I think if you base your decision on what you read on the Porsche internet boards, no one would ever own a 996. But, in my mind, after a couple of years of this continuing research (including 8 months of 996 ownership), I think that you don't read anything online about the huge majority of people who have these cars (99-00 996's), and have no problems with them at all. I looked for over one year, until I decided on my 1999 996. It's an unusual Zenith Blue, had 46,300 miles when I bought it (I'm the 3rd owner), has complete service records from 15k miles, is dry as a bone underneath, and has never leaked a drop, and uses no oil at all. It already had a PSE and SSK installed, and runs like a swiss watch. Since I bought it, I've driven it to 53,500 miles, and all I've done is replace the coolant expansion tank, which is a "when not if" issue, and cost me $450.00. I love mine- it's comfortable, fast, pulls like crazy, drives like a 911, and just plain feels great. When I compared the speed/power/amenities/comfort/price factors to an older 911, it was a pretty clear choice. My opinion is that all the negative pub on the internet boards has certainly helped to drive the market values of the 996 to levels where they're just too good a buy to ignore, along with good 'ole supply and demand economics- JMHO. There's plenty of good ones out there, if you take your time, get a PPI, and buy a car that has complete service records, and reasonable mileage (Excellence mag says 7-9K per year is ideal). Based on what I've read, the two most prominent (at least on the internet) issues- RMS and porous engine case- will show up pretty early on, if they do.
That being said, I will add this- If it's an older, air cooled, Porsche that you're jonesing for (as I found out that I was), my 996 did not scratch that itch. Right now, I'm snooping around for a cheaper, higher mileage, old SC or 3.2- just for fun. I'd like to have both- but we'll see how it goes. I'm truly crazy about my 996- but it's not an OLD Porsche, if you know what I mean.
Hope this helps- good luck!