Regrets Selling 914, To those that have done it already. Options

[Midtowner]

The pendulum is swinging toward selling my 1973 914 2.0. 90K original miles. Owned in the family since 1974. It is becoming difficult to ignore the possibility of buying a Boxster at their current market prices.

I keep reading about those that have sold their 914's only to regret it later but I wish to know why and for what reasons. Emotional attachment? Because their fun to drive? Anyone care to chime in? Thanks! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Midtowner]

Everyone,

Thank you for your input. I really mean it. I didn't expect such a passionate response to this thread. This is a very cool community.

You're going to go from "man, cool car. I haven't seen one this nice for years." To "your wife's Boxster is cute."

I just can't handle the chick car thing.

I've owned over 40 cars (16 of them 914s). I've had 911s (69 911S, 2-74 Euro Carreras, 88 Cab), but I don't think I will own another as I'm just not a 911 guy. I've had a bunch of new cars that depreciate. I've had a 57 Corvette, some other imports.

I have had mine sense 1982 and it was a DD well into the late 90's. Yet every time without fail, when I slip in behind the wheel I get that feeling. Out of 37 vehicles my teener is the only one that has given me that thrill...That Feeling.
Hard into a corner she begins a four wheel drift, no heavy rear or front engine to fight you, she wants to come out of the corner quick so she can find the next one... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

And as mentioned above...The Cool Factor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

An excellent point! 914's have that "it" factor.

Erik, Let me ask you something. Can you stand and look at your 914 for hours just looking at the lines, just see the personality flowing from every angle? The profile is awesome. when I see a 914, it WOW, doesnt matter the condition cause its a great car. A Boxter is well its another car. Yes its a Porsche but There is no personality. Get in, drive, no feeling. Its the only Porsche that does not Make me want to stare at it for hours. Can you tell I dont care for Boxters. Anyway, the 914 will ALWAYS be a great car. AND YOU WILL MISS IT!!!!

Yes, I do stare at the 914 a lot. I drove a Boxster a long time ago and thought it had personality but maybe I was wrong.

My wife and I have owned a Boxster, nice cars buuuuut like any newer car if you don't keep them new enough, you're gonna be sorry. I am starting to see it in many cars already passing that 10 year old mark. Things like, you touch the door handle and the window automatically rolls down that 1/4" to clear the seal. Ever seen that stop working? That isn't an easy or cheap fix. Done 2 of them for people already. One was a mirco switch and the other was the harness to the brain. Fugly.

Newer cars are cool and all (Sort of), but have long lacked the simpleness they were born from. I draw the line at something that is controlled by software. I'll stick with solid state as my most tech advance mode of transport.

Crap. micro switches and wiring harnesses? Scary.

Any reason not to own both? YOu had the car in the family since 74. I am sure you have had other cars along the way. Why do you feel you have to sell you 914 in order to get a boxster? Buy the boxster and build a second garage.

Wish I had enough resources for a second garage. My DD is a Dodge magnum SRT8. The 914 and my wifes Acura TSX occupy the garage.

Again, thanks for the input. I am keeping the 914. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[number6]

Again, thanks for the input. I am keeping the 914.

erik, you have a beautiful 914! i occasionally find myself pondering the same question, so i totally appreciate where you're coming from. the fact that

a) you have a sweet 914, in exceptional, hard-to-find condition...that is appreciating... and i assume fully sorted and totally reliable...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) early boxsters that are dropping in price aren't exactly known to be quality cars...are depreciating fast (for a reason, i'm told by my mechanic)...and can be had any day of the week...

c) you have a modern DD already...

totally support your decision, IMHO.

is it mostly the performance that had you thinking boxster? have you considered a couple mild enhancements, like EFI, lightened flywheel, mild suspension tuning, and good exhaust (like a triad)? i bet that'll renew your love affair with the 914!

my temptress happens to be the '98-'02 bmw m coupe (yup, the either-love-it-or-hate-it one...though if you've driven one, it's impossible to be in the latter group!). it's probably the only car other than a 914 (ok, and a ferrari 206 gt) that gets my pulse racing every time i spot one. my 914 is my daily driver, so sometimes i miss the modern amenities like good defrost, water-tight cabin, AC for scorching days, good wipers, and lack of engine fumes...but then, sure enough, the weather breaks, the road twists, the targa top's off...and i find myself apologizing to my teener for ever even entertaining the idea of trading her for any other car!

when the time comes that i have 2 parking spots, there'll be an m coupe next to my 914. i say if you like the boxster, go for one, no matter what others say/think...just don't sell your 914!

this helps me w/ my perspective:
it's not about having what you want...
but wanting what you have. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)