My search for a 914 Options

[iwanta914-6]

I have a possible opportunity to acquire a 1971 914.

Is there anything other than rust that I need to be concerned about with the 71?

This particular car has the shift linkage disassembled because a mechanic was going to replace some bushings but left the seller high and dry after taking it apart.

This isn't my ideal 914. It's a non-appearance version, so no chrome bumpers, no chrome trim, no sail vinyl. I don't mind the steel wheels with the "nipple" caps. Not a fan of the fixed passenger seat or the tail shift transmission. Also it's my least favorite color for a 914, red. Of course over time many of these can be changed. The price is right though if the motor runs as the owner says and is as solid as the owner states.

[iwanta914-6]

I will have to get the funds ready today. If I do make the purchase, I do not have any way to transport it that day. Since the car needs tires and fuel lines, it will need to be trailered. I could maybe try to arrange something and pay the person whether or not I buy the car, just seems like a potential waste of money.

Would it make sense to pay for the car in full and then arrange transport. Or pay half and then the remaining when the car is picked up?

Also, if I do buy it I'll be looking for some local help on sorting it out to get it road ready (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[KELTY360]

I will have to get the funds ready today. If I do make the purchase, I do not have any way to transport it that day. Since the car needs tires and fuel lines, it will need to be trailered. I could maybe try to arrange something and pay the person whether or not I buy the car, just seems like a potential waste of money.

Would it make sense to pay for the car in full and then arrange transport. Or pay half and then the remaining when the car is picked up?

Also, if I do buy it I'll be looking for some local help on sorting it out to get it road ready (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Is the car stored at her home or some other storage spot. If it's at some other place, are you looking at it there or is she getting it moved to her home? Since it's been in storage for 3 years and the tires are flat, you'd probably be OK to pay in full, get title and make arrangements for later pickup. That said, you're better off being ready to transport right away.

If the tires are flat, it's going to be hard to inspect under the car. Do you have a portable air tank you could bring with you to inflate the tires? When was the last time the car was started? You'll probably need to bring a fresh battery, although if it hasn't been started for 3 years you probably don't want to do that right now.

Running condition can be a two edged sword. On the one hand there's bigger risk on your part; on the other hand it can be a good negotiating lever, especially if you're able to get a thorough look at the condition of the body. Mechanical work is way less expensive than body repair.

Why is she selling? The fact that she's owned it for 30+ years is a plus IMO. Be sure she understands how hard you've been looking for a 914 and how much you want one. She's probably got an emotional attachment and will want it to go to a good home. I wouldn't bring up the possibility of an LE unless she volunteers something. A '74 2.0 is desirable enough without the additional rarity. Good luck.

[iwanta914-6]

Is the car stored at her home or some other storage spot. If it's at some other place, are you looking at it there or is she getting it moved to her home? Since it's been in storage for 3 years and the tires are flat, you'd probably be OK to pay in full, get title and make arrangements for later pickup. That said, you're better off being ready to transport right away.

If the tires are flat, it's going to be hard to inspect under the car. Do you have a portable air tank you could bring with you to inflate the tires? When was the last time the car was started? You'll probably need to bring a fresh battery, although if it hasn't been started for 3 years you probably don't want to do that right now.

Running condition can be a two edged sword. On the one hand there's bigger risk on your part; on the other hand it can be a good negotiating lever, especially if you're able to get a thorough look at the condition of the body. Mechanical work is way less expensive than body repair.

Why is she selling? The fact that she's owned it for 30+ years is a plus IMO. Be sure she understands how hard you've been looking for a 914 and how much you want one. She's probably got an emotional attachment and will want it to go to a good home. I wouldn't bring up the possibility of an LE unless she volunteers something. A '74 2.0 is desirable enough without the additional rarity. Good luck.

The car is stored at her home. She's selling it because of her health, and she most definitely wants it to go to a good home. I don't have a portable air compressor, but I might see if I can find an inexpensive one.

She mentioned that it needs a new fuel pump bracket and new fuel lines, so I will not be trying to start it. I don't like the idea of buying a car without starting it, but it's probably because of this that it falls in my range of what I can afford to spend.

For me it's all going to depend on rust. If the hell hole is shot, I'll have to walk away, I just don't have the time and money for that kind of work. As long as it is structurally sound, I think it will be the one.