New to 914's, Just had a few questions Options

[3len35]

Hello, I'm 20 years old and I live in Ellensburg, Washington and I have recently come across a 1975, 1800cc 914 for sale and I had a few questions for the 914 pros on this site.

1. Would one of these cars be manageable for a 20 year college student?

2. What are some common problems with the 914's?

3. Before buying the car, what questions should I ask the owner?

4. If I buy the 914 and I have problems with it how easy is it to find mechanics who work on them?

I have been a Porsche fan since I was 10 years old. When I was 1 my mom traded in a black 924 Turbo (because it could not fit a child seat in the back) for a '91 VW Cabriolet. She passed on the love of Porsche's on to me and it would be a dream come true to have a Porsche while in college. I will include the link to the 914, thank you very much for trying to help me acquire my first Porsche.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2329570596.html

[rhcb914]

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I bought my first 914 in college (1993) and drove it about 100 miles before fuel lines ruptured. Luckily I smelled it and I had only been driving a couple miles. Fixed that problem then the very next drive I turned the headlights on and the dash wires started smoking. I had driven it less than 200 miles before I parked it. I had recently rebuild my VW Bus engine 2 years prior and had been driving that around and wanted something cool and fast. I fugured since I knew the bus well the 914 would be a cake walk. Having virtually no $$ and part prices that were relatively expensive and not avaliable at any local autoparts stores I never got it back running. Parted it out and exactly 10 years later haveing a descent job I bought a very nice one that I can jump in and drive.


First off as other have suggested look for RUST. EVERY ONE OF THESE CARS HAS RUST. It's just not as visible on some. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Second, make sure you have a descent budget. These are 35-40 year old cars and something is always needing attention. These aren't toyota corollas where parts are cheap and you can drive the crap out of them with virtually no maintenance. I'm not saying the are unreliable as I would jump in mine tomorrow and drive across the country with no hesitation. But, I have rebuilt or seviced every system and spent thousands maintaining or bringing my car up to the level it is today.

I'm not trying to scare you away, if you have the desire I say go for it! Just go into this with your eyes open, do some research on part prices, local shops and rates, etc. If you are willing to learn to do the work yourself you can save some $$. I love going to the garage and just tinkering then taking the car for a drive.

Good Luck if you do buy it and we are always here for support and guidance!