How bad is it? Options

[Ace Le Count]

I found this '71 914 for $2,500. It runs but has some issues with the linkage between the engine and the transmission. It's still using the efi system. It also has rust cancer in the rear trunk. Is that a big deal? I haven't gone to see it because I need all the help I can get. It has 4-lug fuchs and the interior is pretty nice. Any suggestions? Is $2,500 a good price? Roughly how much would it cost to repair? I'm not worried about cosmetic rust, I just don't want something that will fold in half on it's maiden voyage. What would you pay for it? Oh, and one more thing... it doesn't have the original engine. Thanks everyone!!!

[mepstein]

Nothing that $15-20K of rust repair wont fix.
But seriously, it's a rusty car. You need to look at the longs, under the rocker covers, near the jack receiver and the inner rear passenger suspension console. Both areas can be seen if you lay on the ground and with a bright light, look behind the rocker panel and look from the front of the rear passenger wheel up at the console that holds the rear suspension arm pivot. The rusty windshield cowl aea is also a big issue since the fenders are welded on.
These cars tend to rust from the inside out and from the bottom up. Paint doesn't rust so just because it looks good from 10 feet away doesn't mean a thing.

Good luck