I've had 3 similar episodes but, in my case, I listen to an inner voice that says yea or nay. (it says other things too but we won't go there!)
I flew to a southern Oregon town fully prepared to buy my 1st 914. Held conversations with the owner via email & phone. Even had 2 conversations with the mechanic that did all the work. Checked to make sure he was in the yellow pages and checked with the BBB for any complaints against him... he was legit. Said the car was as perfect as the owner described.
Bought the one way ticket. Was picked up by the owner in the 914. First thing I noticed was the interior was cold. Owners responce; oh ya, I forgot to mention it didn't have a heater cause it wouldn't fit with the carb set up. Once back at his house I looked it over and kept telling myself, "it's not so bad, I can fix that." Then I drove it. The tranny shifted like it had frozen molasses for oil. He said it was set up that way for better shifting.
As I drove a thick fog rolled it to the poiint that I couldn't get over 20 MPH. Just couldn't see. Between the little voice saying run away and the dense fog I took it as an omen and went back to the airport, rented a car for the 6 hour drive back (it was cheaper than another one way ticket).
3 hours into the drive my wife calls and says she found a 914 on the internet in Albany. Gave me the phone # and I went to look at it. It'd been stored for 10 years but was all there. Just needed a few items & cleaning up.
The rest is history cause the little voice said this is a good one.
That's how I got Punkin.
Thanks "Lil Voice"
bruce