Going price for a 1973 914 ?......

[fred cook]

I have located a 1973 914 with bad paint (faded and rubbed nearly off in some places), good engine and gearbox, no dents or damage and apparently no rust. The F.I. has been removed and replaced by two Weber 2 bbl downdraft carbs. The interior is in pretty good condition, might be very good with cleaning. Other miscellaneous cosmetics need attention. What is the going price for a 914 as described? I have never owned one of these but might consider "jumping in" if the price is right !

[EJP914]

Fred: About 6 mos ago I bought a 74 with a 1.8 engine converted to single carb, very good interior (no cracks, rips, tears, but needs carpet), no dents, no rust, but needs calipers, rotors, and paint. Running condition is fair to not so good. PO was asking $3500. I paid $2500. I am the third owner.

[Joe Bob]

2-3K is the going rate. IF you can find one in better shape paint wise it's a better deal as fix up costs are going to add to it. Unless you are an auto painter by trade.

[swl]

the 'no rust' thing is always a bit scary. Except in the dessert areas the rust is either repaired or hidden. Make sure you have a good look at the inner fenders under and forward of the battery - affectionately known as the hell hole. Damage there is from battery spills and it can be devestating to the frame. Then check the longs - that portion of the frame that form the door sills. An fast easy check is to ask the owner to jack it up using the original jack and jack point. The jack point is one of the places the rust really attacks - if he has enough confidence to jack it then you should be ok. If he can't/won't then:
Pull up the carpet on the sill about an inch or two. If it is original it will be glued down but the glue will give way easily. Any sign of rust here should be a warning - it rusts from the inside out so if you are seeing anything it could be bad.
Next ask him to remove the rocker covers. This is a big thing - he may not be willing to do so for good cause. The top is held on by plastic rivets that are not easy to replace. The bottom is held by screws that could be a PITA to get out. Again there is no 'little bit' of rust down there. An awl or similar will tell the tale.

Granted you are way out of the snow belt but the humidity can still be a killer. All of these things can be repaired but it is only cost effective if you can weld.

btw - if the interior has no cracks in the dash or rollbar and the seats aren't ripped you have one that can be easily brought up to top shape. There are good aftermarket carpet kits that can spruce up the inside.

[blitzer]

Hi Fred

Prices seem to be a bit higher in our area, than out west where there are more available. Finding a rust free running car at a decent price in the southeast. $4-$5K, anything less is a bargain. Let me know if you decide not to get it, I might take a look.