My 914 is driving me insane, not so happy about having it anymore. Options

[weird_looking_cactus]

Ever sence I bought the thing I have been having toubles. I have only had 1 good memory about it almost 2 good memoys. The first good time is when I first got it started up and I was able to get it up to a high enought RPM and make it idle to take it for a drive around the block. The second almost good memory I had is when we were pulling it to my grandmas house I had to stay in the car and steer it. I was having such a good time steering the car and getting lots of attidion from everyone. I didn't realize that the door doesn't such tight and we went a round a sharp conor and the door flys open I almost fall out and the door miss's a car by 1/2 a feet. But for the past 2 weeks I have been having troubles trying to get the dang thing to run. I was filling pretty good about it tell the guy at auto zone told I should replace the ignition coil for good measures well that screwed me up big time cause now I can't figure out what the heck I burn't out and Im getting fed up with everything on the car being hard to replace and really expensive. Maybe I need to be a little older to have this car and get more auto repair experience behind me. I bought the car for $700 and I bet I can get $1500 out of it easy. I have put about $300 into already. And my parents are no help they just keep telling me I should of bought a car that runs I just don't see the fun in that but I guess there right.

[davep]

Welcome to the school of hard knocks. It gets easier with age, you get knowledge and experience if you learn properly. Sure, most of us learned on running cars, and some of us with nearly new cars.

I think what you need most is a mentor. Someone to work beside you that knows a lot more than you do. I would bet that a lot of the money you spent was wasted because the parts you replaced were still good. You have to learn the troubleshooting techniques that will help you identify the real problem as opposed to the apparent problem. Case in point: your starter. If replacement starters do not immediately fix the apparent problem (not starting) then you have to find the real problem ( probably wiring or other components in the wiring circuit). You might consider asking your auto shop teacher for assistance.

Probably one of your biggest problems is that the previous owners really screwed the car up. You almost have to go through the car piece by piece to determine if it is working and installed correctly. Don't give up, you CAN do it. Be methodical. Write notes. Take pictures. Find someone to help you, it is so much easier with help even if they just hold your beer. Don't be afraid to ask for help, that is what we are here for.