Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Purchase Decision Help Please...
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 9 2005, 07:49 AM
Gang,
I'm looking for advise. (If this is the wrong place, please move it!)
I'm going to be buying a 'teener' this week, and have a few to pick from. I'm not looking to buy junk, but at the same time, I only have limited funds available. Here are the cars I've narrowed it down to.
Car #1 - Yellow 1973 2.0 - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6430&item=4516851747&rd=1
Car #2 - Orange 1973 2.0 - http://autoatlanta.com/carsales/914/4732922616/4732922616.html
Car #3 - Yellow 1975 2.0 - http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=22457
I like #1 because he's done a lot to it. I've also got about 40 additional pics of it that he's sent. I'm thinking this would be the least expensive of the three. (I'm guessing I could get it for less than $4,000)
Car #2 is from Automobile Atlanta and they have a great reputation. (From what I understand.) It needs painted, but from what the guys there tell me, it's a solid car, and that's ALL it needs. This one however, is the most expensive of the three. But I'm thinking that $5,000 spent here would be well worth it for a rust-free and solid 73. Am I right??
Car #3 is a little different. It's not the cheapest, or most expensive, not the best shape, or the worst. It's a 75 2.0 that has a solid body, the original FI. I talked to the owner for a while and don't have any 'feelings' that I'm going to be disappointed if I buy it.
I'm in Cleveland Ohio and it's snowing like hell here now. I really can't fly somewhere, and drive it home, so I'm going to have to buy one of these without seeing it, then have it shipped here.
Help! =) (There are worse things to need help with!)
Thanks!
-Doug
Posted by: Part Pricer Jan 9 2005, 08:03 AM
First, no matter which car you decide on, you owe it to yourself to spend some time and a couple of hundred bucks to fly out to see it before you make the deal.
Second, before you go look ask for someone here to go take a look at it before you fly out. Many of us will do it just for the opportunity to inspect a car if it is nearby. Most people will also take some pics of the car that the owner may not have provided. (hell hole, jack points, longs, etc. )
That said, I'd go with #3. 
Posted by: skline Jan 9 2005, 08:04 AM
Get someone local to the cars to go do a PPI on it. The one from AA in my opinion is only worth half of what they are asking. Looks more like there isnt a place on it without a dent in it. The first one is not too bad, I am curious why he doesnt show a picture of the top of the engine. Is it really a 2 liter? Again, I would have someone local take a look at the cars for you. That is the best advice I could give you. Good luck.
Posted by: ws91420 Jan 9 2005, 08:10 AM
Also look on http://thesamba.com they have listing for 914's in their classified. And welcome to the club 
with Scott.
Posted by: mack914 Jan 9 2005, 08:12 AM
From just the pictures, #3. You sound like you are in a hurry, slow down, enjoy your search. I would try to locate a car from a warmer climate and then go and either check it out yourself or have someone from this club, in that area, check it out.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 9 2005, 08:15 AM
Here's a pic of the engine for #1. My thoughts on #2 were that I'd need to re-paint it anyways so the paintjob he 'started' wouldn't affect my decision. I'm waiting on more pics before I get too serious on it. #1 is only about 3.5hrs north of me, so I could spend a day and take a look at it if I needed to.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: vsg914 Jan 9 2005, 08:18 AM
Doug, first of all there are folks here who would argue the point of AA's "good" reputation, but I have no first hand knowledge.
Second, if 5K is in your budget, I would look a little farther.
I could not give you an opinion on any of the three without someone I trust to give them a good going over. The owner of the first car seems to be straight forward, but I'm a cynic.
Good luck, and welcome to the insanity.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 9 2005, 08:20 AM
Here is another pic of the batt-side long on #1. It it too far gone, or is that about normal?
I'm not in a hurry, I've been searching for a few months, but this is the first time I'v had the following...
#1 - permission from the wife
#2 - a 30th birthday
#3 - see #1
I found the PERFECT car, but it's $12,000 and I just can't swing it...and I won't be able to anytime soon.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: skline Jan 9 2005, 08:23 AM
Well, in my opinion, that long doesnt look that bad at all. I have repaired lots worse.
Posted by: nickg Jan 9 2005, 08:37 AM
well do you want this as a daily ride? i personally would reccomend a car with fuel injection. reason is they are just nicer to drive, they run smoother etc.....i know a lot of guys use carbs, but consider that where you are , you don't have sunny california weather, it rains, snows and gets cold where you are. . oh, that yellow car is nice, but i think tod said it needed firewall work...the picture of the rail you posted is what they should look like(and often they are really rusted, the car in that picture was really good) I would look around in california, i bought my 76 in san diego for 3800. delivered to me in nj. they are quite a lot easier to find in cali than you'd think. they are generally pretty reasonable. the 73/74 cars will cost more than 75/76 cars but be open to those later cars, they can be a bargain.
Posted by: Lawrence Jan 9 2005, 08:39 AM
In the Midwest, that long is pristine, and should be put in a museum. 
Most of us recommend that you never rush into a 914 purchase. With that caviat out of the way, get someone here to do a PPI on #3 for you, as it's probably the best of the lot.
Car #1 was well loved at one point, but someone lost that lovin feeling along the way. There are pretty strong indicators of some deferred or cost-cutting maintenance (brakes ineffective/inop, horn inop, lights inop, scratches/scrapes with no touchup paint).
Car #2 needs a major paint job, there's no telling what might be hidden under that "original paint", and is way overpriced. I believe that Greg said that AA does consignment sales on their website, so they may not be the actual seller. No pictures of the important areas (hell hole, suspension console, longs, trucks, etc).
-Lawrence
Posted by: tracks914 Jan 9 2005, 08:56 AM
A friend that does alot of restoration (about 2 cars/year) gave me this great advice.
Always buy the best possible car that you can afford.....and then make it better. Buying junk leaves you with more work, headaches, and in the end most people only bring it up to the condition that the "best one" they were looking at anyway.
Figure out what your top dollar is and search.
Try this site out. http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch.html
They currently have 70 914's listed as for sale. (even a couple from OH)
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 9 2005, 09:30 AM
| QUOTE (tracks914 @ Jan 9 2005, 06:56 AM) |
| Try this site out. http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch.html They currently have 70 914's listed as for sale. (even a couple from OH) |
BINGO!
This changes everything...Here's what I found. This guy rebuilds 914s (one or two a year) when he finds them.
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/2/76774522.htm
Blueprinted 1967cc engine from Stevens Machine
96mm big-bore
Light flywheel
254X410 cam
Screamer kit
HO oil pump
Delorto Carbs
Jacobs Electronics
AA SS Exaust
Koni Shocks
New breaks/calipers/tires.
He replaced/repaired the rust last year when he was restoring it. Has about 500mi on the new engine. Comes with the old engine/trans.
...And he's about 20min away, and will store it for the rest of the winter for me.
I'm going to look at it tomorrow. I'll take pics and report back when I see what it's all about.
Thanks for the GREAT tip tracks914!
Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 9 2005, 09:52 AM
Don't fall to much in love with that engine, MSHP (Stevens Machine) has a bad rep and is no longer in biz.
It's a 1.8 that's bored out and the wrong dizzy.
5k should get you a nice base teener, don't be in a rush, check it out carefully.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 9 2005, 10:17 AM
I figured as much. But I'm more looking forward to a good base car. My thinking was that for $4,000, I'd be getting a nice solid car that, if needed, I could drop a newer 2.0 into. If I DO buy this car, I'll also get the original 1.7 (running) with the FI and such. As long as the body is solid, I'm not TOO worried about having to drop a new engine into it. That'd be in the plans anyways.
I keep having people tell me not to rush into anything, and I'm not. I'm new to this board, but not 914s. I've spent the last few years looking at, and considering teeners. I'm not going to let myself blow a bunch of money. I *DO* appreciate everyone opinions/concern. I promise not to do anything without consulting the 'board' first. =)
I got a few exterior pics of the car I'm looking at tomorrow. Take a look...
http://www.hardman.org/pix/914/side_1.jpg
http://www.hardman.org/pix/914/side_2.jpg
http://www.hardman.org/pix/914/side_3.jpg
http://www.hardman.org/pix/914/side_4.jpg
These were taken when he got it in 98. Says he's only put about 500-1000 miles on it since, and only in the summer. He owns a storage facility, so that's where he keeps the cars when he's not driving them. (Also has a sixer, and a 75 that his wife drives)
I'll keep you all posted.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 10 2005, 04:04 PM
Just got back from looking at the yellow 74 here in Ohio. Here are the pics...
http://www.hardman.org/pix/73_914/73_914.html
I'm not 'in love' with it, and I want to be that way before I buy another teener. I think this would be a good car if I had more of a desire to do some structural work. So much for solid rockers...
Thoughts???
Posted by: VegasRacer Jan 10 2005, 04:29 PM
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=23285 that was just posted in our classifieds looks like it might be worth checking out.
Posted by: tracks914 Jan 10 2005, 05:29 PM
It doesn't look that bad from the pictures. It all depends on what you can get it for. Buying something from California would be idea but the cost to get it home sometimes makes it tough to buy. Mine was in much worse shape than that one, and I wasn't in love with it either, but it was only 4 hours away and was still on the road, so I bought it and have no regrets since.
| QUOTE (VegasRacer @ Jan 10 2005, 02:29 PM) |
| http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=23285 that was just posted in our classifieds looks like it might be worth checking out. |
Looks OK and you could justify a trip to Florida just to check it out. All works out and you could drive it home.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 10 2005, 06:12 PM
I was a little worried by the fact that I stuck my finger through the long inder the pass-side post.
Are you saying it's not that bad of a repair?
I was thinking if I could get it for $3,500 it'd be worth it.
Posted by: tracks914 Jan 10 2005, 06:22 PM
| QUOTE (CptTripps @ Jan 10 2005, 04:12 PM) |
| Are you saying it's not that bad of a repair? I was thinking if I could get it for $3,500 it'd be worth it. |
It depends.........are you a vey good welder? If you're not do you have a friend that is? It's an easy fix if you can do a little sheet metal work and welding. Like anything else on these cars, it just takes time and money. (and few of these
)
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 10 2005, 06:50 PM
Decent enough I guess...I fabricated my fence this summer and taught myself how to weld.
http://www.hardman.org/pix/fencing/fencing.html
I think I'll offer him $3,500 and see if that flies. Mechanics on the car were perfect. From sitting for 5mos, it started after about 2sec, and only sputtered a hair. Fired up the subsequent 5-6 times in .05sec. The doors didn't seem to close right...wether or not I was inside the car or out. Could be they just need lubricated? (turning the locks by hand was hard, but then again, it was 30-degrees today.
I'll let you all know what happens....
Posted by: skline Jan 10 2005, 07:04 PM
| QUOTE (CptTripps @ Jan 10 2005, 04:12 PM) |
| I was a little worried by the fact that I stuck my finger through the long inder the pass-side post. Are you saying it's not that bad of a repair? I was thinking if I could get it for $3,500 it'd be worth it. |
If you stuck your finger through it, then it sure aint worth 3500. Unless I am missing something, that cars rust is much worse than it looks. If I could put my finger through any part of a car besides an open window, I wouldnt touch it.
Posted by: vortrex Jan 10 2005, 07:16 PM
don't spend that much money on a car with rust, please. 914 prices are out of control as it is. I would think about getting a west coast car shipped out ($800?). it will be more than worth it in the long run.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 10 2005, 07:16 PM
I agree...I think I'm going to hold-off.
I've talked to the guy in Rockford, MI (#1 from earlier) and I think that sounds like a MUCH better car. I'll see what I can come up with...
Posted by: vortrex Jan 10 2005, 07:19 PM
give yourself at least a few months to look. I see you said you wanted to buy a 914 "this week". worst idea ever! these cars can be a nightmare if you get the wrong one, you will hate it. I have been looking every day for 2 years now and still nothing.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 10 2005, 07:21 PM
I've been looking for a long time too, I just got the 'OK' this week. (I turn 30 on Monday, so I was going to make it a birthday present.)
I'm a patient man...I'll get the right car.
Posted by: jkeyzer Jan 10 2005, 07:30 PM
See if you can import a car from California, Arizona, etc. Somewhere it doesn't rain much or snow. I think you will be much more satisfied because it won't be rusted to pieces. Find someone in your area that can show you the areas to look for rust. I think everyone in the 914 community knows someone who got screwed on a 914 because of hidden rust or other issues.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 10 2005, 08:57 PM
I know where to look for the rust. I've owned 914s in the past. I guess it's just a matter of finding the right one...
I'll get there...
Posted by: anthony Jan 10 2005, 10:10 PM
December/January is the worst month to buy a classic car. A lot more inventory will be on the market in the spring.
Posted by: boxstr Jan 10 2005, 11:21 PM
Cpt Tripps is New Jersey to far away for you to look at a 914?? I know of a west coast car that has been there for about 12 months.
74 2.0
Beautiful 1974 Porsche 914 with original color saturn yellow. This was a west coast car (from Washington State) it's entire life until I purchased it last year from the 2nd owner and had it shipped to New Jersey. The body is very solid and straight. Resprayed it's original color about 5 years ago it still shines nice, the body has no dents, no bondo, has never been in an accident and there is no structural rust. Even the original battery tray is solid (which is rare). The engine was rebuilt about 3 years ago and upgraded from 1.8 to a 2.0 w/ hydraulic lifters (no more valve adjustments) and retains it's original fuel injection. The engine has been tuned up and the car fully serviced by a local porsche mechanic and runs strong. Upgraded with electronic ignition & Bosch blue coil, it starts up instantly. Exhaust is the aftermarket Birch system (the best) and it has the desireable stainless steel heat exchangers. The 5 speed transmission shifts well. The 4 wheel disc brakes work well. Instruments all work well. Wheels are original 2.0 15" fuchs alloys and the tires have good tread on them. Rear shocks are adjustable Koni's, fronts are Boge. Nardi steering wheel. The car steers and handles superbly. Includes a new MP3 CD Stereo w/ 4 speakers. The 914 is one of the easiest and most fun Porsche's to drive fast, especially with the top off on a warm day.
Vehicle Condition
This is a car I wouldn't hesitate to drive across country tomorrow. It's been well maintained and is very reliable. The body is very solid and presentable, but there are some cosmetic issues. There is a scratch on the front of the hood with some paint chipped (see picture), the font bumper is dented in a little from a light hit. The car did not come with fog lights from the factory, but I have a set and will include them with the car. The parking brake handle was broken when I got the car (common), it just needs a new handle to fix. The body has no structural rust, but there are some areas of cosmetic rust (bubbles in the paint in the usual spots), including some under the rear trunklid. Mechanically the car is excellent. The engine does leak a little oil, nothing serious. Everything electrically works, should pass state inspection no problem. The car does not leak any water when it rains. The glass and seals are all good. The interior is original, but showing typical wear, small cracks in the seat (see pictures) and dash. Overall this is a very nice 914, much nicer than average and really turns heads with it's classic yellow paint.
If you are at all interested PM me.
Craig C. Laughlin CAMP 914
Posted by: skline Jan 11 2005, 12:45 AM
What picture Craig, I dont see any pictures at all. 
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 11 2005, 03:00 PM
ok, I'm going to bug everyone again. If anyone is anywhere CLOSE to Rockford Mighigan, I may need to pay someone to do a PPI for me.
Here are all the pics of the car that I have...This is #1 from the first post.
http://www.hardman.org/pix/73_914_2/73_914_2.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4516851747
Thoughts????
(Please no more coomments about me 'rushing things' I'm just looking for opinions.)
Posted by: vortrex Jan 11 2005, 03:20 PM
sounds like a repaired rust bucket.
"Right rear suspension console under battery was professionally replaced years ago"
"Looks decent from 50 feet away but could use new paint"
LOL at that last one. 50ft!?
I wouldn't rush it.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 11 2005, 03:27 PM
Yeah, and normally, I'd shy away, but the long looks real good.
ok, back to the hunt....
Posted by: nebreitling Jan 11 2005, 03:39 PM
you're rushing into it!!
lol... j/k
from the photos, it would appear that the passenger side long/jackpoint is okay, but that is the only clue that we have as to rust (no, i don't take the sellers word for anything). no close up shots of the hell hole or bottom of the trunks, floorboards, etc. so it's a risk.
also, from the photos the paint looks better than "50 ft", so i'd beware if the pictures belie how the car currently looks.
that said, looks to be a decent value for $3.5k. set aside another $1.5-2k to get it totally set up (brakes, electrical, and all the goodies that you can't forsee).
p.s. re. the car here: http://www.hardman.org/pix/73_914/73_914.html -- pass.
Posted by: scruz914 Jan 11 2005, 04:14 PM
| QUOTE (CptTripps @ Jan 10 2005, 05:12 PM) |
| I was a little worried by the fact that I stuck my finger through the long inder the pass-side post. Are you saying it's not that bad of a repair? |
Doug,
You might want to take a look at this thread to see wait is involved in an extensive repair job.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=16748
I don't know what Michelko's welding skills were when he started but he has done a great repair.
-Jeff
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 11 2005, 07:17 PM
Yeah, I was a bit dissapointed in that car. (with the stripe)
I AM going to fly out to look at the '#1 car' He sent mer closeups of the inside of the 'hell hole' and it looks like a lot of preventative maint was done to ensure it wouldn't get bad. The underside of the longs look perfect. I was planning on re-painting anything I got, so that part doesn't bother me all that much. My welding skills are fairly good, so that part doesn't bother me either.
I've got a good feeling about this one, but we'll see this weekend when I get out there...I got a oundTrip flight for $100, so it's not that bad. Even if I don't buy, It'll be about the same as hiring a shop to look it over and I'll KNOW what the car is like.
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 12 2005, 09:45 PM
Last night I found a friend that was willing to drive from Detroit to Rockford to check out the "#1 car". He reported back a couple of hours ago, and I struck a deal on the car. Soooo....I'm now the owner of a 73 2.0. =)
The car-transport company is picking it up in the morning, and I'll have it by 5:00. I'll be sure to post pics, and impressions.
A BIG thanks for everyone's help...
Posted by: jim912928 Jan 12 2005, 09:49 PM
congrats!...now start making plans to come to the midwest classic and the fall foilage classic. You'll see alot of great midwestern (and a few from farther away) teeners and even greater people!
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 13 2005, 08:50 PM
Car arrived tonight...I did VERY well...This thing REALLY excedes what I was expecting!
Body and structure are VERY solid. Off the bat, I'm going to need to put on the re-built rear calipers, and do the 930 tierod conversion and BMW front calipers.
Then I can spend the rest of the winter working on the Interior (Brown doesn't do it for me) and fix all the bubbles/chips on the paint. I'll have it re-painted in early March, and I should have a rockin' car by April!
Thanks to everyone for the advise...
Posted by: vsg914 Jan 13 2005, 08:54 PM
Pics, we want pics.
Congrats.
Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Jan 13 2005, 09:15 PM
Yeah you must know by now you can't do all that build-up and not show pics.
Come on man, we're waiting.
Posted by: tracks914 Jan 14 2005, 08:43 PM
Still waiting.................................................... 
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 14 2005, 08:58 PM
Sorry gang....hadn't been home all day. Snapped a few after I got a temp-tag today...
http://www.hardman.org/pix/1973_914/1973_914.html
(All pix here)
Other than needing re-painted, and adjusting the hood, and trunk, (Gaps are off...any suggestions?) I think I got a REAL solid car. I got worried when I felt the long in the dark and stuck my finger through some rust...then 10min later I realised it was the rocker panel. (Which I knew were getting bad) Longs are SOLID on this thing...It was refreshing to sit in the passenger side,a nd not hafe to shove the door open.
I've got a list of stuff a mile long I want to do to it, so I'm sure you'll all get sick of me after a while. First thing tomorrow is going to buy tools, then changing the steering wheel to the one my wife got me for my birthday. (Momo Fighter...got the adaptor too.)
I'll take more pix tomorrow, I shot these real quick in anticipation of yall wanting to see some quickly. I was right!
Posted by: Ronnie J Jan 14 2005, 09:25 PM
Congrats Cpt Tripps, nice car. And we all know yellow ones are faster Now get out to the garage and get to work on it 
Ronnie J
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 14 2005, 09:38 PM
I forgot to mention that one of the first orders of business will be putting the Porsche crest in the correct place. I don't know WHAT taht yae-hoo was thinking...
"Yeah....right in the middle of the hood...that'll look great!"
Anyone know what the CORRECT measurement off of the nose is?
Posted by: Aaron Cox Jan 14 2005, 09:43 PM
let me know if you do not want that front spolier 
i have a basically brand new LE spoiler id trade for it ---- looking for a more "Aggressive look"
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)