What's a proper budget for a 914 in decent shape, keep looking or move on? Options

[Cairo94507]

All of the above is very true. The best you can do while the border presents an issue, is to read every thread you can on 914s and their issues. Educate yourself so when you are finally able to go see one, in person ideally, you will know what you are looking at and how to find all of the issues as there are quite a few "Pigs with lipstick" out there.

Be diligent, looking at all possible sources for 914s for sale so you can act when the time comes. Then be prepared to act. If a car is out of your area, don't be afraid to post here and ask if anyone can do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) for you and shoot some pictures and video so you can see if it merits further consideration and a trip or not.

I think $20K-ish is a reasonable budget for a solid car worthy of buying. If I were in the market, I would shop for a '73 2.0 (because I bought one when they were brand new). But really, anything that is solid is worth buying. Unless you plan to concours it and absolutely have to have a matching numbers car, a solid chassis is worth its weight in gold. Then put what ever engine you want in it.

Lastly, enjoy learning all you can as well as the hunt.
Cheers,
Michael (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Root_Werks]

Lots of good advice and experiences here. For me, I have to remember to always, always, always put hands on a car and drive it before buying it. Only twice have I not done this and wound up paying for it.

[mepstein]

Even the best get burned when they buy a car without seeing in person. Not all the time. Most sellers are great but it happens on every level.
Spend the travel money. It’s always an educational even if you don’t purchase.

[Root_Werks]

Even the best get burned when they buy a car without seeing in person. Not all the time. Most sellers are great but it happens on every level.
Spend the travel money. It’s always an educational even if you don’t purchase.

My latest 914 purchase was this situation. It wasn't that the seller was trying to hide anything more than our perspectives of condition were very different. Had I seen the 914 in person before buying it, would I still have bought it? Probably not.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Spend the travel money, go see the car you want to buy for yourself. Sometimes the best money you spend is the money you don't spend.

[Andyrew]

Even the best get burned when they buy a car without seeing in person. Not all the time. Most sellers are great but it happens on every level.
Spend the travel money. It’s always an educational even if you don’t purchase.

I agree. Always travel.

I bought a classic sight unseen through an extremely reputable classic car dealer. It looked 100% perfect in the pics, like concourse level 98 point perfect.

I have it shipped because I have a HARD time getting away from the house with the kids and work.

I get it and It is very clear that they carefully pick the shots and specifically didnt show any defects.

Did I over pay? Not by much... but the gut wrench of being "Had" by a group I thought I could have trusted is hard. They clearly advertised it carefully.


Had I seen it in person I would have tried to knock another couple grand off the price and likely been unsuccessful.

[Shivers]

It would cost about $350.00 for a round trip ticket to virginia to go see the car. If you really want to find your 914, it may cost you a little to save a lot. If you have not driven one you are in for some fun. No traction control, no antilock brakes, this is a seat of the pants street legal go-cart. Another thing to consider. Best of luck.

He's in Canada....maybe $1350 round trip...if he can even get across the border right now.

Today it's 404.96 round trip on Delta, Wed, Jul 21 - Fri, Jul 23 (2 Nights) on priceline. But I didn't think of the Covid restrictions.

[mepstein]

We had a customer buy a “perfect” 914 from a dealer. His usual mechanic raved about how nice it was. I put it on the lift and showed him $25k of metal work repairs (shop rates). He said I was crazy. Our really amazing metal guy took a look and pointed out some stuff I missed but said 25k to start - shop paint isn’t cheap once the metal work is done. He left disgusted at me and had a transport company pick up the car. Dealers are there to make the deal. They really don’t care what happens after.

[930cabman]

I have been lucky and unlucky purchasing sight unseen. Make the trip, it's a safe bet.

[Morph914]

If you find a good dry car that is not running ,like I did, with many of its parts in boxes. Get a detailed list of what is included!!! I failed to do this, and although I purchased from a great seller, there were a lot of small pieces here and there that were missing. These parts add up quickly!

Good luck with your search, and don’t be afraid to ask one of us to do a PPI for you if you are not able to travel to the car, or if you want an experienced set of eyes to view the car.

Cheers,
John

[gvlb914]

Don't give up looking, somewhere along the trail one will be become available that suits your budget and your fancy.
Have you contacted Mike's 914s in Colborne, ON? I purchased mine in 2018 from him and I am very please with how it has turned out ..... I was able to get the restoration/refurbishing parts through this site (914world), as many of the guys here are very knowledgeable and I have been able to get many of their offerings into Canada and into my car .... 914rubber has also been a treasure trove of replacement parts!!
I can give you Mike's phone number etc if you want to give him a try.
Good luck with your search....
Cheers from New Hamburg, ON. gvlb914 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)