Newbie with Question about How Much Should I Pay?, Looking at a 1974, wondering if the price is fair Options

[BestefarJohn]

Hi, this is John in Indiana. The 1974 looks pretty clean although I haven't seen it on a lift yet. It runs well but is a little hard to get into first geat when not moving. The paint is good and the engine is said to have about 20K on it since a rebuild.

I'm sure the question of how much to pay has been asked many times so perhaps you could direct me to that thread. I didn't see it on a quick search.

Many thanks from Grandpa John

[timofly]

The prior posts are all right on the money, but I would add this: if you want a 914, buy the best one you can find with the help of the experts on this forum. Someone lives near enough to you to be able to help.

DON'T buy a ratty 914 and try to "fix it up" unless you are an expert welder, a genius with old Bosche fuel injection systems, have a warm, dry place to work on the car and a very tolerant family. You can learn the skills, of course, if you have lots of spare time and patience.

On balance, though, the most important thing is the body. All the mechanical stuff can be repaired by someone who knows how. We have a definite advantage in the VW heritage, because they were pretty robust, reliable cars for their day. But the rust on what was originally a pretty light, unit-body car is a virtual death sentence unless the owner is both a good welder and a masochist.

Good luck, and

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