New Purchase advice, *gulp!* Options

[VaccaRabite]

Okay, I live in PA. I am looking for a 914. Body in good shape, engine I don't care much about as I intend on rebuilding it with one of the MassIVe kits in it.

I found a car, located only 10 miles or so from me. It is supposd to be in very good shape. I have not gone to see it yet, but have been assured that there is no rust in the longs, battery tray, around the windows and doors, or any of the other places that the car usually gets rot. Its also got fresh paint, tires, rear shocks, vg interior and a running engine (with deltoro carbs). The guy wants 6500 for the car, and in the pics, its a very nice looking car.

Assuming the car is as cherry as he says it is, is it worth the price.

I had been intending to find a cheaper car (3K or 4K) and modify it. Fenders, new paint, stiffer body, more or less resto on a frame that was already in very good shape rust wise. I suppose I could do it on this car, but it seems a waste on a car that is already well sorted. I know that in the long run this is the more expensive option. But int he short run, I don't have to go into debt at all to get started.

But to find most cars with good frames and bodies means buying from SoCal, or some other place 3000+ miles away from me, where I would need to ship it cross country... I don't know how expensive cross country shipping is, but I would imagine it is at ~ $2000. Can anyone give me clues on cross country shipping?

So, my delemma is this. Do I buy a well kept local car for more money, or go cheaper and pay to ship and restore.

I look forward to your responces, and hope to be joining the ranks as an owner soon.

Zach

[SLKWrx]

Vacca,

I actually just went through the exact same search. I live in NJ and finding a decent car around here for cheap is nearly impossible. East coast cars just don't hold up, and any car you find on the other coast, you can't inspect yourself, and you have to tack on shipping charges.

I actually found one from another board member in incredible shape for a very reasonable price. The problem is that its in such nice shape that my dream of doing flares is out. I can't bear to cut up a car in this good of shape. For right now, I'm completing the interior, finishing off the engine swap, and I'm going to enjoy driving it for a while.

I'd say if its 6500 and well sorted, at the point where you can get in and drive it, enjoy the hell out of it, drive it like it should be driven, and do your upgrades at a reasonable pace. You can do the stiffening at your leisure, but you can at least have one up on the guys around here.. your car won't be on jackstands from day 1.

Anyways.. can't wait to see another teener in Pa
-- Steve