Should I get a 914?, Advice on buying and owning a 914 Options

[TerrySmith]

So, I just joined 914-World because I've been thinking lately I would like to get a 914. OK, so I've wanted one since about 1980 but never got around to it. Am I too late?

I have almost no mechanical skills and no facility to do much work on the car myself. I would want to use the 914 as a weekend toy and maybe a DD so it needs to be nice looking and everything should work correctly and well. I have no garage space for it so it needs to not leak rain. I don't want oil stains on the driveway, etc. I do prefer close to original (not a perfectionist) and not majorly modified or race prepped. No V8s, Subaru motors or flared rear fenders, etc. No speaker holes in the doors. Prefer pre-1974 for the Chrome bumper look.

Would like to keep the whole thing (original cost plus restoration costs) below $20K - lower the better of course. That probably means no 914/6. Preference would be for one already restored.

So, bad idea, good idea, fun, doable or PITA mistake?

Also, can anyone recommend someone (a shop) who can do PPI, restoration and maintenance work in Silicon Valley who really know 914.

Thanks,

[wingnut86]

1st and foremost,

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Make your short list or breakout the one you stated above so we can help, ie:

1- Rust-less 914 ->. Absolutely
2- I need original, but...
3- Need A/C?
4- Full outside, 3 to 4 layer cover, or will my neighbors allow an aluminum car canopy/shed?
5- Original yes, but can I keep everything else, and still get Original Customs or GPR to upgrade my carbs to sync-lync or FI to modern aftermarket for performance and response characteristics and still pass smog (YES)
6- Etc...

Do this as you review the threads, and then put a WTB here or on Pelican. Also, many vendors like the above can help you find your dream and then some for that price...

Dave B.