1972 Porsche 914 review from Australia and New Zealand
"Great fun, comfortable and reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission linkage bushings wear quickly.
Fuel gauge has never worked.
Rebuilt the engine when I first got it - no problems since.
General comments?
I bought this car in Edmonton in 1995, and moved to New Zealand in '96 (oops). But I had done a lot of work on it, and couldn't bear to sell it. It was kept licensed and insured and stored in my dad's garage near Toronto - he did a lot of little jobs on it, and it's tidied up well (I drove it across Canada in two days without any problems at all in 1997 - roof off the whole way - loved it). Finally shipped it to NZ in November '07.
In three months here I have done nearly 5000 miles on it. The oil is still clean, it is getting nearly 40 miles to the gallon, and handles like it was new. I drive it every day, unless it's raining (that's what the Prelude is for...)
The only negatives are the usual 914 shifting "sensitivity", it could do with some new front shocks, and it needs a paint job - hardly it's fault after 36 years, Alberta winters, and shipping around the world. It's simple, fun to drive.
I doubt I'll ever sell it.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1973 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.7 flat four Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Prelude |
| Date of Entry | 26th February, 2008 |