What would you pay for this 914? Options

[Cuda911]

New poster here, but far from new in terms of reading the forums on this site. I am an avid participant on Rennlist, and the Rennie guys highly recommend the 914world folks. Isn't this great? Our love of Porsches overshadows any competition between web sites. I have an '03 911 (ok a 996), and an "07 Cayman. But, I have a big time 914 itch that needs scratching. I need to add a 914 to the stable.

OK, guys, some armchair quarterbacking requested.

This weekend, I read EVERY thread on the 914 forum here. I have my 914 requirements narrowed down to the following: 1973 2.0, or 1974 2.0 with appearance group. Any color except black.

With that said, it narrows down even more the slim field of cars on the market.

So, I have a car I am considering... 1973 2.0 .... it meets the criteria, but is in worse shape than I had hoped for. I didn't really want a "project" car, but maybe that's the best way to go to end up with what I want.

A friend (fellow Rennie CP.... THANKS CP!!!!!!!) looked at the car for me today (it's about a six hour drive from me). The seller arranged to leave the keys for CP. Alas, seller also neglected to tell CP that he took the battery out recently and forgot to re-install it.

So, I am working with limited information so far. Seller says car is in good running condition. I'll get that verified. So, ASSUMING the car runs, what do you think of it based on these photos?

You will note items like that goofy antenna, crappy side-view mirror, wing, etc. Those are minor fixes. Also, that doesn't look like a 1973 front bumper to me.

What would you think is a fair price for this car, based on the pix?

Per seller:

"Battery tray is not great but suspension member is solid as is body under the battery tray. Surface rust on edge of trunk lid and driver a pillar."

"I bought the car from an older couple who spent a ton of money on new clutch, tires and other stuff then just let it sit. I got it, got it running and here we are. Odometer says 23,xxx but it's a 5 digit odometer. Engine runs strong, no idea on mileage. Has stock fuel injection."

"New clutch, ignition coil, tires, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator"

http://postimg.org/image/8v6f2v8mx/66cc4a11/
http://postimg.org/image/vsbmuwvuv/8037d872/
http://postimg.org/image/fctzt6s89/a3bde0b2/
http://postimg.org/image/vh1kxdf4h/

[Cuda911]

"You can always buy another engine"

Yeah, that's what a buddy of mine keeps saying. Of course, he ain't opening up his wallet to pay for that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

"My point is agreeing with others in that buy the best car you can afford. But I would not pass on a 1.7 or 1.8 if in great shape for a 2.0 that wasn't."

I have learned well from you all, that rust, rust, rust is the key factor. Interesting that some say not to be concerned about 1.7 vs 2.0, yet others say to hold out for the 2.0. If you look at the thread I posted with the HP/torque graphs, looks like the 1.7 has greater low RPM torque in 1st than the 2.0. So, should be more fun getting away from the stop lights, at least for the first 100 feet?

"If you have a horsepower jones, whatever engine won't satisfy you for too long."

Yeah, I do have a horsepower jones. My 914 will be for my calm days (whenever those might be, I don't know).