Buying an NSX this summer...

[logic7]

I've been debating which car to buy this summer. I've been looking at Porsche 928's and 944 Turbo S's, Ferrari 328 and 344, Lotus Esprit Turbo SE's (93' specifically), and, of course, the NSX. I've settled on the NSX with some of the info posted here on how civilized a car it is. The Lotus and Ferrari have serious maintenance issues and the Porsche's are... Well, they're Porsche's, you see them all of the time.

I'm thinking I want a pre-95 NSX, since I could care less about a targa-top and I really don't like then new "restyling" of the current NSX. What kind of things, maintenance-wise do I need to look for? Is there a list of crucial things to have done?

Also, I'm concerned about backing out of driveway with any car like this. Instead of running the driveway out level to the street, the builder of this subdivision decided to keep the driveways level with the curb. My mini-van would even rub the front end backing out (yeah, I need to replace it's shocks, but still...). Is there any way to keep from mangling the front of the car when backing out?

 

[nsxtasy]

What kind of things, maintenance-wise do I need to look for? Is there a list of crucial things to have done?

Yes, there is a Used NSX Checklist in the Buy, Sell, Ship, Store section of the NSX FAQ (answers to Frequently Asked Questions), which you can access by clicking the word FAQ in the red bar at the top of your screen that looks like this:

Is there any way to keep from mangling the front of the car when backing out?

Not much:

1. Drive in and out at as much of an angle as you can.

2. Don't lower your car.

 

[NsXMas]

To add to Ken's suggestions - can you also modify the drive way so it's less angular?

 

[logic7]

To add to Ken's suggestions - can you also modify the drive way so it's less angular?

Nope. The entire subdivision is like this. Dunno how my neighbor with the 911 does it.

 

[NsXMas]

Sounds like you need to find a new neighborhood!!

 

[RP-Motorsports]

If the angle driving won't cut it, then here is a worst case scenario idea; go to Home depot, buy a synthetic deck board (made of plastic resin) Get the grey color. Cut a couple of 24" planks, and install @ the tire locations of where you drive into the driveway with a couple of concrete lag bolts. The sun will fade the grey out in time, and it will blend into the concrete. it will not impede with water flow much at all.

 

[logic7]

I've been thinking about it (seriously!).

Aside from everything else that I'll probably end up doing to the NSX (supercharger, Momo wheels, etc...), I'll most likely replace the stereo. I've seen it done in the past, but it requires cutting the metal dash panel with a laser or having it done by someone extremely skilled with cutting metals. I've heard the stock stereo, it's bunk (most Bose systems are). What are you guys replacing the stock speakers with these days?

 

[NsXMas]

No, I'm not replacing the stock speaker. My money goes into performance, not sound.

 

[hlweyl]

I've been thinking about it (seriously!).

Aside from everything else that I'll probably end up doing to the NSX (supercharger, Momo wheels, etc...), I'll most likely replace the stereo. I've seen it done in the past, but it requires cutting the metal dash panel with a laser or having it done by someone extremely skilled with cutting metals. I've heard the stock stereo, it's bunk (most Bose systems are). What are you guys replacing the stock speakers with these days?

The trim on the dash surrounding the stereo is plastic.... no laser needed.

 

[nsxtasy]

I'll most likely replace the stereo.

Check out the FAQ, and also try searching previous topics. Note that there is a separate forum on this site for Stereo and Electronics topics...

 

[logic7]

hrm... I remember an article claiming the dash trim on the '92 NSX was metal...

No matter. It still needs to be cut with precision in order to look good.

I plan on driving my NSX to L.A. and back (to Phoenix) when on business and the thought of listening to a stock Bose system is not appealing.

 

[RyRy210]

I'm thinking I want a pre-95 NSX, since I could care less about a targa-top and I really don't like then new "restyling" of the current NSX.

.

Don't be too quick to dismiss the '97-'01 models, they do have coupe versions (although rare). Many members that have upgraded from a NA1 Coupe to the '97-'01 NA2 NSX-T feel that the car isn't too bad in terms of rigidity with the targa top on, and the 6 speed 290hp drivetrain more than compensates for the increase weight. There are a couple Zanardi NSXs for sale too.

 

[NetViper]

.

Don't be too quick to dismiss the '97-'01 models, they do have coupe versions (although rare). Many members that have upgraded from a NA1 Coupe to the '97-'01 NA2 NSX-T feel that the car isn't too bad in terms of rigidity with the targa top on, and the 6 speed 290hp drivetrain more than compensates for the increase weight. There are a couple Zanardi NSXs for sale too.

I agree 100%. Drive them both and see what you like more. The 6-speed and 3.2 are VERY nice.

 

[qirex]

I was in this situation too. NSX to porsche back and then forth.

I was set on an 02 model. I looked at 911s but yeah they're everywhere!
While they're prolly a little *bit* faster than an nsx, the exclusivisity of the nsx held me.

Sadly for me, I'm in the process of 3 concurrent RE transactions, so I cant buy ANYTHING until 3/16/05.

Boy am I happy i've had the time, b/c I thought that the NSx was the ultimate bargain supercar - I was dead wrong.

I'm not sure what year you're considering, but it was common to see 02 NSX listed for $75K. Can you imagine my glee to discover that 01 Porsche 911 Twin Turbos can be had for $75-80K!!

Just a thought o consider. i still love nsxs, but after poring over the faqs here to discover the easisest way to make my future nsx as fast as it look sitting still, It was clear that while comptech is the "easy" route to add 70HP, the results were less than stellar. Paying $18K for an FX500 (incompatible w/ 3.2L motors) was out of the question.

So yeah, check out the 996TT, much more aggresive styling (you dont see them everywhere) and who can argue w/420HP (450HP c X50).

if not, enjoy your nsx, i still love em, maybe I'll buy my neigbors.


p.s. I think I broke a coolant hose on the 91 NSX, smoke from engine bay, coolant all over the bay, engine overheated quickly - i turned it off b4 it went too hot. I drive my neighbors 91 all the time, but i told him I'd pay for the repair. He mentioned the car was leaking coolant in the garage for a couple weeks. Is this a big repair?