Looking at getting a 914..., help? Options

[charliemonster42]

I'm new to the boards, just been browsing around. I'm considering buying my friends 914 because I want a fun car. I sold my rabbit for a new gti, but it lacks the excitement of the old car, and I want to get back into something like it.

The car in question is a green 73 2.0. It does have rust in the usual places (battery tray and rocker panel). How hard is it to repair the rocker panel? There is a fairly decent sized hole in it.

The other main issue is the shifter. It has gobs of play. Even in gear, you can move the shifter around in a full 6-8" circle like you are stirring a pot. Any suggestions on what could be the issue?

Should these alone put me off buying it? Its only $400, but it runs fairly well, from what I've seen of it idling in the driveway. It sat for 8 years until it was bought by my friend, where it sat on their drive for another year, so it's going to need the basic restoration maintenance done too.

Thanks in advance.
-Charlie