I belong to a different sub-crowd...but I got some questions

[very~worn~944]

First off...i own a 944 for all of you slow people out there. Everyone I talk to trash talks the 914...yet i find it beautiful and attractive (no not in that way). There are a few thinks that I find odd...but overall It is a neat little car. I also like the simpler (i think) engines. I know my way around VW engines and these seem similar. I was wondering How much they sell for, and what are things to look out for. I probably won't be getting one soon...But I am very curious. The thing that got me thinkin' is a black 914 in my town that I like and see around. One aspect i LOVE about it is that on the front, it doesn't bump up on the sides for the little lights. Is this stock for some years...or does this guy have some aftermarket fenders. If this car's owner belongs to this board..i live in Marin, and your car I believe is missing the rear decklid. It's a dirty black(I think it is dirty). Anyways i like these cars and would just like to say nice rides from the 944 side of things.
NOTE: If I have offended any owners I am sorry and did not mean to. Please inform me of my mistake.
See yall.

[HMeeder]

I think all of us have been around these cars long enough to have grown a callous over the sore spot that is others' opinion of our cars. For the most part, your thoughts are shared by many other P-car owners. The ones that don't, the hell with them.

Curious what you mean by the 'bump' for the little lights. If you mean the side markers, for stock 914s there is only 1 type. They are raised about 1/2 inch or so from the fender and look very much like an afterthought, because they were (actually, the 924 sidemarker has a very similar 'oh crap, we forgot that those damn Americans have to have these things' design to them. Like someone just glued them on.) If the one you've been seeing is smooth with the fender, it's an aftermarket alteration.

If you mean the turn signals themselves, also ony 1 kind (though in 3 different colorations, US all orange, Europe half orange-half white, and Italian all white [much rarer]) If that 'fin' or ridge that leads forward to the turn signal is missing or shaved, someone did that to the car. I think there was a 'slope-nose' aftermarket kit at one point.

Truthfully, if you are interested in 914s check out the 914 Buyer's Gude here on the PP website. Dave Darling has compiled most of the most pertinent things to look for and it will probably answer your biggest questions.

Finally, if you ever get bit by the bug and want to get a 914, find someone near you (ask here on the website or attend a PCA event in your area. Marin has to have plenty of Porsches) who has had at least two 914s. The reason? Most everyone I know (myself included) regrets having jumped on the first car they bought. Either too much rust, crapped out motor/tranny or just plain paid too damned much. Most of us would be willing to save a first time buyer some of the headache/heartache we endured because we made a rash, impetuous decision.

Best of luck and I hope we see you back here sometime soon!

[scg]

Slow? Through which series of twisties?

Seriously, these are really fun cars: low to the ground (gee, that semi there is missing a lug nut...); low mass; 2.0=fairly good power to weight ratio (especially good in 2nd/3rd gears); and stick like glue (unless you have 165/80's).

Just ask nearly any 914er for a quick ride and you'll be hooked (and he/she will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the car -- especially which yoga exercises to do so you can contort...er..."fold" yourself into position to work on some of the "harder to reach" areas of the car...

[Zeke]

Originally posted by very~worn~944
I know my way around VW engines and these seem similar
.........the front, it doesn't bump up on the sides for the little lights. Is this stock for some years...or does this guy have some aftermarket fenders

The reason they seem familar is because they ARE a TypeIV VW engine except in the 914/6. And yes, those would not be stock fenders as all 914s had oblong turn signal/running lights at top front of fender. As far as slow, I'll let the cars these guys have on this board speak for themselves. Bring your pink slip.

[rich]

Please do not get offended by my post. I'm only stating facts and my oppinion as I see things. I had a 944. It had the poorest throttle response and worst electrical system of any car I ever owned. (2 months!) I've owned over 100 cars. I got such bad vibes from the car I lost money on it just to rid myself of the thing and not feel guilty about passing this misfit onto someone else. What a shame. The designer did a beautiful job on the body. The car is smooth.
I had the 914 first. Handling is outragiously good. I've said it before and I'll say it again. If Porsche had taken over the car from VW after the passing of it's leadership instead of casting it asside, I think the 914 would have eventually been the super car the 928 was supposed to be. The 914 is a little underpowered for my taste. But I'm correcting that...

[Bruce Allert]

Most everyone I know (myself included) regrets having jumped on the first car they bought. Either too much rust, crapped out motor/tranny or just plain paid too damned much. Most of us would be willing to save a first time buyer some of the headache/heartache we endured because we made a rash, impetuous decision.

Yes, Herb said it precisely. BUT, I wouldn't trade my Punkin, my first 914 for anything. It may need fix'n here & there, time & time again but it's me that's doin' the fix'n and I love it!
bruce

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Two good places to look for general "what are they and what do I look for" info--

http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/How_to_buy_a_914.htm

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_Darling_FAQ/914_Darling_FAQ.htm

There is a lot more info out there on this site and elsewhere, too!

--DD