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Thanks in advance, this is my first post, and I am looking at a to purchase a 914 and I want to know alittle more about what Im getting into.

I have wanted a Porsche 914 ever since I saw one in a foreign car parts yard near where I was growing up and now I have a oportunity to purchase one.

I need to know a few things like, what rust is a major reason for not purchasing, and
what mechanical isues should I be aware of. The one I am looking at runs but idles roughly, and needs some appearant TLC. Its a 1972 with a 1.8 engine.

Thanks for your kind answers, Buntcorp.

Welcome to the STF!

A 914 is a great little car, you have excellent taste!

As to rust:
The "killer rust" area is under the battery, right side of the engine compartment.
Acid leaking down takes out the right side longnitudinal, which is essentially the main structure of the chassis.
The worst of the damage tends to be hidden...

The firewall noise suppression mat tends to attract mice/water behind it, leading to rust at the base.
(Also part of the chassis stiffness)

The floor pans are also prone to rust out due to leaky rubber roof seals, this is not as serious, but still a concern.

~Anything can be fixed, given sufficient $$$, skill and time...

As to the rough idle, it could be anything from cracked/leaky injector>manifold seals (almost certain) other vacuum leaks (also very likely) to burned valves etc.
If it still has the original LJet EFI on it, it is a big feature.

Plan on replacing all the shifter bushings.
It's usually safest to assume no one has serviced the car properly since it left the factory, so replacing all the rubber brake hoses, rebuilding calipers etc is to be expected.
The (now) brittle plastic fuel lines in the center tunnel must go as well: brake line works great.

I have no issues linking to good info on other forums, a great "what to look for" guide is on pelican parts forum:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/How_to_buy_a_914.htm

Thanks, for the quick respose, and the imformation. I'm going to purchase this car today, and I'll post the pictures when I can take them.


Thanks again, Matthew.

Happy to be of assistance, if they are 800x600 or less they can be attached directly to your post.

Always looking forwards to fresh car porn