Which 914 to buy?, Looking for a 914, which yr is best? Options

[Doug73/2.0]

Need advice. I learned to drive on my uncles 914...(I was 12 back then) and have wanted one ever since but the 914's i've seen here in the north east are all basket cases. I've seen so many discusions on rusted out hulks, poor shifting, underpowered, engines not running well and lousy brakes that I wounder if it is insane to buy a 30 year old 914. I remember doing a lot of repairs with my uncle when his was only a few years old. Sounds like these have been troublesome direct from the factory.

There are several on ebay each week. I hear "side shifter" worked better than the cable. What year and engine combination did that appear on? I've been told that 73 side shifter with 2.0 engine was probably the best of the 4 cycliners. The sixes are out of my price range. I'd like to spend around 3k.

Any thoughts...Thanks Doug

[nebreitling]

Buying a 30 year old car is buying into a hobby. I wouldn't recommend any 30 year old car for a daily driver. Sure, some guys have 914s as their daily drivers but for most people it's not a very practical choice.

yup. the 914 is my only car. almost daily driven. always a work in progress. can be a pain in the ass. definitely not practical.

and i couldn't recommend it more.

in fact, it's never left me stranded -- but i imagine that my experience is unique?

re. late model: those bumpers have saved me more than once from uppity palo alto luxury SUV fanatics too busy talking on their cells to make full stops at lights. i'm a believer. smog equipment can be removed, if you're willing to live on the edge... so, in short, buy what you can.