NSX as an every day car?

[kas1]

I don't drive very fast, certainly don't race, and know nearly nothing about the technical side of cars. But the NSX appeals to me for looks and style and punch. I've been thinking about springing for a nice used one, with... gasp now... automatic transmission. (As a side benefit, I think one with auto would have had an easier life.)

How satisfied would I be with an NSX as an every day car, when my concerns are things like ride comfort and reliability? Are there any additional hassles that one wouldn't have with say a CL or an RSX? Am I nuts and should I just go for something like a Lexus SC400? Would I be shocked at things like the cost of oil changes and tires on an NSX (daily driver is an RL)? How satisfied have you been with the NSX for running errands and going to Starbucks?

Thanks for any input.

[LegendGS]

Ultimately, the NSX is a Honda, so you don't have much to worry about as far a reliability. Not sure if there are any issues specific to the auto tranny on the NSX as I haven't heard of any. Nothing out of the ordinary as far as regular maintenance, but tires tend to wear on you due to the agressive alignment settings from the factory. However, you can get it aligned to less agressive settings for better tire wear.

The are many who use the NSX as a daily driver. When comparing the NSX to a CL, SC, or RSX, and taking out of the equation that it is a different type/class of car, you will find that the NSX is very low to the ground. The seat on my NSX is only about 8" off the ground. You'd have a usable, but not very large trunk, no back seat, and more rapid tire wear. Other than that, it's a great car daily or not. If you need a back seat and room in your trunk to carry your groceries along with your golf clubs, you might be better served with one of the other cars that you mentioned. I guess it depends on the types of errands you plan to run in your NSX.

It's hard to make a guess about the life of an auto NSX. It does have only 252 hp, so the owner(s) may have had to drive it harder to keep up with other NSXs.

[kas1]

Thanks for an excellent answer.

I should be careful what I wish for, I guess.

I went to the dealer to sit in one, and there's just no way. I'm a bit over 6'2", and it I probably couldn't comfortably even ride as a passenger in one. To make things worse, I'm claustrophobic, and that car triggers it in a bad way.

Great car though.

[FuryNSX]

You should have no problems with your height. Guys even taller than you drive an NSX with no worries. At worse, you can get a shorter bottom cushion that some vendors sell.