Well, my first car wasn't a 914, it was a 1988 Mazda 323 hatchback
But reccently, after months of research, questions and preperation I got my Porsche 914. I was very lucky to find a California car, pretty much stock in excellent condition. I have already spent somewhere around $700 in the 4+ months I have owne the car, and i know I am lucky cuz there are some around here that have spend $1000s. I agree with everyone else here, start with the car AS IS and get it in tip top shape. As I am learning and you will too, there is plenty to do in keeping/getting your car to its best. NOTHING is worse than a car whose exterior is awesome while its guts are turning to mush. As with my peice of advice: Learn as much as you can from as many of the old schoolers here. Most have had all the experiences you haven't had yet, sometimes twice or three times over, and chances are you will learn the best way around most any issue from them. The 914 is a unique automobile and it takes a "unique"
person to want to keep one. Just my 2.33 cents!