Should I buy this 914?, This is my first post on this forum. Looking to buy a 914. |
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Should I buy this 914?, This is my first post on this forum. Looking to buy a 914. |
Just_a_guy |
Oct 21 2021, 12:45 AM
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#1
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 21-October 21 From: South Dakota Member No.: 26,012 Region Association: None |
I came across an add on Facebook marketplace for a 1971 Porsche 914 for $5000. I’ve never owned a Porsche but have owned 3 VW buses from the 70s in the past which have similar engines and have always wanted a 914. The owner claims the car runs and drives but “needs a tune up” because he hasn’t seriously ran it since it was put under a tarp outside years ago. It’s yellow and the paint is faded but doesn’t appear too bad. I haven’t seen pictures of the interior yet. It has a set of strange rims I can’t identify. I’m seriously considering buying it but I’m not sure if it’s a good deal. It would be a 6 hour drive to get the car so what questions should I ask the seller before I commit? I’ll attempt to attach a photo of the car in question. Let me know if you can’t see the photo.
Thank you all so much for help! |
JamesM |
Oct 21 2021, 12:51 AM
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#2
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,872 Joined: 6-April 06 From: Kearns, UT Member No.: 5,834 Region Association: Intermountain Region |
Get as many pictures of the common rust areas as you can. Mechanical bits are easy to fix, especially if you know busses. RUST is where you will sink all your time and money.
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Badinfluence1 |
Oct 21 2021, 01:07 AM
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#3
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 32 Joined: 27-December 20 From: astoria oregon Member No.: 25,022 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) Hi - In for a penny in for a pound-if its been sitting outside for years- all the brake calipers will be stuck the fuel injection will need love- and rust never sleeps- The engine will need a rebuild- all the push rod seals will be rotted, so it will leak oil fast- Plan to spend another 8k to make road worthy... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
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Arno914 |
Oct 21 2021, 02:16 AM
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#4
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Member Group: Members Posts: 233 Joined: 13-May 20 From: near Frankfurt, Germany Member No.: 24,260 Region Association: Germany |
Picture is not really sharp, but:
Jackpost cover missing? Divider between front fender and cowl missing + paint difference all the way down the fender under antenna? Definitely a must (!) to take the covers off the longs to see how the situation is down under (no - not Australia, off course). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Could be a bondo-bucket or a good unmolested example for a restauration. Get pics. A honest seller will cooperate. Good luck! PS: Rear valance is missing, the 1971 still had the "long" one with a hole for the tailpipe. |
Craigers17 |
Oct 21 2021, 05:33 AM
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#5
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 726 Joined: 5-August 17 From: Rome, GA Member No.: 21,317 Region Association: South East States |
At a bare minimum, I would try to get detailed pics of both trunks, the area under the battery, underside of the doors, door jambs, floor with the carpet removed, especially behind the seats, and the longitudinals. If those are all good, I'd say $5K is a decent price in today's market(at least worth making the 6hr drive).
FYI....those are American Racing Lemans wheels. Good Luck! |
emerygt350 |
Oct 21 2021, 05:38 AM
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#6
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,025 Joined: 20-July 21 From: Upstate, NY Member No.: 25,740 Region Association: North East States |
Is the car near you?
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emerygt350 |
Oct 21 2021, 05:38 AM
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#7
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,025 Joined: 20-July 21 From: Upstate, NY Member No.: 25,740 Region Association: North East States |
And watch Karr's movie on what to look for on you tube.
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Shivers |
Oct 21 2021, 06:03 AM
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#8
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2,292 Joined: 19-October 20 From: La Quinta, CA Member No.: 24,781 Region Association: Southern California |
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iJmizIoobo
6 hours is a long drive, but may be worth it to really go over the car. before committing. Look long and hard at the bits, may be worth the price for everything but a good body. Then hunt down a good tub from out here. Welcome |
mepstein |
Oct 21 2021, 06:23 AM
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#9
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914-6 GT in waiting Group: Members Posts: 19,142 Joined: 19-September 09 From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE Member No.: 10,825 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
nope
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Big Len |
Oct 21 2021, 07:10 AM
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#10
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,746 Joined: 16-July 13 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Member No.: 16,126 Region Association: Southwest Region |
Why not post another question - Is there anyone on 914 world that that can meet me in the town where the car is to help me with an inspection? I'm willing to pay $100.00 for this. It might save you thousands down the road.
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rgalla9146 |
Oct 21 2021, 07:12 AM
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#11
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 4,538 Joined: 23-November 05 From: Paramus NJ Member No.: 5,176 Region Association: None |
Two seat interior in a '71 ? possible rust repair on rear of front fender Too much money.......unless you know alot and love work. |
iankarr |
Oct 21 2021, 07:35 AM
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#12
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The wrencher formerly known as Cuddy_K Group: Members Posts: 2,469 Joined: 22-May 15 From: Heber City, UT Member No.: 18,749 Region Association: Intermountain Region |
As usual, you've got a bunch of great answers from the brain trust. Maybe with the exception of watching my videos (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif). Link in my signature below.
My spidey senses are tingling about this one. It has the patina of cars hiding lots of rust. I agree with Rory and others that 5K seems rich for this. If you don't know thesse cars, Len's suggestion to find someone in the area to do a PPI is money well spent. I just usually ask to make a donation to St. Judes (my favorite charity). The best possible advice about buying a 914 is to buy the best one you can afford. There's nothing more expensive than a cheap classic car. Set a budget and post a WTB in the classics section here. Good luck! |
9146C |
Oct 21 2021, 07:35 AM
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#13
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Member Group: Members Posts: 228 Joined: 14-September 19 From: US Member No.: 23,460 Region Association: None |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
As mentioned above, if the car is close by and you want to look at it, it would be helpful to solicit the help of a 914World member that lives close by and would be willing to help with a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). I'm not sure how new you are to 914's...Ian Karr has made a series of terrific videos on YouTube about these great little cars. This one is very important for "newbies" (as all 914's have rust...the "hell hole" being the most common.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO2e-J-EA-A Depending on your skill level (mechanical and welding skills particularly), almost anything on these cars is repairable...given enough time and money. Replacement parts are readily available. Rear brake calipers are scarce. For a car that has been sitting, this could be an issue. There is a common expression..."buy the best 914 you can afford". Investing time and money into a major restoration and you'll never recoup your effort (for repairs done correctly). Repairs not done correctly have a whole new set of consequences. You've come to the right place...there are a lot of people here who can offer you sound advice...take advantage of that. Good luck and welcome to 914World! |
Jamie |
Oct 21 2021, 07:39 AM
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#14
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,024 Joined: 13-October 04 From: Georgetown,KY Member No.: 2,939 Region Association: South East States |
I came across an add on Facebook marketplace for a 1971 Porsche 914 for $5000. I’ve never owned a Porsche but have owned 3 VW buses from the 70s in the past which have similar engines and have always wanted a 914. The owner claims the car runs and drives but “needs a tune up” because he hasn’t seriously ran it since it was put under a tarp outside years ago. It’s yellow and the paint is faded but doesn’t appear too bad. I haven’t seen pictures of the interior yet. It has a set of strange rims I can’t identify. I’m seriously considering buying it but I’m not sure if it’s a good deal. It would be a 6 hour drive to get the car so what questions should I ask the seller before I commit? I’ll attempt to attach a photo of the car in question. Let me know if you can’t see the photo. Thank you all so much for help! I see rust at the base of the sail/rear fender area, and if there is rust that far up you can be sure the body areas below are a disaster. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif) |
jrmdir |
Oct 21 2021, 07:41 AM
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#15
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Member Group: Members Posts: 224 Joined: 13-May 21 From: Central Ohio Member No.: 25,544 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
Yes, you need a lot more photos. Especially of the rust areas but also interior and engine. Dashboard trashed? Was it converted to carbs? etc.
I also agree that someone on the forum is probably closer and will be willing to help. I wouldn't worry about anyone here poaching you. Communicate by PM and get to know your helper and you'll be comfortable I'm suire. Just FYI, I bought a similarly situated '73 for $4,000 but it was local and I got to see everything. But 4 months later I'm still spending to get it to run reliably. It was also stored for 3 years and I, too, got those famous three words: "Ran when parked" LOL. Plan on new gas tank, fuel lines, lots of vacuum lines and, if still FI, a lot of work and cost on things like manifold and throttle sensors. Not to mention plugs, wires, coil, etc. And once you get these cars running, THEN you find out about all the bad synchros, brakes, etc. But I wanted a project and enjoy these kinds of challenges. If you're the same, go for it. But only after following the above collective advice. Ron |
rhodyguy |
Oct 21 2021, 07:43 AM
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#16
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Chimp Sanctuary NW. Check it out. Group: Members Posts: 22,042 Joined: 2-March 03 From: Orion's Bell. The BELL! Member No.: 378 Region Association: Galt's Gulch |
Mouse house. I wonder how long the driver's side window has been open. What would your TOTAL budget be for this car? Triple it.
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rgalla9146 |
Oct 21 2021, 08:45 AM
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#17
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 4,538 Joined: 23-November 05 From: Paramus NJ Member No.: 5,176 Region Association: None |
The three dead batterys is not a good sign about the seller. |
mlindner |
Oct 21 2021, 09:39 AM
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#18
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,496 Joined: 11-November 11 From: Merrimac, WI Member No.: 13,770 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
Yup, do as Beg Len said.....I wanted a high end Hot-Rod builder to paint my car, not interested. Six months later i offered him $150.00 for him to just come over and look at it after work. That did it.
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dr914@autoatlanta.com |
Oct 21 2021, 10:07 AM
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#19
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,772 Joined: 3-January 07 From: atlanta georgia Member No.: 7,418 Region Association: None |
pretty rough, you better have a lot of mechanical talent. Unfortunately, these days, the car is worth 5000 for parts
I came across an add on Facebook marketplace for a 1971 Porsche 914 for $5000. I’ve never owned a Porsche but have owned 3 VW buses from the 70s in the past which have similar engines and have always wanted a 914. The owner claims the car runs and drives but “needs a tune up” because he hasn’t seriously ran it since it was put under a tarp outside years ago. It’s yellow and the paint is faded but doesn’t appear too bad. I haven’t seen pictures of the interior yet. It has a set of strange rims I can’t identify. I’m seriously considering buying it but I’m not sure if it’s a good deal. It would be a 6 hour drive to get the car so what questions should I ask the seller before I commit? I’ll attempt to attach a photo of the car in question. Let me know if you can’t see the photo. Thank you all so much for help! |
emerygt350 |
Oct 21 2021, 10:32 AM
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#20
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,025 Joined: 20-July 21 From: Upstate, NY Member No.: 25,740 Region Association: North East States |
I am familiar with SD so I understand distances can be daunting. Don't let all the scary talk stop you from going to look at it if it close (south dakota close). Watch Karr's video, go and take a look. Who knows, maybe it is just a little surface rust. If the hell hole is rust free and the longitudinals, floors, firewall all look good, it might be worth it if the engine is nice. Who knows, maybe it has a 6 in it !
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