Possible new 914 owner + 700 mile drive home tips Options

[1973tii]

I'm strongly considering buying my uncle's 914. It's a green 1975 1.8L garaged California car in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition.

We're 700 miles apart and if I got it, I'd fly down and drive it home. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that this car, as lovingly maintained as it is, could demonstrate a gremlin or ten on a long, sustained drive in warm weather. The 914 is currently taken out very infrequently, for short drives.

As knowledgeable 914 owners, what sort of recommendations would you have for this trip (other than a AAA membership -- (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )? A reasonable amount of tools will be carried. Beyond that, should I have a few electro-mechanical switches "in stock", along with a belt, etc, etc...? Any notorious parts that should be carried? I'm competent with the diagnostics/wrenching, but have no experience with these cars and don't know what breaks.

Thanks!

[PeeGreen 914]

Give me your 73 Tii and I'll do the trip for you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

First step I would make is get the premium AAA. They just upgraded their service to include 200 miles towing.

Second step I would make is get a list of someone on this board every 100 or 200 miles on your trip. If you have an issue you can be sure there will be someone close that will help.

Third step I would make is go down and lok at the car. Drive it around and make any needed repair before you head out.

Then drive that thing home (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

[1973tii]

Thanks guys. After browsing the forum here for a while, I knew there would be some excellent advice.

So, I'm just barely holding on to my youth enough that I want to drive this 914 home and would embrace any mishaps as part of the adventure (I say that now, safely at home). That said, I'll probably coax my uncle into doing some longer drives before picking it up, and ask him to take it to his longtime mechanic for a checkout. Will also upgrade the AAA. Hmmmm, I guess I'm taking enough precautions to tell me that I actually am old. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Excited to get the car. I know the 75' 1.8L may be one of least desirable 914s, but the originality and condition of this one offset that for me. He's also the original owner.

[KELTY360]

So, I'm just barely holding on to my youth enough that I want to drive this 914 home and would embrace any mishaps as part of the adventure (I say that now, safely at home).

I know what you mean, I flew out on my 57th b'day to get mine and it's definitely made me younger, in spite of the gray hairs it's added.