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?

[Root_Werks]

Like everything, depends on you. A 986 to me is just what the 914 would have become over time. You can nab a good early 986 for low teens these days which makes it a real bargin. It wieghs in just over 2800lbs for an early one, so 600lbs heavier than a 914-4 with another 100 hp. It still has a very high fun factor, but I recently sold mine that I had for years because things started to age and happen to it. There is a ton of electronically controlled things in even the simplest of 986's. I can't wait to see what happens to them another 5 years from now. I predict the values will tank even more.

I'll stick with a 914. Rust is the cars real only enimie which you can fight easier than say side windows that stop rolling down that 1/4" when you go to open the door. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/screwy.gif)