What are all the things I would want to inspect before buying a Porsche 914. The good and the bad and how hard is some of the rust to mend.

Rust is the killer, most specifically in the Hell-Hole (under the battery)

Get a fellow Member here to look at any car with you before purchase. Not very familar with MN, but I know we have some very knowledgable folks up there.

T.C.

I'm no shill for Pelican Parts, but I found their Buyer's Guide very useful when I first set out looking to buy a 914. You can find it here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/How_to_buy_a_914.htm

I suggest you start examining any car from the bottom up. Check all low points where water can gather. Under the battery, in the longs under the doors, floor pan, rear part of rear trunk near the taillights, bottom corners of windshield and sail panels.
Half the time you won't get past the belt line of the car.

like jessee owens...

bondo in the area below thee battery
odd looking seams

damaged suspension pick up

poorly patched areas

scarry door gaps

a rusty trunk looks bad but it is not a strctural issue and is easy to fix

Here's what you don't want to find! That's a big wad of kitty hair bondo!Click to view attachment
More on the same car
Click to view attachment

Don't buy a car unless you get it on a lift and can see the bottom, the firewall, the suspension consoles on both sides, and the jack points.

An easy on the street check is to check the door gap at the top of the passenger door, and open the door. Back the right rear wheel up on a curb and check the door gap, as well as open the passenger door. If you get changes in the gaps, walk away.

If you're still looking asnd haven't yet bought, I'd recommend two things:

1. Get a car from out west (CA, AZ, NV). Why start with a rusty piece of crap if you don't have to? Shipping isn't as bad as many think. They scrap cars out there that are better than many out East start with.

2. Get the best car you can afford. It costs a hell of a lot more to fix up a beater (even a rust free one) into something nice than buying nice to begin with--especially with the depressed car prices currently.

Never, ever buy a Midwest car unless it started life in the West. Ask me how I know. Got smart and imported my second one from AZ.

Lots of MN guys here. iamchappy and Rick 918-S just to name a few. Both have sweet cars and could most likely point you to someone close.