Why did we just buy a water-cooled Porsche 911? | Project Porsche 997

Before prices for water-cooled Porsche 911s go any higher, we're diving in–you know, checking things out for ourselves.

First, we had to narrow the field. If you're also shopping for one, here's some reading that might help: First-time Porsche buyer's guide: 5 models perfect for scratching that itch.

We decided to aim for a 997 car because they sport a nicer interior than the earlier 996 models. While the later 997.2–introduced for 2009–features Porsche’s PDK twin-clutch transmission as well as Bluetooth and direct injection, it also commands a $10,000 premium over the previous model.

[Depreciation Station: 2005-'11 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S]

While cruising the ads, we got lucky. A friend had just purchased a Rolls-Royce and shared the news–and some photos–with us. The previous owner had recently died, and his wife was selling his toys.

We noticed a Guards Red 997 Porsche in the background of one of the pics. Was it for sale as well?

Yes, that clean, stock, low-mileage 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe with a six-speed manual transmission was available. We were able to buy it–unseen but vouched for by our buddy–for slightly less than wholesale.

The car was up in Charleston, South Carolina, so we flew in. Our plan is to drive the car back to our Central Florida home.

First impressions: We just scored a well-equipped, virtually new 911 for roughly half its original price.

Before shoving off, though, we stopped by Autometrics Motorsports, a Porsche race prep shop in nearby Summerville, South Carolina. The folks there agreed to look over the car.

Shop owner Gordon Friedman assigned Brad Davis, an old friend of ours, to show us around while Tyler Moore put our purchase up on a lift. He seemed impressed, reporting that the car is tight, stock and clean.

He simply topped off the power steering fluid, added air to the tires, and lubricated the rear spoiler mechanism.

One small downside to this 24,800-mile car: It’s so preserved that it’s still running the original front Michelins. We'll need to address that as soon as we get home.

We’re going to take the scenic way back and enjoy the Lowcountry. Once home, we’ll check out some PCA events and look at some mild modifications. Gordon suggested an ECU reflash and some H&R or Eibach springs. And, yes, we’ll get some fresh tires.

[Ultimate track tire guide | 200tw, 100tw, street-legal track and R-comps]

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