 Introduction, New member, seeking information |
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Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG.
This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way. Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. |
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| jbyron |
 Aug 14 2007, 02:33 PM
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#1
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Jamie  Group: Members Posts: 128 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Ballwin, MO Member No.: 7,916 Region Association: Upper MidWest  |
Hi,
My name is Jamie, and I've been lurking one the website for a while. Now I'm considering joining the club for real. I've been seriously considering buying a 914 that I've located fairly nearby. I'm now trying to convince my wife it's not such a bad idea... Anyway, I've done a lot of reading, and feel like I have a pretty fair understanding of the cars and their trouble spots, at least as far as a non-owner. Rust issues, FI quirks, electrical gremlins that come with 35 yo cars, etc. One question I have, however, pertains to parts availability - are there any parts that are darn near impossible to locate, whether new, used repro or refurb? How about any that are ridiculously expensive? I see, for instance, that a new MPS for D-Jet is over $1000. What else should I be aware of? Thanks for your comments. -Jamie |
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| Chuck |
Aug 14 2007, 02:37 PM
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#2
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What it eventually will look like . . . . Group: Members Posts: 355 Joined: 29-March 07 From: Maple Grove, MN Member No.: 7,632 Region Association: Northstar Region |
Jamie,
First off . . . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) Some parts like taillight lenses and targa to windshiled seals used to be impossible to find and incredibly expensive. However, places like Automobile Atlanta have gone through the expense of having these parts recreated so they are more readily available. |
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| jimkelly |
Aug 14 2007, 02:41 PM
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#3
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Delaware USA Group: Members Posts: 4,969 Joined: 5-August 04 From: Delaware, USA Member No.: 2,460 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
AA may have some hard to find parts - but I order most of my parts from PelicanParts - with that said - be careful convincing your wife as these cars are time consuming. If money is tight - a 914 can get you in domestic trouble fast. If you have money to burn - then simply ask your wife if you can have the garage space and a hobby. jim
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| BMXerror |
Aug 14 2007, 02:43 PM
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#4
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,705 Joined: 8-April 06 From: Hesperia Ca Member No.: 5,842 |
Bleyseng sells rebuilt MPS's for around $200 a piece. The only part that I know of that is damn near impossible to come by is a targa top seal. As for the rest, everything is pretty widely available. Playing with toy cars is a money pit no matter what you do, but the 914 is one of the more cost effective ones out there, considering the performance you can get for the money. It all depends on how much you want to tweek with it. Still, there will always be some repairs with a 35 year old car. They're a blast though. Well worth it.
Mark D. Oh, and (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) |
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| rmital |
Aug 14 2007, 02:48 PM
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#5
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Northeast optimist Group: Members Posts: 1,947 Joined: 12-December 05 From: Park Ridge, NJ Member No.: 5,268 |
...parts wont be your problem...rust will.
If your not an experienced welder, make sure you have a solid car. If you need parts, you'll find plenty of resources on this site. |
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| IronHillRestorations |
Aug 14 2007, 02:52 PM
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#6
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I. I. R. C. Group: Members Posts: 6,719 Joined: 18-March 03 From: West TN Member No.: 439 Region Association: None 
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Welcome to the club! Just make sure you get a straight car! You DO NOT WANT a car with serious accident history. Yes, there are some good cars out there that have been properly fixed, but as a buyer, be picky, very picky. Take your time, don't be afraid to travel to look at a car, don't be afraid to walk away (regardless of time and effort spent to check out a car), and at the same time be prepared to jump on a good car when you find it.
Generally speaking you are better off to pay more up front for a better car, than "I can save a little now and fix it up as I need", those cars typically cost more in the long run and unless you like to work on your car (many here do, me included), you will loose seat time for wrenching time and the cost differential is fractional. A $3500 fixer upper driver could cost you two or three times that much, when you can get a really nice car for $7-10,000, or more if your budget permits. It's not unusual to find exceptional cars, already restored and ready for miles of smiles, for less than what the owner paid in restoration costs. If you are concerned with keeping the car original, and injected, it could cost you more to keep it going, but that doesn't mean it's still an avoidance. Repair, maintenance, and restoration parts are available from a variety of sources, and you shouldn't have any problem finding what you need to keep your 914 on the road. Good luck, and happy hunting! |
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| krazykonrad |
Aug 14 2007, 03:09 PM
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#7
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,126 Joined: 21-February 06 From: Canton, GA Member No.: 5,610 |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
Parts are relatively easy to come by. Overall they can be cheaper than many foreign vintage cars. Porsche just re-released the front targa seal a few weeks ago. Here is an (incomplete) list of reputable parts suppliers: Pelican Parts Parts Heaven Camp 914 High Performance House Hennessey Porsche Stoddard Porsche, etc. I personally have not had good luck with the customer service at Auto Atlanta, but apparently some other club members are happy customers. Regardless, I hope you enjoy your 914. Ask as many questions as possible. There are so many KNOWLEDGEABLE people that are here to help you on this board. Konrad 72/4 |
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| por73914 |
Aug 14 2007, 03:18 PM
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#8
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I don't know what the hell I am doing... Group: Members Posts: 349 Joined: 10-April 07 From: Fayetteville, AR Member No.: 7,660 |
Good Luck (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
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| xperu |
Aug 14 2007, 03:25 PM
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#9
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TEXAS Group: Members Posts: 597 Joined: 13-June 06 From: League City Texas Member No.: 6,213 Region Association: None
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QUOTE(rmital @ Aug 14 2007, 03:48 PM)  ...parts wont be your problem...rust will. If your not an experienced welder, make sure you have a solid car. If you need parts, you'll find plenty of resources on this site. I totally agree with Ray "RUST" find a mamber who lives close that can give the car a once over with you or call someone like George at AA who can give you advice on a buy. Mike P.S. Welcome |
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| SGB |
Aug 14 2007, 04:17 PM
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#10
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just visiting Group: Members Posts: 4,086 Joined: 8-March 03 From: Huntsville, AL Member No.: 404 Region Association: South East States |
a 914 is a terrific econocar actually. Sure you can spend money on upgrades, but if you find the right one to buy, it will be as dependable as an old VW (duh), economical to opperate, and more unique than any usable car out there. And that "right car" will still only cost ya $5 or 6K. A $6K Kia or a $6K Porsche. You do lose air conditioning and power windows, and a Kia is a babe magnet, so that makes it a tough choice....
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| rhodyguy |
Aug 14 2007, 04:21 PM
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#11
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Chimp Sanctuary NW. Check it out. Group: Members Posts: 22,080 Joined: 2-March 03 From: Orion's Bell. The BELL! Member No.: 378 Region Association: Galt's Gulch |
you should look at more than 1 car if at all possible. if you could get a member from MO to accompany you on the inspection, it wouldn't hurt. read the buyers guide at pelican. go look at the car, take a bunch of pictures, post them, and report back with the findings. don't be in TOO big of a rush.
k |
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| hcdmueller |
Aug 14 2007, 04:25 PM
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#12
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????????????? Group: Members Posts: 542 Joined: 4-February 06 From: UK Member No.: 5,527 Region Association: England
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Good luck. Definitely buy the most rust free car you can find. The other problems are a lot easier to deal with.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) |
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| markb |
Aug 14 2007, 04:28 PM
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#13
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914less :( Group: Members Posts: 5,449 Joined: 22-January 03 From: Nipomo, CA Member No.: 180 Region Association: Central California
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QUOTE(hcdmueller @ Aug 14 2007, 02:25 PM) Good luck. Definitely buy the most rust free car you can find. The other problems are a lot easier to deal with. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) |
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| So.Cal.914 |
Aug 14 2007, 05:11 PM
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#14
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"...And it has a front trunk too." Group: Members Posts: 6,588 Joined: 15-February 04 From: Low Desert, CA./ Hills of N.J. Member No.: 1,658 Region Association: None |
You might want to ask your wife if it is ok to have a mistress, cause thats what your buying. But this one won't tell on you. And (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
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| PanelBilly |
Aug 14 2007, 06:39 PM
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#15
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 5,805 Joined: 23-July 06 From: Kent, Wa Member No.: 6,488 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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If your looking for a car to drive, then buy one that is already sorted out and ready to go. Don't worry, there will be plenty of things to "fix" on the best of these cars. If your looking for a project, a toy to spend many years working on, then find a deal on a fairly complete car and start having fun.
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| ClayPerrine |
Aug 14 2007, 06:47 PM
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#16
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Life's been good to me so far..... Group: Admin Posts: 15,463 Joined: 11-September 03 From: Hurst, TX. Member No.: 1,143 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille
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QUOTE(So.Cal.914 @ Aug 14 2007, 06:11 PM) You might want to ask your wife if it is ok to have a mistress, cause thats what your buying. But this one won't tell on you. And (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) My wife had a "boy toy" 914 when I met her, so me having an old Porsche addiction is fairly easy for her to take. Welcome... You will enjoy the hobby and the insanity that goes with 914 ownership. Listen to the advice of everyone here.. but remember, at the end of the day, it is YOUR car. Do what YOU want to it!!! |
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| Pat Garvey |
Aug 14 2007, 07:21 PM
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#17
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Do I or don't I...........? Group: Members Posts: 5,899 Joined: 24-March 06 From: SE PA, near Philly Member No.: 5,765 Region Association: North East States |
QUOTE(So.Cal.914 @ Aug 14 2007, 05:11 PM) You might want to ask your wife if it is ok to have a mistress, cause thats what your buying. But this one won't tell on you. And (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) Won't tell on you? Wait 'till she opens the credit card bill! Sometimes think a mistress would be cheaper. Well, maybe not, but the trail would be the same. |
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| orthobiz |
Aug 14 2007, 09:58 PM
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#18
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,754 Joined: 8-January 07 From: Cadillac, Michigan Member No.: 7,438 Region Association: Upper MidWest
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Not only are many parts available, there is a vast online community right here and many illustrated articles on "how to" do individual repairs.
When I was looking to buy my most recent car, after not having one on the road since 1991, a member here outlined some of the reasons why a 914 is so special: Many cars still out there Two seater Great handling Four wheel disc brakes (OK, maybe not the very best brakes) Air cooled with no radiator/liquid cooling system woes Easy to work on (OK, maybe not the whole engine) Parts fairly cheap (especially compared to 911, etc) Fuel injected Convertible Five speed manual Two trunks, lots of room for a sports car Roomy interior And built when cars were actually put together by people and not robots Good examples don't cost an arm and a leg especially compared to other sports cars F'rinst: when I got my car back it had a new but defective ignition switch. With a replacement in hand, I was able to check the Pelican (pelicanparts.com) site for a tutorial on replacement and had the new switch installed in about an hour! I don't think (if you have any mechanical inclination at all) that you have to be afraid of this car. It's a rewarding experience, that's why I'm on my fourth. Good luck! It's a good illness to catch. Paul |
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| rick 918-S |
Aug 14 2007, 10:27 PM
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#19
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Hey nice rack! -Celette Group: Members Posts: 20,457 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Now in Superior WI Member No.: 43 Region Association: Northstar Region 
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| jbyron |
Aug 15 2007, 11:48 AM
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#20
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Jamie Group: Members Posts: 128 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Ballwin, MO Member No.: 7,916 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
Thanks for all the helpful comments. I'll be sure to put up some pics when I make the plunge!
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