Looking at a '70 model - talk me into / out of it? Options

[Mike McGrath]

I'm thinking of trading over my BMW 2002 for a 1970 914. Very little rust, nothing in the bad areas. Needs the seats recovered and some other minor repairs, but mechanically it's all there.

Here's my Q = with the 1.7, am I immediately going to end up looking for a replacement engine? I'm not planning to go bigger, necessarily, but I am nervous about stuff breaking and having a lack of decent repair parts. Would it be better to hold out for a later year model with a 2.0 and the better shifter?

I'm trading one project for another, so I suppose I'm not really out any money (besides whatever I decide to put into the 914) and this will likely be more of a project and fun ride rather than a daily driver.

Excited to be getting my second P-car!

Thanks!

[Mike McGrath]

I wasn't asking so much about the trade, as I've kinda committed myself to that. I really like the 2002 (okay, I've learned to like it as I've spent hours fixing up the interior), but I just didn't know if the 1970 is a "bad" first 914 experience. For a straight trade, I'm satisfied. I'll probably end up putting in just as much money fixing the 914 as I would completing the 2002, but in the end I'll have a car I can drive to WCC!!!

Of course, it helps if you know it'll be a project going in instead of finding out later! And to hear the 912 crowd, you're nuts to buy one unless you spend $$$ and get a pristine model from the get go. I think sometimes we / they forget that part of the fun of these cars is the ability to actually fix minor problems instead of towing it to the local dealership.