Thinking of getting an NSX, a few questions...

[Blue Batmobile]

I'm considering purchasing a used NSX. I'm looking in the low to mid 20,000 range. I've seen a few listed in AutoTrader for that price range. Any advice on what to look for, reliability, gas milage, insurance costs? Any help and input would be greatly appreciated

Bat™

[Outlook]

Well, that depends on what its used for. Would not recommend a X for a daily driver as your insurance/wear and tear can be fairly expensive. Reliablity should not concern you.

As far as that mileage, u may want to stick with a 97+, for the 3.2 and a 6 speed.

And if your going thru the auto trader route, check out the car with car fax, for unscrupulous dealers pose as 'owners' and can rip u off.

Good luck and enjoy the ride, hopefully one day i'll have that privilege...

[FuryNSX]

20K range? Is that $$$$ range, or mileage?

[ChrisK]

I agree with what Fury is hinting at. For low $20K to mid $25K range, you are more than likely going to get a fairly beat up NSX. IF you save a little more and have a price range of about $28K-$32K, you can probably find a very good 91-93 example. Of course, there are deals out there, but they are hard to find. Most NSX in the low $20s are selling at that price for a reason.

As for sticking with a 97+, the 3.2 and 6-Speed are definately a worthy upgrade, however, I wouldn't pass on a 91-96 unless you first test drive them and simply can't live without the 3.2/6Speed. I too was dead set on a 97+ for those two main items, yet I ended up with a 92 with NSX-R gears. I personally don't need the T top and prefer the hard top, thus the 92 purchase. It is too hard to find the special order 97+ hard tops.

Also, if your range is under $30K, you can forget about finding a good 97+ anyway as a 97 is in the high $40K range or higher.

Insurance really depends on you and your area. Some people pay over $3K/year, while I pay less than $1100, and some people pay half what I pay (All full converage). Gas mileage is actually pretty good. Even with my NSX-R gears I get about 22 mpg, and this is about 65% city/35% highway. This is still better than my Acura Legend gas mileage.

[Outlook]

Originally posted by FuryNSX
20K range? Is that $$$$ range, or mileage?

I assumed it was mileage

[Blue Batmobile]

I meant mid $20,000 range. I can probably go high $20,000. Most cars in that price range have close to 100,000 miles on them. I periodically check Autotrader.

Bat™

[FuryNSX]

According to the NSXPrime Pricing FAQ, <$25K gives you an NSX with:

1) Very poor condition, needs serious attention and/or has serious issues
2) Below average condition and/or high to very high miles. Needs some attention. Shows considerable wear. Lack of maintenance.
3) Salvage and/or very major issues (for 1994 or newer)

Well, then for <$25K, your options are limited, unless you don't mind a pretty beat up 100K mile NSX. Exterior finish will probably be in bad shape. Seating surfaces will probably be ripped up. I'd expect engine and drivetrain problems. The car will have probably been in an accident already. Check for chassis damage.

If you don't have any connections in the auto body repair industry, and/or know someone who is knowledgeable in NSX maintenance, then I wouldn't even bother looking at them.

-Randy

[Blue Batmobile]

Thanks for the info

Bat™

[DJMyst]

All the X's I found for 25-30K were not in TOO bad of shape. Most had 80-100K miles though. If it is a 91-92, make sure it's not in snap ring range. For an explanation of 'snap ring failure' and avoiding a costly transmission repair, check NSX Prime Snap Ring FAQ

[acuraaddict]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=5337

It looks amazing for a '91. Don't know if you like ebay or not. If only a few people bid you could win it cheap.

[mushutofu]

Make sure that the timing belt and water pump were replaced. These things need to be replaced after about 80K miles and cost a good amount.