Hey Everyone,

Long time lurker and 914 admirer. First time poster. After some saving, and approval from my wife, I'm in the market for a 914! I've been developing some basic thoughts around what I'd like to be looking for, and while it's a matter of preference, I'd love to get your thoughts.

1. '73 or '74 to get the updated transmission, and avoid CA smog (I'm a California resident, bay area)

2. 2.0 - no replacement for displacement!

3. Excellent Drivability - I'm not looking for a project. While I may opt to get it tuned, or upgrade an exhaust, I'd like to be able to drive it home

4. Minimal rust - hell hole, longitudinals, trunk(s), etc. Outside of full restoration, seems like "rust-free" is a misnomer.

5. Appearance group

6. Budget of roughly $20K

That all being said, I'm not exactly sure what to look for in a good interior other than lack of tears, and cracks. So if anyone has a quick note of advice there, I'd appreciate it. Generally speaking, I could spend some money on the car after purchase, but I'd rather spend money up-front. I live in an apartment, so while I have a safe garage, I can't do much work myself.

Any thoughts are appreciated ("sounds good," "no way you'll find all of that," "try looking at X instead," etc.). Thanks, and I'm looking forward to updating you all on my progress!

Look for rust. Rust kills 914's

With that budget, I would think you could get a very nice driver.
I would recommend a PPI by someone who knows what to look for as far as rust and other common issues with these cars.

Good luck and post pic's when you pull the trigger.

Put #4 from your list at the top of the list. Make it the 2nd and 3rd items on there as well. The mechanical stuff can be sorted out, and side-shift transmissions and larger engines can be swapped in, without a ton of difficulty. Fixing rust can easily get into the "ton of difficulty" realm.

BTW, the 75s are exempt from smog testing as well, so the 76es are the only ones who still have to pass bi-annual smog. (There may even be a couple of 76es that are exempt, but those are extraordinary circumstances.)

Again, rust is the big thing. Mechanical stuff is relatively easy compared to it.

--DD

Might be worth a peek since it is very local.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/4722704289.html

If your budget is $20k, I would look for a 914/6 conversion.

If 20k is your budget, target a 12-15k car and keep the rest in reserve. Be patient, get what you want, but be quick when everything lines up. I may not agree with going for a /6 conversion for 20k unless you have more reserves. Unless you get a really good deal, a motor issue or upgrades will push you over 20k unless you have more reserved.

Good luck! Hopefully we will see you at events! And...

For that money, consider an LE too!

Great tips. I appreciate you all making me feel welcome.

I hear you on the rust. I don't want anything to do with needing to repair/replace rusted out sections.

Not sure about the 914/6 conversion. I like the 4s, and feel like I can get more for my money sticking with that.

As for the LEs - it's basically only aesthetics, correct? I'm not necessarily looking for an investment that returns anything other than fun. And if I'm honest, I'm not in love with the LE color schemes. Please do correct me if I'm wrong, though.

As for #1 the ‘73s and ’74 are still required by law to meet their emissions standards. They are not subject to testing at this time. The testing requirements could change again, it has in the past. Reinstating smog inspections on cars that had been previously exempted sent many rust free cars to be crushed. California has changed the law before; they could change it again…

You may want to check with some of our locals 914 mechanics on this club who regularly service some of these cars. They may be able to put you in touch with someone who may be moving on to other things.

Keep reading threads re these cars. I think your budget is very realistic for buying an excellent car. The key is to know it when you see it and jump before it disappears. Look at some of the recent new purchases that have been chronicled here and you will get a good idea what kind of money it costs for a excellent, good or far car.

Personally, TC has a very nice car in your desired range that he just had painted in the original factory metallic blue which is a terrific color on these cars. He has possible owned more 914's than any 10 of us combined.

Good luck and have fun with the search. RUST is definitely the thing to me the most concerned about with these cars.

Newbie question perhaps but who/what is TC?