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!

[PBC914]

I picked up my 1st 914 in between my softmore and junior year of college in the summer of 95. I found it in Hemming's Motor News. My dad had a 76 that he sold in 83 (for a Toyota Camry of all cars). I vowed that day I would buy my own 914. And so I flew out to Racine, WI with a ticket back just in case. The owner picked me up at the airport and I drove back to his home. I knew NOTHING about what to expect. The car was in good shape from what I could tell. I flew out with a duffel bag full of stereo equipment (a new Blaupunkt CD changer for the front trunk, and a new Blaupunkt stereo inside with tape deck to control everything) and a change of clothes and my wallet. We took the car to a Mobil garage (still didn't know anything) and really all they did was check the tires, check that the spark plugs were...um sparking and that there was oil. We went back to the owner's home, I wrote a check and I was off to a mall parking lot to install the stereo for the ride home. It was a sunny day, I drove with the top off all the way home to Minneapolis. I had a smile on my face the whole way, and car ran beautifully (about 28-29 miles to the gallon).

Use common sense, good judgement, change and check your oil and for leaks often and stop periodically to check over the car for any issues. Just buy new tires if they aren't already new and you will have a great lifetime memory. I won't forget my trip it was a blast!