How reliable is the 914?, in no specific condition Options

[buhs914]

I was just curious at the reliability of the 914. I know currently mine isn't but that's because i'm still ironing out the kinks the POs caused. But what about you guys and your 914s?

[buhs914]

I was just curious at the reliability of the 914. I know currently mine isn't but that's because i'm still ironing out the kinks the POs caused. But what about you guys and your 914s?

I couldn't afford a new 914 while in college 70-74, nor shortly after with the rising prices on them 75-76 while the performance was worse due to added smog controls. So after I graduated & had a good job, I got a 3 yr old 73 2.0 in Dec. 75 with 45k on it as 2nd owner, & drove it as my only DD 12/75 - 5/85 up to 172k - kept it well maintained by a Porsche/VW factory trained German mechanic & did a rolling resto/overhaul 80-83 to the tune of $6500 ($20k+ today just with inflation & not counting NLA pricing!) - when a sorority ditz not paying attention rammed it in a parking structure while I was in MBA classes! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

So it's been on blocks in my SoCal garage since then, until I started working on repairs & resto recently. Everything will get refreshed & all electrical & soft parts replaced - but the parts availability & cost today are the big things. .... & I've got about 25 years of "deferred maintenance" to catch up on! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

It was a great DD 75-85 everywhere rain, shine, snow (ski trips), etc. Hopefully it will be a great driver again when the in progress resto is done, if at a reduced use, since I'll have 3 cars (all classics btw) & office at home! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

If you keep up on it, then you won't have as much cost & other issues as I do, as the others above have stated! If it's a solid 914, then I'd stick with it if you can, then when you're out & working & can afford a second DD - you can semi-retire to less than daily & more just for fun driving! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

BTW - 914 parts are much easier to come by at a better cost, than for a same period 911/912 - which is why so many tail-dragger poofters get 914's for AX, race & DD use - not to mention that our 914s will run circles around 911s/912s in most cases! Also, keep in mind that many 914 parts are the same on VW 411, 412 & Bus ones - depending upon the part & model 914 vs. the VWs - so you can often save some coin by getting the equivalent VW part through a VW source.

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

If it's paid for either store it or work on it yourself. It's an easy car to work on and lots of free help -- and an occasional free part -- from us. Find Harbor Freight for cheep tools, real all of the technical posts on World and Pelican, get a Haynes manual, and you can do anything. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I sold my 914 out of college and now kick myself years later.

I think they are darned reliable.

After all, how many of todays modern cars are reliable enough to last 35 years???

Quality- works good....
Reliability- lasts long....

haha well it looks like i'll be holding on to my 914! I'll just fix up the not-as-important-for-daily-driving-but-still-needs-attention-areas little by little as i progress through college. Now all i have to do is find a damn job! IDK why it's so freakin hard to get one out here...