1st post - help?! Options

[desmo900rider]

Hi all, I've been lurking for a bit and finally joined! Hoping some of you can help me out with a question. I've been looking at 70's 911s for a year or 2 now, and have decided that what I want will cost me more than I can spend right now, so I started to look at 914s. From everything I've read, they sound like great cars, so I think it may be a good "transition" Porsche for me until I can someday buy one of the old Targas that I love. I'm looking for a car that will be a Sunday/nice weather driver, and maybe allow me to do an occasional track day or 2. My main concern is the car holding it's value though, I don't need to make money, I just need to not lose much, if any. I found locally what I think is a pretty good deal, and I'm going to look at and drive the car this weekend. Of course if I make an offer, I'll be getting a PPI first. I would love to hear everyone's opinion on the value, because I can't for the life of me figure out how 914 values work. 911 values make sense to me, but I'm still trying to figure out ow they work on 914s.

I'm looking at a 74 914 1.8L, with 48K org miles. Car is stock, and the current owner says no accidents, original miles, etc. Still has original L-jet, and he says it runs well, and he has replaced some small things, brake lines, push rod seals, some wiring, etc. No structural rust, some very minor bubbling in 2 spots on one door and the trunk lid. He is asking $4k. Assuming I don't have to put much into the car, does that sound like a good price?

Thanks in advance for the advice,


Mike

[rick 918-S]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) Warning on a couple points. First once you drive the 914 you will likely realize the 914 handles better than a 911.

Some of us consider 911's donor cars for 914-6 conversions. Second a MI car showing rust through on the trunk lid above the lock (I assume) has far more rust issues than the lid.
Slide the seats forward and lift the carpet and check the floor pans. The rear window seal leaks allowing water to enter and rust the floor behind the seats. Look very carefully at the pocket ahead of the battery tray. Old lead acid batterys had water splashing on the top and diluted acid works on the pocket we lovingly call the hell hole. Eventually rust takes over and the car starts to sag closing the door gap. Remove the targa top, have your big buddy (friend over 250 lbs) sit in the passanger seat and see if the door opens without binding on the latch. We call it the big butt test. Also check it with the window up. Also stick your head under the car and look behind the rocker cover at the jack points. These rust. Also you will see the lower side of the rail below the hell hole. That will tell the story. Also I've been told the 1.8 are least desirable. Someone will recall why... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Good luck and post pics..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thisthreadisworthlesswithoutpics.gif)