If you were to choose between 2 914s which would you choose?

Option 1 73 1.7 Blue plate CA car with no rust, have not heard engine run

Option 2 75 1.8 CA car non original motor, minor hell hole rust, runs good.

The 73 is 2 grand less but needs to be shipped for 1 grand.

Is the 1.7 better than the 1.8? What's the value of a running car vs a non runner?

Go with the '73.

Better year car, same general displacement.

Go with the car that has the least rust. In the long run, the engines are all swappable and, relative to major rust repair, not that expensive. "Minor" hell hole rust can become major longitude repair once you start digging.

In your example I go Option 1 all the way, for a variety of reasons (but mostly rust).

73 not knowing any more than specified.
BTW there is no such thing as a rust free 914.

The less rust, the better.

X 10

Also option 2 is in the classifieds on 914world posted by the grump if that makes a difference.

Option 2 also has new interior and PMB brakes all done, option 1 has been sitting for some time.

There's always option # 3

# 3
by boff

I still buy the one with the least rust. I can do brakes and interior myself, and probably for far less than it would cost me to pay someone to fix the rust.

Or, maybe as per option #3 (which I hadn't considered but do like), neither of these is the best choice right now.

If you're in California, go with the '73. You won't need any smog checks and you can do to the engine what you want. I'm pretty sure the '75 will need to be smogged, limiting your choices for future engine improvements. Back in the day, when I was Service Adviser for Merlin Olsen Porsche/Audi, the 74 and 75 1.8's were a big problem with the fuel injection (which now days I'm sure the problems are better understood and worked out). Check with your State re. the smog rules.

73 no brainer.

If both cars were equal in condition, the '73 is a more desirable car.

But when considering two cars that are not equal in condition, I agree, rust is the major concern - gets expensive quickly and the amount of rust is always greater than originally thought.

As for engines, plan on at least $6k for a full rebuild if you are considering a car that needs a rebuild unless you do the work yourself.

Be willing to spend more up front as a few thousand more upfront might save you several times that amount in repairs/upgrades.

No smog checks for 1975 MY cars in CA.

With the information given, the 73 should be the choice every time.

I just followed an Olympic Blue 73 1.7L on my way to work this morning. Just seeing one on the road made me smile.

Okay, you mentioned that Grump's car is "option #2". Last update to that thread was over a month ago and price was $5K. The other car is 2 grand less? Honestly, if your budget is honestly $10K, look at cars that are $10K - $12K and use some negotiation skills to get it in your budget. $5K cars are going to cost way more in the long run.

Maybe the cutoff is '76.

I tell my customers to buy the best car they can, even if they have to get a loan.
A well sorted car you can drive now and in the end the interest costs will be far less than the cost of restoration , not to mention the seat time lost to jackstand time.