What's a proper budget for a 914 in decent shape, keep looking or move on? Options

[914lover17]

Really struggling with my 914 search, the 4 available in Canada aren't cutting it - either hunks of junk or way overpriced according to enthusiasts on here.

I've posted a couple I was interested in long distance/US but they we're shot down pretty quick (for valid reasons).

What's a realistic budget for a good condition 914? Something with little rust and fairly original that can easily be kept up and restored as I go.

I'm starting to think I missed the boat, and being in Canada is making it even tougher. Is this a realistic search or should I move on?

I was hoping to pay 25-35k CDN total (over time), but looks like 40k is the going rate to get into something decent here nowadays. or spend around 2-5k USD extra to get something back home across the border.

Anyone have experience shopping for a 914 in Canada (recently)? 2000 911's are cheaper and readily available. Not like I want one, just feels weird.

Are rolling projects suitable for someone with little experience? I have some help, time, and money alloted and am more than willing to learn but it's pretty scary given I can barely recognize a good car that's complete let alone try and judge a car in boxes.

[Cairo94507]

All of the above is very true. The best you can do while the border presents an issue, is to read every thread you can on 914s and their issues. Educate yourself so when you are finally able to go see one, in person ideally, you will know what you are looking at and how to find all of the issues as there are quite a few "Pigs with lipstick" out there.

Be diligent, looking at all possible sources for 914s for sale so you can act when the time comes. Then be prepared to act. If a car is out of your area, don't be afraid to post here and ask if anyone can do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) for you and shoot some pictures and video so you can see if it merits further consideration and a trip or not.

I think $20K-ish is a reasonable budget for a solid car worthy of buying. If I were in the market, I would shop for a '73 2.0 (because I bought one when they were brand new). But really, anything that is solid is worth buying. Unless you plan to concours it and absolutely have to have a matching numbers car, a solid chassis is worth its weight in gold. Then put what ever engine you want in it.

Lastly, enjoy learning all you can as well as the hunt.
Cheers,
Michael (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)