Bad buyer experiences, what are some of the horror stories when buying a used nsx?

[OriginalNsx]

Hi,

New to the forum so not sure how to exactly search for this type of question.

When buying a used car, and seeing as they are now 20 years or so old, what are some of the "horror" stories that some owners have gone through in terms of repair bills?

I've heard of the snap ring issues, but what else and what kind of $$ have people spent repairing stock nsx's?


I appreciate the info!

 

[JD Cross]

Everyone has horror stories about buying a 20+ year old car they didn't get inspected or didn't do their homework on.
Are you looking for anecdotes from buyers who made mistakes and if you are, what's the point of that except embarrassment for someone?

If you are looking for things to watch out for when buying and NSX then read the Wiki and Do-it yourself section.
There a dozens of threads on what to watch for when buying an NSX.

 

[Jinks]

Everyone has horror stories about buying a 20+ year old car they didn't get inspected or didn't do their homework on.
Are you looking for anecdotes from buyers who made mistakes and if you are, what's the point of that except embarrassment for someone?

If you are looking for things to watch out for when buying and NSX then read the Wiki and Do-it yourself section.
There a dozens of threads on what to watch for when buying an NSX.

Jd is always friendly to newcomers.:biggrin:
If your concerned about costs, please do not buy one. If you make less then 120,000 a year, please do not buy one.
If your looking for a rock solid car that has a warranty and is dirt cheap. Please buy a Kia. If you have 30,000 dollars but not a penny more than that. Buy a 300hp Subaru.

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For dramatic affect, as I am typing this I am spending 550$ just to get my window to roll up smoothly. It's not for everyone. Just look around acura parts sites to get a grasp at how much Oem parts actually are. It will blow your mind.

 

[DigitalFusion]

Everyone has horror stories about buying a 20+ year old car they didn't get inspected or didn't do their homework on.
Are you looking for anecdotes from buyers who made mistakes and if you are, what's the point of that except embarrassment for someone?
If you are looking for things to watch out for when buying and NSX then read the Wiki and Do-it yourself section.
There a dozens of threads on what to watch for when buying an NSX.

While JD has some good points there (checking the FAQ, Wiki, DIY Section, and searching for what to watch out for), his posts sometimes come across as dripping with contempt and condescension. I dont think he means them that way, he is actually a very well informed member of the community and can be quite helpful so dont take it personally. Consider it your 'welcome to prime by fire'

Jd is always friendly to newcomers.:biggrin:
If your concerned about costs, please do not buy one. If you make less then 120,000 a year, please do not buy one.
If your looking for a rock solid car that has a warranty and is dirt cheap. Please buy a Kia. If you have 30,000 dollars but not a penny more than that. Buy a 300hp Subaru.

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For dramatic affect, as I am typing this I am spending 550$ just to get my window to roll up smoothly. It's not for everyone. Just look around acura parts sites to get a grasp at how much Oem parts actually are. It will blow your mind.

I find that comment offensive and elitist. I dont care how much you make, if you arent concerned about costs, than that is your own deal. Some of us potential owners make that or more and are still interested in becoming informed about costs. The OP is new and might not know where to look yet , and thanks to JD's insight now he/she does :smile:

 

[Jinks]

While JD has some good points there (checking the FAQ, Wiki, DIY Section, and searching for what to watch out for), his posts sometimes come across as dripping with contempt and condescension. I dont think he means them that way, he is actually a very well informed member of the community and can be quite helpful so dont take it personally. Consider it your 'welcome to prime by fire'





I find that comment offensive and elitist. I dont care how much you make, if you arent concerned about costs, than that is your own deal. Some of us potential owners make that or more and are still interested in becoming informed about costs. The OP is new and might not know where to look yet , and thanks to JD's insight now he/she does :smile:

It is very easy to misenturperate jokes here so I will leave it at that. But there is a lot of truth in my comments. Your buying a car decades old but are concerned with costs. Unless you are a mechanic or very handy person it may not be worth it. I work for a mechanical company and fixing the nsx requires dollars. There's no getting around it. But anyways, yes I can come off as offensive but I mean well. If you have to worry about costs, please don't buy it. Words of wisdom from rso34.

 

[jwmelvin]

I've heard of the snap ring issues, but what else and what kind of $$ have people spent repairing stock nsx's?

This is key--stock NSXs. While they are not inexpensive to maintain, the issues seem to be not generally catastrophic for stock NSXs.

For what I considered a well cared-for car driven by my mother and serviced at the dealer, a stock '97 with 36k mi. that I took over in 2012, I spent about $4-5k getting it in top form, including the known major service (timing belt and water pump) and other common potential issues (main relay, hoses, thermostat, seals, etc.).

When I bought an '00 with recent major service but supercharged, I spent perhaps $2k initially and then >$15k a few months later when the engine failed. Yes I had a PPI by a well-respected NSX specialist. It didn't matter.

So there are pitfalls but I think with a stock NSX, you largely have predictable maintenance. Most of which can be learned by spending time in this forum, as JD suggested. From what I can tell, he hates modified NSXs and I can understand why. I do love my car now that it's repaired though. Having someone special to maintain/fix it is important (much love for [MENTION=14909]redbird92[/MENTION]) and I think that being prepared to at least troubleshoot and solve some issues yourself is equally important.

 

[Jinks]

This is key--stock NSXs. While they are not inexpensive to maintain, the issues seem to be not generally catastrophic for stock NSXs.

For what I considered a well cared-for car driven by my mother and serviced at the dealer, a stock '97 with 36k mi. that I took over in 2012, I spent about $4-5k getting it in top form, including the known major service (timing belt and water pump) and other common potential issues (main relay, hoses, thermostat, seals, etc.).

When I bought an '00 with recent major service but supercharged, I spent perhaps $2k initially and then >$15k a few months later when the engine failed. Yes I had a PPI by a well-respected NSX specialist. It didn't matter.

So there are pitfalls but I think with a stock NSX, you largely have predictable maintenance. Most of which can be learned by spending time in this forum, as JD suggested. From what I can tell, he hates modified NSXs and I can understand why. I do love my car now that it's repaired though. Having someone special to maintain/fix it is important (much love for @redbird92) and I think that being prepared to at least troubleshoot and solve some issues yourself is equally important.

Exactly what I was getting at. I am just abrasive. I cut through B.S. And tell the truth. If you are looking for a 25 year old exotic car but concerned about costs? This may not be for you. Or it may. That was my only point. Offensive or not.

 

[DigitalFusion]

Exactly what I was getting at. I am just abrasive. I cut through B.S. And tell the truth. If you are looking for a 25 year old exotic car but concerned about costs? This may not be for you. Or it may. That was my only point. Offensive or not.

Thats actually a refreshing standpoint really. I was just thinking of the OP asking a seemingly innocent question and getting a less than warm welcome is all.

 

[Jinks]

Thats actually a refreshing standpoint really. I was just thinking of the OP asking a seemingly innocent question and getting a less than warm welcome is all.

Dont worry bro,
I'm a marine. I kick down the door first then calm down. I was only trying to share my own experience to possibly save the OP tens of thousands of dollars down the road. For example, I bought my 91 in hammered, salvaged title condition. Because I thought I could easily fix it up. It turns out those easy fixes like interior mods and such cost BIG BIG dollars. I just have a hard time explaining it. I bought my nsx salvaged for 16k and in 3 years ownership spent close to 30k on it. However, it is in tip top shape now with a brand new ctsc and I will never EVER sell it. It is my prize for decades of blood and sweat. I'm not rich, the wifey is... For the original poster, life down the nsx road is troublesome and expensive. But the reward is unmatched....

 

[OriginalNsx]

Thanks for the insights.

Yes I am concerned about costs and finding someone to repair it, I can afford a 2k/year but if it is going to cost me much more than that I will have to wait a little while longer

I guess the reality of the situation is, it is a 20 year old exotic car, and many have no issues after spending $3-5K grand in initial work while others may have constant issues here and there but they can fix things themselves. I'm def. not a DIY'er, I actually just changed my first flat recently and that was pretty stressful at first lol.

 

[Jinks]

Thanks for the insights.

Yes I am concerned about costs and finding someone to repair it, I can afford a 2k/year but if it is going to cost me much more than that I will have to wait a little while longer

I guess the reality of the situation is, it is a 20 year old exotic car, and many have no issues after spending $3-5K grand in initial work while others may have constant issues here and there but they can fix things themselves. I'm def. not a DIY'er, I actually just changed my first flat recently and that was pretty stressful at first lol.

What is your budget and where do you live? If you are in an area where there is an nsx tech nearby this can save you thousands. Another example, I had my clutch changed out by an acura dealer at 3200$ the same price for the same clutch from Shad at driving ambition, probably half of that and he has done probably hundreds of them. It's not what ya know, it's who ya know.

 

[Rope]

My car has not cost me much to maintain (500-1000 a year) except for one year when my trans decided to shatter the snap ring killing it. I was nearing the end of the life on my clutch so I had that replaced at the same time. Other than that the car has been reliable and a blast to drive. I have a 91 that has 140k on the clock so far and they have been fun miles

 

[Jinks]

Thanks for the insights.

Yes I am concerned about costs and finding someone to repair it, I can afford a 2k/year but if it is going to cost me much more than that I will have to wait a little while longer

I guess the reality of the situation is, it is a 20 year old exotic car, and many have no issues after spending $3-5K grand in initial work while others may have constant issues here and there but they can fix things themselves. I'm def. not a DIY'er, I actually just changed my first flat recently and that was pretty stressful at first lol.

Okay, I must reply to your comment. If you just changed your first flat tire, the nsx most likely won't be for you. Remember, the car is very old.... Almost any nsx below the 35,000 dollar price range will be stripped down. Meaning, no spare tire, no tool kit, no air pump, so even if you had a flat, the tools to fix it are long gone. The cost to replace all those? 1200$ new 700$ used on eBay. FYI, the nsx uses a folding rubber spare tire. Which requires an air pump to make it drivable after a flat change out. The pump cost new almost 400$ the tire and rim new about 800$.

 

[davidf]

Exactly what I was getting at. I am just abrasive. I cut through B.S. And tell the truth. If you are looking for a 25 year old exotic car but concerned about costs? This may not be for you. Or it may. That was my only point. Offensive or not.

Actually saying you need to make 120 grand a year to own one is not the truth. The NSX is not an exotic car and it does not have exotic car maintanance costs. Not sure how long you've owned one but you clearly should'nt be giving that advice.

 

[Jinks]

Actually saying you need to make 120 grand a year to own one is not the truth. The NSX is not an exotic car and it does not have exotic car maintanance costs. Not sure how long you've owned one but you clearly should'nt be giving that advice.

Some people find gems. Some do not. Only sharing my experiences. That's all.

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The nsx IS an exotic car though....

 

[OriginalNsx]

I'm in Toronto Canada.

I can afford up to 40K or so, and I have some left over for maintenance.

The one thing that keeps be interested is it seems these cars hold their value so well, I can drive it for a while and not loose that much (or at all!).

Compared with me buying a used bmw or audi for 40K, after a few years they will easily drop 10K (and not 1/2 has fun as driving a nsx).

 

[Jinks]

Another example, to the original poster. I have about 4 Oem acura parts distributors on speed dial who have all handsomely taken my pay checks. Every single one of them always asks why I do not piss and moan when they give me prices. They all say, people always complain about costs. It's an nsx not an integra. Prices are high, just for an fyi.
To people who disagree with me, It's all good. I'm sure I love your nsx just as much as I love my own.

 

[OriginalNsx]

I'm not offended, and I don't mind the hard truth.

 

[Jinks]

I'm in Toronto Canada.

I can afford up to 40K or so, and I have some left over for maintenance.

The one thing that keeps be interested is it seems these cars hold their value so well, I can drive it for a while and not loose that much (or at all!).

Compared with me buying a used bmw or audi for 40K, after a few years they will easily drop 10K (and not 1/2 has fun as driving a nsx).

Canadian owners from what I gather here are very very passionate about Oem cars. Like JD cross, he is in Canada. Or Bram the Canadian nsx prime president. I'd say listen to guys like these. They may seem harsh but they are only looking out for you in the long run...

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Canadian owners from what I gather here are very very passionate about Oem cars. Like JD cross, he is in Canada. Or Bram the Canadian nsx prime president. I'd say listen to guys like these. They may seem harsh but they are only looking out for you in the long run...

If you have 40k you could wait around for a nice late model 2002-2005 but you better act quick as a jack rabbit. These cars go so fast in the for sale ads it's crazy. I searched for almost 3 years. But granted I only had a 30k budget back in the demise of the economy.

 

[OriginalNsx]

Well I was out of country and couldn't call CAA. If that happened with a NSX, I would just get it towed and then keep it on the drive way till I ordered a new pair I can handle a flat tire now ...

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Really? I thought late model 2002+ were much higher, I see 65K+ but I haven't seen that many to be honest.

 

[Jinks]

Well I was out of country and couldn't call CAA. If that happened with a NSX, I would just get it towed and then keep it on the drive way till I ordered a new pair I can handle a flat tire now ...

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Really? I thought late model 2002+ were much higher, I see 65K+ but I haven't seen that many to be honest.

The market fluctuates drastically.I am also only going off of when I was searching. It also depends on how much the car has been raped or modified. There are some gems who just want a quick sell.Or there are people who go wide body and end up barely ever being able to drive the car because one pot hole destroys 40,000$ of body work, these usually sell for much less, like mine. Like when I was looking for my own nsx, the original owner had about 40 messages per day for an old beat up 1991 salvaged title nsx. It's extremely competitive.
It takes just as much passion to buy this car as it does to own it. Just look at us on here. We go crazy for it.

 

[Lamchop168]

If you have 40k you could wait around for a nice late model 2002-2005 but you better act quick as a jack rabbit. These cars go so fast in the for sale ads it's crazy. I searched for almost 3 years. But granted I only had a 30k budget back in the demise of the economy.

Strictly good condition to gems. You can't touch a 2002-2005 for 40k let alone a clean/gem 1991 to 2001. The going price is at least $60k and over and that's if you find one. Just my 2 cents.

 

[davidf]

No it is not. Honda engineers did not design it as an exotic. It is a Honda.

Some people find gems. Some do not. Only sharing my experiences. That's all.

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The nsx IS an exotic car though....

 

[95nsxtc]

so to sum this up and put my .02 in, it doesn't matter what type of inspection you put these through/what you find out has been done, they are like you said 20 year old vehicles, there will always be the unknown. I bought mine from someone who maintained it very well, had its 3rd WP/TB already (not from mileage), on its second clutch and had a PPI done and as soon as i got it back here found out it needed a new clutch master cylinder and during that a new clutch itself. Now having said that I will say this, I drive a lot of different vehicles and very few even come close to the quality of an nsx. Today i was driving my 2011 z4 35is (bc nsx is getting wrapped :biggrin: )which has 36k miles and has notably many more problems/issues than I have/probably will experience with my nsx, which has almost 4x the mileage

 

[DocL]

My general rule is whenever you purchase an exotic car, be prepared to spend 15% of the purchase price right away in getting the car road worthy. If the car didn't come with extensive service documentation you will need to do the recommended service as described In the owners manual. Once that is done you have a fresh start on the maintenance and then you can budget from there.

For example, I bought a Lotus Esprit last year in tip top condition with all service records. I brought it to my mechanic and had him do what he felt was necessary for me not to worry about the car. It ends up the dealer that had recently service the car put things back together very sloppy. All in, I spent $4500 and have now a car that I can drive with confidence.

Anyone can afford an NSX, but if you can't accept the risk there are many newer cars that offer better performance for less money.