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

[klayfish]

Thanks for all the responses everyone, I appreciate the advice. One thing I have become good at is checking the internet for cars I'm looking for. As long as I get help in some smaller lesser known sights to scour, I'm pretty good with that. I've been using autotrader (or collectorcartrader), ebay, et al. for quite some time. As with most of you, I've had a passion for cars since I can remember. In the past 4 years, here's a partial list of cars I've bought and sold: 3 MR2s, Miata, '80 Vette, '39 Dodge street rod, '67 Jag E-type w/Ford 302 conversion, '86 Supra, '97 Integra GSR and my current Cobra. I drive the wife crazy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

I'm going to print out that list of places to look for the 914, so I can check them. I'm definitely not in a true hurry to find the 914, though I wouldn't be upset if I got lucky and found one. I've learned not to jump at the first one just because it's there. I bought my Cobra from Kentucy, but part of the deal was that it had to pass a thorough check-up by my local Cobra builder here before the sale went through. If it was in bad shape, I was going to send the guy home with the car. Luckily, he was a very honest guy and the Cobra was exactly as advertised.

That's interesting that someone said they'd rather have a rust-free car that needed some mechanical work than a somewhat rusting car in good mechanical shape. Is that true for the rest of you? What if you didn't really plan to restore the car and its' body, rather planned to just try to keep it as is and enjoy driving it? Would you think mechanicals more important? Yes, I know about rusting floor pans and suspension, etc., but I'm talking about surface rust, not structural.

I also know to search the southwest states. Just sucks that I live in the northeast, it's so far away. I got real lucky with my last MR2. It was a documented New Mexico car, which was brought to Pa right before I bought it. Can I get that lucky twice? One can always hope.

While I'd love to have a race prepared 914 or MR2, it probably won't happen. I'll just be looking for a stock 4 cylinder 914 or base MR2. The Cobra is my race car, and I enjoy it. 'Tis quite a beast to autox, you learn how to drive very quickly in that car.

Thanks again for the advice. I'll keep checking in here.

Steve