Looking at getting a 914..., help? Options

[charliemonster42]

I'm new to the boards, just been browsing around. I'm considering buying my friends 914 because I want a fun car. I sold my rabbit for a new gti, but it lacks the excitement of the old car, and I want to get back into something like it.

The car in question is a green 73 2.0. It does have rust in the usual places (battery tray and rocker panel). How hard is it to repair the rocker panel? There is a fairly decent sized hole in it.

The other main issue is the shifter. It has gobs of play. Even in gear, you can move the shifter around in a full 6-8" circle like you are stirring a pot. Any suggestions on what could be the issue?

Should these alone put me off buying it? Its only $400, but it runs fairly well, from what I've seen of it idling in the driveway. It sat for 8 years until it was bought by my friend, where it sat on their drive for another year, so it's going to need the basic restoration maintenance done too.

Thanks in advance.
-Charlie

[motorhead]

Looks like a steal for 400 bucks. A word of caution though.....It will be the most expensive 400 you ever spend. I bought my '76 in 1988 for 3500 bucks, I've put another 4K into it, and if I were not planning to sell it I would probably sink another 4K into it to really trick out the suspension and brakes.

That being said, you will never regret buying it. I've owned cars that were faster, but never had one that made me smile every time I drive it. The grin factor is huge.

The folks on this forum are the best. I only recently found out about the club, If this kind of thing had been around in '88 I would have had a much easier time with my car. There is a wealth of knowledge here, and everyone is willing to share it. Buy it, and don't look back! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beerchug.gif)