advice please, almost ready to hit the trigger

[mungwi]

hi guys, i started my search just last week and I think I've found one!! 3 owner car, 63k miles, stock except comptech exhaust and chrome wheels. original TB/WP/clutch. owner's asking price is just a bit above kbb, considering the condition of the car (i'd give the car an 8 on exterior and interior, altho some questions on the exterior, see pics). taking the car to a nsx specialist shop tomorrow or the day after to make sure the car is mechanically sound.

before i do that tho, i have a few questions on the exterior condition. reading the wiki, which states that the nsx panel "should" line up pretty good, i noticed this one's panels aren't what i'd call perfect, looking at the pics, would you guys say that this car's exterior can be rated as "excellent" as far as panel's "lining up" is concerned? i noticed the passenger and driver doors aren't perfect with the front quarter panels.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109816872287922"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/mungwi/R_xQ5V2dPrI/AAAAAAAAADo/cCF0Q2-UqD0/s144/P1050696.JPG" /></a>
also, running my hands over the trunk and rear quarter panels, both sides at the same time, i noticed some definite differences in height (left trunk seems higher than opposing panel edge, not present on the right side). rear bumper seems a little mis-aligned too, pushed just a wee bit toward the front direction on the driver side. owner disclosed "tiny ding" on the rear bumper (indentation of license plate bolts barely visible on lower right side bumper), but even if this caused the bumper to shift, it should've caused a shift in opposite direction, no? also, the plastic thing under the front bumer, in front of the right wheel, is also kinda out of place (pic 3)
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109082432880050"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQOl2dPbI/AAAAAAAAABk/vjXaHJiXlv0/s144/P1050678.JPG" /></a>

swirl marks :frown: , did not look closely 100%, but i assume it's all over.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109322951048722"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQcl2dPhI/AAAAAAAAACU/FUFh8UFGksg/s144/P1050685.JPG" /></a>

so that's my questions about the exterior. next on to the service/maintainence. since the owner's pretty sure everything's original, i should factor in the costs of doing so, at least the tb/wp which are due for replacement? with the car past 60k, but no major 60k service, could that be a sign of poor maintainence?

i really haven't had much exprience with nsx's, so no idea what a "pristine" clean nsx should look like, please offer your thoughts, greatly appreciated! :biggrin: also, please advice on which parts i should take a closer look at since i'll be seeing the car again.

regards,



<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109121087585730"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/mungwi/R_xQQ12dPcI/AAAAAAAAABs/snz-ca3cQKo/s144/P1050679.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109030893272482"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQLl2dPaI/AAAAAAAAABY/YjtVkMsFvL8/s144/P1050677.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109159742291410"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/mungwi/R_xQTF2dPdI/AAAAAAAAAB0/odNph73JFeM/s144/P1050680.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109206986931682"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/mungwi/R_xQV12dPeI/AAAAAAAAAB8/xBFI-7JFmDA/s144/P1050681.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109237051702770"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQXl2dPfI/AAAAAAAAACE/5FnprRTXXgY/s144/P1050683.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109284296343042"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/mungwi/R_xQaV2dPgI/AAAAAAAAACM/ki6Em9yd63c/s144/P1050684.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109361605754402"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/mungwi/R_xQe12dPiI/AAAAAAAAACc/kYIbdDNeO24/s144/P1050686.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109451800067650"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/mungwi/R_xQkF2dPkI/AAAAAAAAACs/FvJCQaECFFE/s144/P1050689.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109511929609810"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQnl2dPlI/AAAAAAAAAC0/FHUfj7BK4LA/s144/P1050690.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109559174250082"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/mungwi/R_xQqV2dPmI/AAAAAAAAAC8/6RuGE7GL9dw/s144/P1050691.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109615008824946"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQtl2dPnI/AAAAAAAAADE/6Wh2EmvnhYg/s144/P1050692.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109675138367106"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/mungwi/R_xQxF2dPoI/AAAAAAAAADM/Z3rjTPhvROU/s144/P1050693.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109730972941970"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/mungwi/R_xQ0V2dPpI/AAAAAAAAADU/_tKcNc9ZkUM/s144/P1050694.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mungwi/98Blk63k/photo#5187109786807516834"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mungwi/R_xQ3l2dPqI/AAAAAAAAADc/zqmKvWBsRXI/s144/P1050695.JPG" /></a>

 

[NSXFRIEND]

Is the price just above retail kbb of 28k?

Timing belt service is about 1550-1750 depending on dealer, I would factor this into purchase price. 60k service is simply fluid changes and valve adjustment if needed. I see the expansiont tank has been replaced fluids look full that is a good thing. I would not be concerned about swirl marks they can buff out, the gap however does throw signs parts move and shift "slight" but not enough to catch your eye or "feel".

The clutch master cylinder is probably leaking slow thats another $350. Has the A/C been serviced thats a very expensive repair if its not blowing cold $3000 and is the ABS functional no check lights, that is a $3700 dealer fix, though IMO its not needed on an NSX.lol Window regulators are another common issue not a big deal DYI.

So at 28k with no real service record not a bad deal but you should be able to find a clean NSX with full records for 29-31k depending on mileage. Again the main concern is the gaps everything should line up even trunk hinges could be adjusted to be flush.

 

[SOURCE 1]

Is the price just above retail kbb of 28k?

Timing belt service is about 1550-1750 depending on dealer, I would factor this into purchase price. 60k service is simply fluid changes and valve adjustment if needed. I see the expansiont tank has been replaced fluids look full that is a good thing. I would not be concerned about swirl marks they can buff out, the gap however does throw signs parts move and shift "slight" but not enough to catch your eye or "feel".

The clutch master cylinder is probably leaking slow thats another $350. Has the A/C been serviced thats a very expensive repair if its not blowing cold $3000 and is the ABS functional no check lights, that is a $3700 dealer fix, though IMO its not needed on an NSX.lol Window regulators are another common issue not a big deal DYI.

So at 28k with no real service record not a bad deal but you should be able to find a clean NSX with full records for 29-31k depending on mileage. Again the main concern is the gaps everything should line up even trunk hinges could be adjusted to be flush.

I am looking at the pics and see that it is an NA2 car!!!!

Are you telling me you think a 97+ is only worth 28k? I dont think he ever said what year it was.. If it is a 97+ car and 28k I would be all over it!

 

[NSXFRIEND]

All i see is NA2 engine engine tower bar, is this NA1 or NA2? A/C looks oldschool? Why is the relay cover blue?

 

[nsxtasy]

Is the price just above retail kbb of 28k?

The market values estimated by Kelly Blue Book (KBB) are grossly understated. If I could buy NSXs at the prices they quote, I would be buying dozens of them.

The Pricing section of the FAQ is still accurate except for the few most recent years.

 

[docjohn]

All i see is NA2 engine engine tower bar, is this NA1 or NA2? A/C looks oldschool? Why is the relay cover blue?

looks like the 97 and up spare and a 3.2 l engine:wink: BTW the wear and tear on the paint looks like average original black paint for a 10 yo car.The door panel alignment is something you need to see in person and having another nsx to compare would'nt hurt.

 

[swerve2007]

i have noticed that on many nsxs the profile of the doors' front edge is not exactly the same as thhe front fender resulting in a wider-looking gap.

 

[slamstrom]

What model year is this NSX or did I missed it?

 

[Dtrigg]

What model year is this NSX or did I missed it?

He doesn't say. Nor did he didn't mention a price.

 

[FeetFxr]

Car appears to be in good condition and lines up like most normal NSX's. Your PPI should be able to tell you a lot. Have them look for any signs of damage repair. I agree KBB is not a good representation of value. This seems to be a '98 from the pic. title. KBB says $35K-$37K from good to excellent cond' and Prime $45K-$55K, which is more realistic. TB/WP, etc. should lower the price though. Good luck!

 

[mungwi]

heh sorry, i forgot to state the model year, indeed like some of you mentioned it is a na2, 1998. owner is asking 39k. with no detailed records of service/maintainence from past owners (current owner barely drove it, i think 3k miles in the 3 yrs he's had it), wouldn't there be a lot of misc things that might need replaced, or even preventive work i 'should' do? major things like tb/wp, and maybe even clutch, no records of major services done in the past 3 or 4 years, are my major concerns at this moment, so-so paint. so even if the car checks out mechanically, i'm inclined to take points off for these things i've mentioned as i'm not convinced it's a car that has been pampered.

 

[mungwi]

looks like the 97 and up spare and a 3.2 l engine:wink: BTW the wear and tear on the paint looks like average original black paint for a 10 yo car.The door panel alignment is something you need to see in person and having another nsx to compare would'nt hurt.

yea i'm the one who took the pics, since i didn't have another nsx to compare with i'm not sure what baseline to compare to. i was using my s2k in brand new condition, which was ok, to compare with, and i was thinking that the nsx would probably have a higher quality.

 

[mungwi]

All i see is NA2 engine engine tower bar, is this NA1 or NA2? A/C looks oldschool? Why is the relay cover blue?

is the relay cover and a/c on na2 different from those in the pictures? if that's true, that'd be a big concern for me. :frown:

 

[mungwi]

What model year is this NSX or did I missed it?

98. hey slamstrom do you park your car on the driveway? just wondering cuz i see one on my way to work every morning...

 

[MJK]

For a '98 6 speed with 63K, I get a KBB (private party, good condition) of $35k

If the car is clean then I would say that is a steal. I would check for any passenger side repairs (look close for orange peel, bolts on the rear quarter panel. From your pics it is tough to say if anything is wrong or not. It certainly looks clean.

Two things would give me reason to poke a little deeper. This panel gap looks a little big to me:

Also, there appears to be a bolt missing in the lower right corner of this pic:

 

[mungwi]

For a '98 6 speed with 63K, I get a KBB (private party, good condition) of $35k

If the car is clean then I would say that is a steal. I would check for any passenger side repairs (look close for orange peel, bolts on the rear quarter panel. From your pics it is tough to say if anything is wrong or not. It certainly looks clean.

Two things would give me reason to poke a little deeper. This panel gap looks a little big to me:

Also, there appears to be a bolt missing in the lower right corner of this pic:

yea that's what i was pointing out, the passenger side door right?

which bolt are you referring to? the car is/will be in the shop today for inspection (foreign affair in santa clara) so i'd want to mention that to 'em and see what they say.

thanks!!

 

[synth19]

quick comment on the swirls. I think it's hard to find a PERFECT black car (unless it was recently polished). Just bring it to a detailer, he'll polish/buff/wax those swirls right out.

 

[MJK]

The green line points to the missing bolt. I also took a pic of my panel gap for you (front passenger 1/4 - hood - door).

 

[mungwi]

The green line points to the missing bolt. I also took a pic of my panel gap for you (front passenger 1/4 - hood - door).

thx for the clarification. i made a note to the car shop that's doing the inspection, i'll hear from them in a couple hours.

something seems wrong tho. the passenger side door is a bit off, the rear passenger quarter panel is missing a bolt. also, i didn't mention this as i wasn't able to take a picture of it, i saw a blemish on the paint on the same panel (passenger rear 1/4), you can hardly notice it, but if you look at it from different angle you can see sort of a band of bubbles going across (horizontally, if you were looking at the car top down), from the engine area to the wheel well.) would that be from imperfection in the original paint (any known cases simnilar to what i'm talking about?), or perhaps from a poor repainting job?

 

[slamstrom]

98. hey slamstrom do you park your car on the driveway? just wondering cuz i see one on my way to work every morning...

No, my NSX is in the garage 99% of the time at home and at work (if I drive it to work). Where did see the yellow NSX on the driveway? I may know the owner of that NSX if tell me the location. PM me if you need any assistance.

One other thing, open the hood, trunk, and engine hatch to check for missing paint on the fender & quarter panel bolts. May not be all bad, but you may want to ask more questions if you see missing paint on these bolts. Good luck on your search.

 

[MJK]

You got any pics of this bubbling? Also, one with an open trunk would be helpful.

I'm betting this car has seen some paintwork.

 

[mungwi]

The green line points to the missing bolt. I also took a pic of my panel gap for you (front passenger 1/4 - hood - door).

thx for the reference pic, that helps!

according to the guys that did the inspection, that hole, (looking at another nsx they had there), just has a rubber stopper/insert in it, which "was" missing like you said. is there a difference between na1 and na2? bolt -> rubber stopper?

 

[mungwi]

You got any pics of this bubbling? Also, one with an open trunk would be helpful.

I'm betting this car has seen some paintwork.

foreign affair honda, located in santa clara, called me with the results. i think i spoke to kevin, who was very friendly and helpful btw, and they suspect it being the result of a "paintless dent repair" and the hammering from inside caused this indentation i was describing. come to think of it, the pattern looked like the caribbean steel drum surface. they were pretty sure there was no major body work tho. mechanically sound. all plugs seemed to be original, so nothing's been replaced since it left the factory. fluids seemed old.

one thing that was interesting is the clutch. they found it to be suprisingly grippy for car of its age, and noted wear on the bolts (transmission?), they guessed some work was done on clutch, maybe even replaced.

gauge on the hood from a the wiper hitting it as a result of a loose nut.

fair to say this is not an "excellent" condition car, but good.

now i'm left to ponder... do i want low mileage and clear history, or unknown but sound car at a good price... this is gonna be hard...

 

[MJK]

Ah, good news then! Sounds reasonable to me.

 

[MCM]

Seems like a good deal!
I would swing by a body shop prior to making the deal.
Best $100.00 you could spend on this car.