Porsche 914 Reviews - Page 3 of 7

I need new paint.

New dash.

New weatherstripping around window.

Usual stuff for 33 year old cars, it had an engine and transmission rebuild.

Not too much out of ordinary, just requires tune ups ever so often.

Runs hot during the summer.

I have had the 914 my whole life, my mother is the original owner, and ordered it in August 73 in Jimmy Natista Porsche dealership. It has been well taken care of.

This car is amazing. I love it. It turns heads, and can turn corners with amazing speed. It is a Porsche in the every way, but if one insists in calling it a VW, it's still awesome.

My interior is all original, the engine block (has been bored to a 2.0) is original, no body damage, little rust, good engine performance, it's just a good solid car.

The 914 is not quite as reliable or precise as a new car, but every time one drives it, it's like heaven. The trunks have good space, interior has enough room for someone 6'4, and its handling makes up for any lack in the engine area.

It's a bit slow, but fast enough to be zipping through the mountain roads, where you have to back off cause the car doesn't.

The 914, it's a Porsche, it's a sports car, it's fun, and it's my love... Porsche, there is NO substitute.

Good tip though, Porsche 914 mechanics are kinda hard to find, at least good ones, so ask PCA members, etc, in your area, because 914s are reliable if they are taken care of the RIGHT way.

The major mechanical issue is rust. There's not that much, but keeping it at bay is a constant job.

Most of the weatherstripping has worn out, shrunken, or cracked and needs to be replaced.

The 914 hits the perfect balance between being old enough to be a classic and modern enough to be realistic for everyday use. Mine starts right up on the first twist of the key, even after sitting 2 or more weeks in cold weather (it's fuel injected), and the wide interior and two trunks make it practical and comfortable.

It's not fast, but it's quick enough, and the steering and handling really keep you involved in the driving experience. It shifts and brakes like a 32+ year old car, which means that even when everything is working right, it still takes a little skill and care to drive it smoothly. In other words, it's no modern SUV, and for that I love it.

Of course, it helps if you're handy and have some garage space and a little extra money for the inevitable replacement parts. Some parts (especially cosmetic stuff) can be expensive, but most of the parts you need to keep it running are pretty reasonably priced. Buy the best car you can afford; if you have to fly a thousand miles to find a better 914, consider your plane ticket money well spent if it gets you a better-running, better-looking car.

Some people advise having an expert look the car over before buying. By all means, inspect it carefully, maybe take a motorhead buddy along too, but in my opinion, at the 914's price point, a professional look-over isn't necessary unless the car is priced way over market value. If you're considering a car this old, you probably know what to look for in old cars anyway, and the 914 is a simple car; beyond rust, there's not a whole lot of hidden surprises that can really bite you. And if you do have trouble or questions, there's plenty of support on-line and replacement parts are ridiculously easy to find.

If you're looking for an affordable, reliable classic that's not overpriced and/or overrated like some classic sports cars I could name, you need to have a look at the 914.