Looking to see a 914 up close, buy one? Options

[klayfish]

Good evening all. I'm interested in learning more about the 914. Here's a brief summary of my situation. I already own a weekend toy, a Shelby Cobra replica (Factory Five Racing) and love the car to death. However, I've also owned 3 Toyota MR2s in the past and also still think the world of them. My Cobra is an awesome car, and I use it for show, autox and open track racing. But I really was itching for my mid-engined car that just handled like a go-cart. The wife finally conceeded to let me go ahead and buy another MR2 (so I would stop complaining). However, as I've been finding it hard to find a good MR2, I was thinking about what else I might like. The 914 popped right into my head. I've always loved their looks, but I don't know too much about them. I presume they are somewhat similar to the MR2, in that they are light weight, midengine, low power and probably handles fantastically. I'm looking for something that is pure FUN to drive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Has anyone here ever driven the '85-'89 MR2 and can compare the cars? How about some info on the 914. Easy maintainance? Reliable? Cheap parts?
Also, is there anyone in the Philadelphia area who could show me their car? If I decide to buy one, I'd definitely want a driver, not a show car. Just something to kick around when I don't take the Cobra out. Thanks for your help.

Steve

[Curvie Roadlover]

Actually Steve, I just bought one in November. I had been looking for about 3 months everyday when I found the one a bought. I consider myself very lucky to have found one in that short a timeframe that was exactly what I was looking for. I bought my first one after looking at just a few that were close-by. That car was a ball to drive and it sucked me in to the 914 addiction, but it was in rough shape and would have cost more to fix up than to replace. So, I sold it and began my search for a better one. I checked www.collectorcartraderonline.com, rennlist.com, pelicanparts.com, roadglue.com, e-bay, craigslist.com, and anything else I could think of. I chesked them about twice a day. I knew every car for sale in the whole country during the time I was looking. I concentrated my looking in CA, AZ, TX, FL, etc.... the "non-salt-on-the-roads" states. You'll hear this time and time again, but it's true - get the best car you can for your money because it's FAR CHEAPER to spend the money up front for a nice car than to get one that needs work and fix it up. It's better, too, to get one with little to no rust with mechanical issues, than one that runs good but needs alot of rust repair. Take your time.
Good Luck,
Tom
end of rant