John, I've had my '85 Westfalia for 10 years and my '74 914 2.0 for 5 years.
They compliment each other beautifully.  The Westy is the ultimate in
versatility and convenience and the 914 is simply the most fun to drive car
ever built.  Just like your vanagon, however, there are many things you need
to consider before buying the first one you see.  I suggest you research the
914 further before deciding on the '71.  $3,000 may sound like a steal, but
it may not be.  These cars can be found cheap all over the country, but
repairs and parts can be expensive.  You are better off finding the cleanest
one possible and spending a little more.  I spent $5,000 for a near perfect
car, and probably overpaid a little because the sun was shining, it was
silver, and I had the money.  But I've got a reliable and beautiful car that
was my daily driver for 2 years with no problems.

Do check for rust.  Start at the battery tray, you will most likely find it
there.  Check everywhere else carefully.  Do both doors shut tightly with no
passengers and then with two passengers in the car with the roof off? (the
big butt test).  If not, you have body sag and probably rusted out
longitudinal frame members (run away).  Worn trim and detail parts like
window trim, the rubber over the front bumper, door handles, etc.. can be
very expensive.  Other parts are surprisingly cheap.

What size engine? Like the Vanagon, most 914 owners want more power.  The
2.0 liter model is the most sought after.  Especially the 1973 model because
it came with the most features and is smog exempt in California.  My '74 has
the same options but needs to be smogged and won't pass without a little
tweaking.

Look for previous owner butcher jobs.  These cars are popular with racers
and lugnut types who may do strange things that de-value the car.  Stock
specimens are getting rare and will hold their value best.  Is the fuel
injection system intact?  Many were replaced with carbs trying to find more
horsepower or as a cheap alternative to try and fix a fuel injection
problem.  Some changes may be desireable, like 911 brakes, or a 5-lug wheel
conversion.

Check out these sites to educate yourself first.  And if you already know
all about the 914 and think you found a good car, disregard all of the
previous babble and go for it!

http://www.pelicanparts.com/
http://www.dgi.net/914/
http://www.914fan.net/index.html
http://www.rennlist.org/

<Date:    Mon, 8 Jan 2001 08:21:46 -0800
<From:    John Schaper <JSchaper@SCHSA.ORG>
<Subject: Wasserboxer and Porsche 914?

<Can the erudite members of the list help me with a dilemma.  Been a member
<of the list and a '85 GL owner for 3 years and love both.  Now I have an
<opportunity to buy a "good condition" '71 Porsche 914 for around $3,000.
Do
<I follow my emotions and go for it, or look at something more practical.
<After all, the '71 is 30 years old!