Checklist for 914 Purchase, Help me not get burnt Options

[Richard Casto]

First, let me apologize if this is covered somewhere on the site. I am new to 914world.com and I tried to search old posts and look in the “classic” posts section for something like this.

I am looking to purchase a 914 and need to build a checklist that I can use to evaluate a car. I am not a total stranger to the car as I had two different 914s while in College (late 1980s) and worked on my own cars (most difficult job was replacement of 2nd gear syncro). I also have to say I am very excited about finding 914world.com as it looks like everyone is really knowledgeable! It was hard to find a community like this and this level of information back when I had my cars!

Anyhow, the goal is to find a car that I will use for Autocross and Track use. My #1 criterion is that the body be in reasonably good shape. While I am not adverse to fixing some rust issues if the price is right, I would rather focus on fixing or improving mechanical items vs. cutting out and welding in replacement parts. Also, as I expect to ultimately make this a track car, so finding a car with stock EFI is not that important to me. In addition to the basic car questions, I am pretty new to the concept of buying a car via something like eBay, so if anyone can offer any tips on how to go about that as well as vetting the condition of a car from a remote location, I would love the hear about it. I DON’T want to be burnt on an eBay purchase.

So, in no particular order, these are the items I may ask a seller about and/or try to inspect myself. I know a list like this could go on and on, but I am trying to hit the high points as well as think of items that are specific to the 914. Also if I am able to edit this post, I will edit the list below based upon your ideas…

Basic Body Items

Rust - Battery tray and Hell Hole.
Rust - Longitudinal
Rust - Sail panels
Rust - Rear trunk floor
Rust - Front trunk floor
Rust - Floor/rear bulkhead intersection in passenger compartment
Rust - Seat rails
Rust - Rear control arm mounts
Ripped out clutch cable tube
Condition of rear trunk hinges
Do the doors open and close easily with people in the car
Any previous wreck repair
Existing dents and dings
Any missing trim

Engine

Get the code from the engine
Ask about rebuild history
EFI or aftermarket Carburetor(s)
Oil leaks
Condition of hoses, belts, wires?
Maintenance schedule
How much oil does it use
Any non-stock modifications

Transmission and Drivetrain

Ears on transmission are not broken?
Condition of clutch
Condition of linkage
Condition of syncros
Condition of CV joints
Condition of drive shafts
Any non-stock modifications

Suspension/Brakes/Wheels

Condition of shocks
Conditions of springs/torsion bars
Condition of bushings
Condition of front and rear disks
Condition of front and rear calipers
Working emergency brake
Condition of master cylinder/pedal cluster
Last time fluid was replaced
What wheels are included
What is the condition of the wheels
What is the condition of the tires
Any non-stock modifications

Interior/Electrical

Working speedometer
Working odometer
Working gauges (fuel, etc.)
Condition of dash
Condition of carpet, seats, etc.
Condition of top
Any known electrical problems
Any non-stock electrical repairs

General

Clear title
Is car currently in drivable condition
Any other non-stock modifications


Any I missing anything major? Any and all feedback is welcome.

Thanks!