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?

[96conv]

Wow, great advice from everybody!

The 914 wouldn't be my only car because I drive a Dodge Grand Caravan on a daily basis. Talk about complete opposites

I do like to work on cars but haven't had the time for that lately. My '79 911SC (my avatar) has been on jackstands for two weeks awaiting an external oil cooler install and valve adjustment. I may have to farm the work out if I don't get to it before the next dry track day.

I've driven a Boxster S and know they are quite fast and easy to drive. But that's just it. You need skill to drive an old 911 like mine or a 914.

Like I said, I've always wanted a 914 and more so now since Trekkor chased me around Sears Point in November and easily kicked my a$$.

I guess what's stopping me now really isn't the rust issue. I just have to find a way to convince my wife into letting me have another toy and a car project. I wouldn't get rid of my '79 as it's been so problem free in my two years of ownership. It rivals my old Honda Accord in reliability though I must say that I put 50K miles in my Honda in two years whereas I only logged 12K miles in the 911 in that time.