Should I buy this 914?, This is my first post on this forum. Looking to buy a 914. Options

[930cabman]

Welcome aboard, having VW bus experience is good, have you completed any rust out work? It may be a good car, but proceed with caution as these cars can come to be money pits quickly, but quite enjoyable once sorted out.

[wes]

One thing I’ve learned is often people cover a cars and home roofs with a tarp to protect it from the rain. In autos dampness from the ground with heat gives way to condensation trapped in creating rust in places where there was none.

[Just_a_guy]

I'm surprised I got so many answers so quickly! I have never repaired rust on a vehicle before so that part worries me. The seller only posted one photo but I didn't want to waste his time asking for more if I wasn't serious. I don't have a garage to work on the car which is a big problem. I've just never seen a 914 for sale at that low a price before but it sounds to me like it worth what he's asking. To gather the money I'd have to sell my 76 VW bus. The car is in the Bismark ND area if any of you are interested. Your answers have been helpful if there's anything someone hasn't mentioned yet please add to the thread!

[mepstein]

I would read through some rustoration threads on this site. It’s a much bigger project car than you think. If you have to sell a car to get the money to buy it, where will you find the $20-30k to restore it?


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[burton73]

What does you 76 VW BUS look like. They are bringing very strong money!

Bob B

[emerygt350]

You don't need to return it to day one condition too. If the bones are strong you can slowly work away at the spots that need help. If the tough stuff is gone to rust (longitudinals, hell hole, etc) then I would let it go to the next person.

Somebody on here is probably in the Bismark area...

[orthobiz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRBvwsQDBj0&t=237s

Paul

[BuddyV]

If you already had a solid car that needed bumpers, side mirrors, cool aftermarket wheels and other minor parts, this would be a possible good buy at $500 to salvage those parts....... but then you would have a rusty hunk of junk in your driveway.

Pass.

....Or buy above parts for me

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[bbrock]

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 !

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) First, I think all the fine folks here telling you to be cautious and skeptical about this car are spot on. 914s fitting this car's profile tend to be in rough shape. That said, there is a lot of speculation going on here with very little hard data. Only way to know is to have somebody put eyes on it. My hunch is like others that this car is a project, but that is only a hunch. I also understand how rare it is to find 914s for sale even six hours from where people like you or I live so if you want a 914, make your decision on facts rather than speculation. This car might surprise you. Probably not, but it might. I'm not so sure about getting rid of that bus though. I had a 74 and really miss it.

[KELTY360]

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 !

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) First, I think all the fine folks here telling you to be cautious and skeptical about this car are spot on. 914s fitting this car's profile tend to be in rough shape. That said, there is a lot of speculation going on here with very little hard data. Only way to know is to have somebody put eyes on it. My hunch is like others that this car is a project, but that is only a hunch. I also understand how rare it is to find 914s for sale even six hours from where people like you or I live so if you want a 914, make your decision on facts rather than speculation. This car might surprise you. Probably not, but it might. I'm not so sure about getting rid of that bus though. I had a 74 and really miss it.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) You need to put eyes on it! Either yours or a member here who is close by. Start another thread asking if there is someone near Bismark who could take a look.

The advice you've seen here is largely spot on, but don't let the valid cautions scare you from checking further.....IF you're serious about getting a 914.

Just curious, where are you located in SD?

[emerygt350]

None of us have actually seen the car. All of this is based on previous experience with other cars under tarps with batteries stored near by. The thing could be next to perfect and we would not know. Do as kelty says, put a call out if needed and have it actually looked at.

[Front yard mechanic]

Buy it what are the odds that 25 people are wrong

[JamesJ]

My first impression is "Run away, run away!"
My second impression negates the first one, but with the caveat that you are experienced in all types of metal, paint, and wiring repairs and don't mind being upside down with your time and money into it.
Perhaps you prove many of us wrong and find a solid chassis, but $5K is a lot even if you have that.
For a little more money you can find a vehicle much further along.
That is my long distance PPI(pre-purchase impression).
One more thing...welcome to 914World!