Price Check, Aisle 5 Options

[McLovin]

Hi there,

This is my first post, and I need some help. I'm looking at a 914 locally (USA) and I'm trying to figure out if it is worth the asking price. I've seen prices all over the map. My problem is what you can't see in he ads, so here's what I'm looking at.

Factor in that I'm in the Southeast. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

I'm considering a late '70's 914. It had a color change on the outside and door jams only, (not in the bonnets and trunk). Has nice alloy wheels (an upgrade), but they aren't fuchs. Has the 2.0 Liter engine, but no fuel injection.

It's running a single progressive carb, but it runs nicely. Has an upgraded header style dual exhaust. I'm told it has a new shift linkage.

Has a near perfect interior. But the battery tray rusted out, yet underneath the battery tray it seems pretty solid...I will poke around there in earnest before I get the car. No rust underneath the spare tire. All of the electronics work well and the car is reliable. I heard that a seat broke/came loose due to an overweight person sitting in it and it had to be re-welded.

Has a rust bubble on the read quarter panel, but not near the hell hole...looks like poor paint preparation. Other than the rust bubble, the paint actually looks pretty good.

So can you give me you opinion of the high, mid and low range that someone might pay for a 914 in that shape?

Thanks for any and all advice.

[krazykonrad]

First things first: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Second, get us some pictures. You will soon become familiar with:
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thisthreadisworthlesswithoutpics.gif)

Look underneath, this is where the dark magic (i.e. RUST) happens. Also, in the longs, the hell hole, under the seats, in the ashtray, above the radio, etc.

914s are great cars, but they rust like crazy when, and even if, they are properly maintained.

As the 356 community has shown us, rust is a relative thing. There are plenty of old 356s that have rusted down to the trunk handle and been restored with the injection of a boatload of $$$.

One day, hopefully soon, 914s will be at the same price-point. The Elders speak of far-gone days when you couldn't give away 356, even in good shape.

If you are still reading this, let us help you. A 914 will beat the pants off a stock 911 any day of the week.

My free advice,
Polonius