914 Daily Driver?, What do you think? Options

[martinef1963]

Wow - I feel like I've grown up in this forum and can finally put my two cents worth into a thread - I feel comfortable on the subject.

I have a 1996 Honda Civic, I bought it used in 98 and have only had to change the tires twice, routine maintenance - oil change, filters, spark plugs, wires every two tune ups (regardless), distributor, and rotor. Oh, did change the pads every 40K and rotors (front twice).

The car has driven me all overe western Europe and now resides in Miami FL, 138,000 miles on original clutch, almost forgot did change the timing belt - because I wanted to avoid something bad from happening.

Now, I too have a 72 914, 1.9 (BBK), new paint job, countless $$$$ spent on this/that, and the other, countless man hours spent on her to keep her going, then again I like everything to be PERFECT.

It's up to you, but if you are strapped and your time is priceless go with the Civic, if not buy the Porsche she'll always have time for you. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wavey.gif)

[AlexO]

I've tried the "reliable daily driver" thing with my Miata. Its ok. You can bet I'd trade it in an instant to have the pain and hassle of a daily teener again.
--Alex

[Brando]

I've been using my 914 as a daily deutschebag for as long as I've had it. Only had two events that left it dead for a day. First was when the lines on my remote oil cooler broke, second was when my ECU came unplugged. As it's been said, if yours has a great engine you can drive the hell out of it. I was lucky enough to get one that has a great engine.

Although it can get costly. I've spent nothing in terms of maintainance. Only things I have bought thus far have been for addons or upgrades. I'll be doing my first 'fix' today, welding in a new console for the trunk hinge. Possibly an ignition switch this weekend. The car has survived on it's original 1.8 engine for 30 years without problems.

I guess i got the lucky straw. *knocks on wood* (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif) Your experience may differ. If you want a daily driver 914, buy a stock 2.0L, go with the AFM setup from a late model 1.8 and drive the thing under 4k rpms for the rest of your life. It'll last forever -- granted your engine shelves dont rust out (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/lol2.gif)

[Mueller]

Once legally registered, a radio is installed and when it's not raining, I plan on using my 914 as a daily driver...

reliability shouldn't be an issue...comfort might come into play for the days that I don't feel like driving it....100+ miles a day...some of that is stop-n-go traffic (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/headbang.gif)

a few of my other vehicles are automatic which makes the commute a little nicer...........

[Brett W]

I drove my car for 2 years ona daily basis. It was the only car I had. Drove it to Atlanta several times, up to Perry Kiehl's place, Nashville, etc. Had no heat or defrost and no sound deadening. I loved it. Had its share of small issues but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. When I wrecked it I was bummed.

Found a 1990 Civic Si for 240$. THis thing was in great shape. No holes, tears, stains on the interior, 15 years worth of dings on the body, but I wet sanded the whole car and it now looks great. It had 193K on it at the time. I put a valve in it and three bearings in the tranny and promptly drove it across the country to Durango Colorado, fully loaded. Since i moved back here have put a radiator and another engine in. (blew orgininal motor and 203K, she used a lot of oil and I didn't watch the level.) I have all of the parts for a turbo motor sitting on my coffee tablewaiting for me to finish this teener. I added some springs from an Accord wagon and 16x7 inch wheels. Put a radio in it and I am very happy with this car. I drive the hell out of it. It handles great, gets 28-30mpg in the city and 35-40 on the highway (running 80+). Its a hatch so I can pack it full of stuff.

After living with a 914 for 2 years I figured everything else would be BORING. This honda isn't a 914 but I can drive it for 9 hours straight and hear when I get out, plus I can fit three bikes in it and still have room for a hitchhiker (if she is hot). It handles much better than I expected a shit box to handle. I am very happy with my Rice.