This was the end of a long search. There is no perfect used 911, and I had my heart set on a turbo. The ppi was done on the turbo, and the paperwork ready to sign. I called the boss and described the mint 997 Club Coupe sitting next to the somewhat ratty 996 turbo I was ready to buy. The Club Coupe was out of our price range, but she said go for it. We tore up the 996 turbo paperwork. The Club Coupe went for a ppi included scoping the cylinder bores and a leak-down test. The bores are clear, and leak-down is less than 3% on all cylinders. Cosmetically I cannot find a blemish and the paint is confirmed to be factory original.

The ppi mechanic said all-clear over the phone, but he had not road-tested the car. When I got the report, he had scrawled "stiff clutch pedal" by hand at the bottom of his report. I drove the car and found it drivable, but the pedal is stiff and makes some slight crunchy noises. It was too late to renegotiate the price, but the car has thousands in recent work (tires, rotors, brakes included), complete records including the July 2005 Pano with this exact car on the cover.

I will be replacing the clutch helper spring, clutch slave cylinder, and cleaning and lubing the pedal bushings. That worked like a charm on my 964 when it had similar issues at a similar age. The 964 had black goo in the slave cylinder, and replacing it kept the clutch working great until I sold the car 14 years later. Finger crossed this time.

I am reading up on the threads. Many thanks to all who have posted, and given me the confidence that no matter what happens, there are resources here to help deal with it.

 

Congrats!!!
sounds like a great car! Post some pics when you can

 

Congrats on the rare 997. I saw my first Club Coupe a few months ago and the color really is stunning in person, very unique in a good way. Would also love to see some photos.

 

Congratulations, please post pictures when you have a chance.

 

I love the club coupes, a great find. I think you followed your heart and made the right move on a special car. Good luck with the clutch and enjoy.

 

For me that is the best color ever painted on a Porsche!

 

I have a friend who has one and it is a beauty. Congrats, and post some pics!

 

Congrats. Way better than the 996 Turbo from a looks perspective. It's doubtful those maintenance tricks are going to solve a stiff pedal and crunching sound from a clutch, but if the car is as clean and fresh as you describe, then investing in a new clutch isn't the worst thing.

The hunt is fun, but not nearly as fun as driving one. I'm amazed by how many people walk away from a good car they're interested in over a couple grand and then spend the next 6 months trying to find it when they could have been driving and enjoying the other one.

 

Congrats! Photos??

 

Pics or it didn't happen!!



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Thanks. Here are some quick cellphone pics per request. I promise I was not trying to match the garage floor paint!:

 

Love It!

 

that"s pretty!

 

Great choice, that 997 is worthy of keeping forever. Enjoy!

 

Beautiful!