914: Cost of running compared to 944? Options

[schlag]

Hey, I'm a college student and have a 944. It's actually quite a basket case of a 944 (I was stupid when I bought it, selecting one of the first ones that came along) but I've gotten it into quite good condition. The only thing left is the body restoration and some minor mechanicals.

Anyhow, I was thinking - after I get the 944 into the "near perfect" shape I'm aiming for, would it be prudent to pick up a nice 914 as a 'second car'? I ask, because I'm very tired of borrowing relatives cars when my 944 is down for upgrades or repair. I figure, with a 944 and a 914, at least one will be in working order at any given time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have some other questions.. compared to the 944, how is the 914 on maintenance? It seems like a much simpler design (a good thing). Also, how reliable of a design is it?

I work just shy of full time in the MIS/computer field as well as going to school, and while I don't make a -ton- of money, I make quite a bit more than most college students. Additionally, I commute to school and have no bills.

[seanery]

I've got both a 914 and a 944 turbo and I actually bought another 914 in December. I can't wait to start driving the new teener (its in LA LA land until the end of the month). The turbo (& all the waterpumpers) are nice, but the simplicity of the design of the 914's and earlier 911's makes them a dream. Either can run a long, long time on standard maintenance. Parts are readily available (unlike the struts for the 951 which are virtually unobtanium) and there are quite a bit of newer parts being made that are superior to what the factory had back when.

Get a teener and don't look back, sell the 944 and buy a second teener if you have to have 2 cars! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)