Serious question - 914 or Boxster? Options

[96conv]

I've always wanted a 914. Looks cool, well-balanced, old school air-cooled Porsche. But I've been afraid to jump in because of all the horrific stories of rust damage. So I decided to save a little more $ and buy an already restored beauty. However, I've read somewhere on this board that there isn't a way to totally prevent rust on these babies as they were never galvanized by the factory. And, the car will be living outside 24X7 under an all-weather cover.

Is it true that rust cannot be prevented on a 914? If this isn't true, what will it take to make it rust proof? How much will it take? Am I better off buying a used Boxster ('97s - '99s are hecka cheap)? Ok, not old school cool, not air-cooled either but well-balanced vehicle with all the modern amenities plus supercharging potential.

What do you think would be more cost-effective to own? What do you think would be most satisfying to own?

[bryanc]

QUOTE (Twystd1 @ Jan 3 2006, 10:31 PM)

Yet for me. Nothing feels better than to be than to have my ass 8 inches off the ground, setting the car in a slight drift with the sound of Dells scrreaming in my ear. No boxster is like that.

The 986S motor is absolutely fabulous. It's smooth and the induction/exhaust sound is just perfect. The car has actual power compared to the /4. The suspension and handling are incredible. Boxsters have a variant of the Weissach effect rear end like 928's have. Porsche learned a lot in the 30 years between the two designs.

The 914/4 is fun to tinker with and I enjoy driving it more--but only in the right conditions. Traffic is no fun, you're always worried about SUV's, minivans, and in Phoenix, anything large and construction related. There is quite a size difference between the two cars. The Boxster is not as roomy in the passenger compartment, nor the trunks.

The boxster requires less routine maintainence, and _should_ be more reliable. The problem with the boxster is that it's more difficult to fix it yourself than the 914.

my $.02.