Regrets Selling 914, To those that have done it already. Options

[Midtowner]

The pendulum is swinging toward selling my 1973 914 2.0. 90K original miles. Owned in the family since 1974. It is becoming difficult to ignore the possibility of buying a Boxster at their current market prices.

I keep reading about those that have sold their 914's only to regret it later but I wish to know why and for what reasons. Emotional attachment? Because their fun to drive? Anyone care to chime in? Thanks! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Dr. Roger]

Sell the appreciating asset for a depreciating asset?

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34 year old vehicle for almost new.

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Old tech for new?

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Funny thing is I coudda' bought a damn nice Boxter for what I've got in Bebe now.
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All that said....

4 different people came up to me today commenting and asking questions about my car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Fun factor: 1-10? 10. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[sww914]

You're going to go from "man, cool car. I haven't seen one this nice for years." To "your wife's Boxster is cute."

[dw914er]

You're going to go from "man, cool car. I haven't seen one this nice for years." To "your wife's Boxster is cute."

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Boxsters are a bit more tame, probably more reliable, and have no rust.

914s are raw, fun, and unique. They have the cool classic car status, with a cult following. They are quirky, fun little cars. You won't get any of that with the wife's boxster.

I also have a family history with my car, so I'll never sell. I would like a boxster, or even a nice taildragger, but not at the expense of my 914.

[Sleepin]

Memphis: Perhaps, Mmmm. But, you know, this is the one. Yes, yes yes... I saw three of these parked outside the local Starbucks this morning, which tells me only one thing. There's too many self-Indulgent wieners in this city with too much bloody money! Now, if I was driving a 1967 275 GTB four-cam...
Roger the Car Salesman: You would not be a self-indulgent wiener, sir... You'd be a connoisseur.
Memphis: Precisely. Champagne would fall from the heavens. Doors would open. Velvet ropes would part.


Nope, don't sell it. Out of all the vehicles I have owned, fun or not, the 914 was the only one to call me back after a 13 year hiatus. I regret selling other cars, sure, but there was always the cost to build, finding a decent one...etc...etc. The 914 is a fun classic out of the box. The comments and questions I get when I drive them are only second compared to my blown 72 Nova (that car attracted the attention)....but the Nova was not nearly as street friendly, and I wouldn't spend all the money to build another one. The 914 on the other hand...I cannot drive it at all without feeling better and smiling when I get out of the car.

The 914 obviously isn't for everyone (they make boxters and SUV's for that), but I suggest that serious thought go into getting rid of a 914 that you know all the history on, and is part of the family. My .02....

[carr914]

I've owned over 40 cars (16 of them 914s). I've had 911s (69 911S, 2-74 Euro Carreras, 88 Cab), but I don't think I will own another as I'm just not a 911 guy. I've had a bunch of new cars that depreciate. I've had a 57 Corvette, some other imports.

The only car that keeps me coming back is a 914-6 (I have a Real one and a conversion). I hope not to get rid of these cars. I can hope that my son will enjoy them when I'm gone.

So keep the teener with the history. Boxsters are depreciating so fast, just go out and buy one. But beware, there are certain years that you don't want unless you want Jake Raby to build you a motor.

T.C.

[So.Cal.914]

I have had mine sense 1982 and it was a DD well into the late 90's. Yet every time without fail, when I slip in behind the wheel I get that feeling. Out of 37 vehicles my teener is the only one that has given me that thrill...That Feeling.
Hard into a corner she begins a four wheel drift, no heavy rear or front engine to fight you, she wants to come out of the corner quick so she can find the next one... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

And as mentioned above...The Cool Factor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

[Root_Werks]

Don't sell your 914.

[jasons]

I've considered selling my 914's. I have a short list of replacements, 911, E30 M3, or another 914. If I had a family owned 73 2.0 with 90k, I'm in that car for the long haul.

Plus as Boxsters get cheaper, they will be just that cheaper. But maintenance costs will only go up. Look at the 944 market for the future Boxster market.

One other thing, maybe you should check out a Boxster forum like this. I bet you, its dull.

[carr914]

One other thing, maybe you should check out a Boxster forum like this. I bet you, its dull.

Yeah, I bet the girls there are swapping recipes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

T.C.

[watsonrx13]

Don't sell it...

-- Rob

[Gint]

Why sell it? Do you need the money or something?

Worst case - Store it. Or dig it out once or twice every summer and enjoy it and put back away. Think of what it will be worth in another 10, 15 or 20 years.

[1303RS]

DONT SELL IT!!!!! I have regreted selling my 73 2.0 just about every day. I sold it cause at the time it was having a ton of issues and could not afford to keep it. Also had a new baby and my wife was NOT happy when I had to take my daughter somewhere in the 914. Should have parked it until I could fix it. I did however use the money to finish my VW bug project.(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I still miss the 914 such a fun car. I WILL OWN ANOTHER one day. Boxters are just OK I dont care for them. If you want a newer Porsche get a 911,924,944 etc. IF it has to be a two seater there is always the GT:) KEEP THE 914! just my two cents

[TROJANMAN]

I recently gave my 2.0 914 to my dad to buy a 2.7 conversion, and have missed it ever since. Don't get me wrong, the 6 is a hoot to drive, but I really miss the 4. I get to drive it whenever I visit California, but it just makes me want it back more. Don't sell it. You will regret it. Boxsters have no character.


:2cents:

[1303RS]

Erik, Let me ask you something. Can you stand and look at your 914 for hours just looking at the lines, just see the personality flowing from every angle? The profile is awesome. when I see a 914, it WOW, doesnt matter the condition cause its a great car. A Boxter is well its another car. Yes its a Porsche but There is no personality. Get in, drive, no feeling. Its the only Porsche that doesnot Make me want to stare at it for hours. Can you tell I dont care for Boxters. Anyway, the 914 will ALWAYS be a great car. AND YOU WILL MISS IT!!!!

[yarin]

Buy a Boxster, keep the 914. I've driven both extensively, 914 has a lot of character. You'll never get compliments on a boxster, they are a dime a dozen. They are fun to drive, but cannot be compared to a 914. "Is that your sister's car?" Boxster is a fun daily driver or weekend pet, relatively low maintenance. Then again, horrible depreciation. Avoid the early ones or you'll be spending a lot on a new motor.

Good luck!

[tronporsche]

Erik, Let me ask you something. Can you stand and look at your 914 for hours just looking at the lines, just see the personality flowing from every angle? The profile is awesome. when I see a 914, it WOW, doesnt matter the condition cause its a great car. A Boxter is well its another car. Yes its a Porsche but There is no personality. Get in, drive, no feeling. Its the only Porsche that doesnot Make me want to stare at it for hours. Can you tell I dont care for Boxters. Anyway, the 914 will ALWAYS be a great car. AND YOU WILL MISS IT!!!!

1303RS, thanks for mentioning this. Usually, on a really nice evening or weekend, I pull the car out on the drive way, sit out front with a nice drink , listen to music, and stare at the 914. I try to take my eyes off of it but I can't. Especially when the sun is going down, AAAhhh, the glowing sunset light up against the curves of the car ............for a second I thought I was going crazy..........thanks for your post, now I know I'm not the only one with the "staring" problem !!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) .......Erik, It is also cool to see the Neighbors' reaction when they drive by and see it on the drive way..why do you want to throw away a "thumbs up car" ????? And that is everywhere you go !!!
.........Oh, and don't get rid of the car Erik, unless you want to be another statistic who has to run around going crazy trying to find another 914 like the one they had, and that won't happen. And if you do find one, you are probably going to have to pay more money than the one you would have sold !!! DON'T DO IT !!!!

[kerensky]

Add me to the chorus - Don't sell. If you want a boxster, save up and buy one, but keep the 'teener. My own '73 has also been 'family' since I was young enough to ride on the middle seat (yeah, we did that in '73. My Mom also smoked while pregnant - they just didn't know any better! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) and currently sits in the garage awaiting ... well, you know how it is. Gotta fix it *right*. But even though I haven't driven it in far too long, I'd never part with it. Sometimes I'll go move stuff out of the way and just sit in it for awhile with a big grin on my face.

Don't do it, man. Store it if you have to for awhile, but don't let go.

[Root_Werks]

My wife and I have owned a Boxster, nice cars buuuuut like any newer car if you don't keep them new enough, you're gonna be sorry. I am starting to see it in many cars already passing that 10 year old mark. Things like, you touch the door handle and the window automatically rolls down that 1/4" to clear the seal. Ever seen that stop working? That isn't an easy or cheap fix. Done 2 of them for people already. One was a mirco switch and the other was the harness to the brain. Fugly.

Newer cars are cool and all (Sort of), but have long lacked the simpleness they were born from. I draw the line at something that is controlled by software. I'll stick with solid state as my most tech advance mode of transport.

[KELTY360]

Don't listen to these guys. They're only trying to justify and rationalize their addictions. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Sell that cherry, '73 2.0.......................to me!

I bought one new in '73 and sold it in '77 due to a geographic and lifestyle change - bought a VW bus. Then I had a Bumblebee in the early '80s that succumbed to leaky push rod seals and poverty. I regretted getting rid of both of those cars and always said that when the time was right I'd get another.

Two and a half years ago I realized that the time was right and immediately went out and found one. That feeling of reconnecting with a 914 was incredible! It still makes me smile every time I drive it and I'm amazed at how functional it has remained over the years - mine's a 35 year old DD and I don't see any other cars on the road that have two trunks, an easily stowed, hard convertible top, go kart handling and excellent MPG. It's funny how Porsche and VW laid down the template for a great car and no other manufacturers have duplicated it.

If you replace the 914 with a Boxster, you'll wish you still had the 914....guaranteed.