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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Need advice on buying a 914 1.7l
Posted by: lowdown Jun 7 2006, 07:39 PM
After reading through some postings... I came to the right place.
I'm looking at a very clean 1972 914 w/ 1.7l. 0 signs of rust. 0 signs of work. It looks like it was kept in a vacuum sealed room. Love the car. Not a power house. Not as responsive as I would like. But there are lots of mod's. I can fix that part. 114000 miles. I attached a picture. The asking price is $6200. Can I get some input? 
Attached image(s)
Posted by: SLITS Jun 7 2006, 08:29 PM
In my book, just a tad steep on the price unless they have the maintenance records from day one. At 114K, you're approaching the usefull life of the engine / trans unless it was VERY well maintained.
But then I am a cheap ass son of a...........
Posted by: elwood-914 Jun 7 2006, 08:39 PM
Go ahead, you'll fall in love with these cars and pour ALOT more money into it. 
Posted by: Cornholio Jun 7 2006, 08:41 PM
5K....
Posted by: SLITS Jun 7 2006, 08:47 PM
5K....
That's the price after you buy it for 3K and flip it...........
Posted by: Gint Jun 7 2006, 09:11 PM
Cheap sumbeaches...
If it really looks like it was kept in a vacuum, then it could actually be worth $6200. And it certainly will be in a couple of years if you maintain it in it's current state. And that motor can easily go another 50k if it's been well maintained and not abused (as cheapo SLITS indicated).
Post more pics!!!
Posted by: lowdown Jun 8 2006, 03:31 AM
Here are all the pics I have. I thought it was a little $y but... MAN IS SHE PURDY 
Unfortunately I don't have a lot info... they said it was driven by a little old lady to and from church...
Attached image(s)
Posted by: lotus_65 Jun 8 2006, 04:03 AM
have you read the http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914tech_articles.htm
i'd get someone who has been through an engine swap, hell hole repair and pedal rebuild to come out with you for a ppi.
get it up on a lift, pull the h.e.'s and inspect everything.
from what i hear, you can buy a $15,000 porsche, or buy one that will end up costing $15,000! 
Posted by: BarberDave Jun 8 2006, 04:58 AM
You are a newbe, ask for some help. We have lots of members in In. for a Personal Inspection. Where in In. is Avon? I would help ,but just sold my house and need to be out by July 15th. If it is rust free in the hell hole and longitudinals it is worth the price ,IMO. COME ON GUYS !!!
Dave 
Posted by: Gint Jun 8 2006, 07:27 AM
There's a man that knows what he's talking about. Have it checked out. If it's as clean as you say, and solid, it's worth the $$$.
Posted by: drewvw Jun 8 2006, 07:42 AM
IMO, if it really has no rust in the HH and longs it probably is worth that (esp out east) but its hard to justify paying that much for a 1.7.
I recently bought one that probably is in a little worse shape (interior needs work, minor rust, etc) and it was 5K.
whats the story on the tail dragger right next to it? 
Posted by: ninefourteener Jun 8 2006, 09:50 AM
I bought mine for $7500.... Steep?? Maybe a little... but you can't base the value of a 914 on recent eBay selling prices alone. Most folks don't actually SEE and DRIVE cars that they purchase from eBay, so of course the prices are lower, because you have to allow for "hidden" items.
I actually SAW and DROVE my car. When I say "rust free", I mean it... I couldn't find a drop, anywhere... not the hell hole, not the battery tray, not the longs, not the rear trunk, etc... nothing.
Plus.... he had reciepts for a $4500 engine build less than a year before I bought it... that helped my decision. Car is currently running like crap.. I think its bad gas, or clogged carbs, but thats just because I haven't really had the time to dig into it. BUT..... this is the 3rd year I've owned it, and so far, the only maintenance I've done is a battery.
You get what you pay for. If the car is TRULY what you say it is, then I'd say it's worth every penny. Get a PPI, put it up on a lift and check for rust. If the paint is in great shape, the engine runs good, and it is as rust free as you say it is..... SNATCH IT!!
Of course, I'd open with a $5500 offer....... but thats just common car-buying strategy... If they refuse to go down, give it to them anyway.
Best of luck!!
Posted by: lowdown Jun 8 2006, 11:05 AM
There's a man that knows what he's talking about. Have it checked out. If it's as clean as you say, and solid, it's worth the $$$.
You guys are awsome. Thanks!
Posted by: nycchef Jun 8 2006, 03:10 PM
if you love the car buy it. you have the best support on this site you'll ever see. i got mine 8 weeks ago and these guys have helped me through a boat load of problems. it will probably need work and more money in it but thats the 914.p.s. don,t worry about the 1.7, these nuts will have you putting in a 2.0 before you know it. good luck
Posted by: watsonrx13 Jun 8 2006, 03:56 PM
IF the car is in the excellent condition that you assume, then yes, the car is that valuable. These cars are appreciating dramatically in price. You can no longer purchase a very good car for $2500. There are too many people fixing/restoring these vehicle for thousands of dollars.... But, definately have a local member inspect the vehicle before you purchase.... Good luck and let us know how it turns out....
BTW
-- Rob
Posted by: hellsbend Jun 9 2006, 03:03 AM
There's a man that knows what he's talking about. Have it checked out. If it's as clean as you say, and solid, it's worth the $$$.
You guys are awsome. Thanks!
you did check the underside of the front trunk weatherstrip channel, underneath the trailing edge of the rear trunk carpet, the lower section of the vynal on the sail panels for ANY bumps, and popped the jack hole plugs to make sure the lift tube is centered in the rocker panel hole? If all that's good and the engine does'nt smoke on hard deceleration the car is probably worth it-but start saving for the upcoming rebuild-1st and reverse don't grind too?
Posted by: lowdown Jun 9 2006, 04:19 AM
ALL!
Thank you for your advice and tips. I had the car looked at yesterday. Though it is in great shape, From the bottom side it is absolutely not rust free. It's easy to fix what you can see on the surface. It is at the point where it would be perfect to restore, but they are not willing to negotiate much on the price. If any of you here of a good deal in Indiana... let me know. For now I must keep looking. You guys ROCK!
Posted by: lowdown Jun 9 2006, 04:22 AM
Thanks, BarberDave. I had it done yesterday and it saved me some disappointment. Avon is on the Westside of Indy, and is the first town in Hendricks Co.
Posted by: lowdown Jun 9 2006, 04:28 AM
IMO, if it really has no rust in the HH and longs it probably is worth that (esp out east) but its hard to justify paying that much for a 1.7.
I recently bought one that probably is in a little worse shape (interior needs work, minor rust, etc) and it was 5K.
whats the story on the tail dragger right next to it?
Sold. But he has a blue one that is so clean that the underneath has most of the original paint. Cali car... babied. around $15500
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