I would actually recommend maaco, pull the panels yourself and do all surface prep short of primer. You should be able to have it shot for under 600. The paint will be of poor quality and it won't last more than 5 years.
Check out Douglas Adams, particularly the (increasingly inaccurately named) Hitchhikers Guide trilogy. Adams had a knack for explaining very boring philosophy in interesting ways.
Pay a VW specific shop to do a pre-purchase inspection on either car, it's well worth paying $75 to avoid ending up with a neglected nightmare car.
Motorkars on King ave is an excellent shop.
Given that it's such a new satellite I'm sure there is sensitive technology we don't want Russia or China getting a peek at... I don't think anyone would deny that.
If you found the 924 to be a trying experience it's probably best to leave the 914 well alone. Listen to your wife, you'll get a lot more seat time in the ZO6, you can fiddle around with old rusty cars when after you retire.
Did you connect it to the power supply? I had the same problem when I upgraded my card.
http://www.axiontech.com/prdt.php?item=78521
Connection to the system power supply is required. (Adapter Included)