For me it was the exploratory phase (not knowing if classical guitar was going to be a stay for me earlier on) + budget (my-she-who-must-be-obeyed was pretty strict lately
)
i started searching the local classifieds and get my hands on a $80 hyundai guitar and then started taking lessons. when i finally realized i was falling in love with classical playing, i then got the go ahead to get a almansa 435 that cost me low 1k+, solid cedar top, lam b/s. there's definitely a great difference in tone, but i still kept that hyundai for playing around when i'm on the couch.