Contemplating a '97 JH4NA2162VT000135

[wailer]

Hi all,
I'm new to the site and contemplating the following '97:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=300180084945&rd=1

I've researched quite heavily and it looks like a good deal to me if I can get them down a little on price. I'll be giving up my S2K which has been a great car, and don't want to get stiffed!

One question that is bugging me though is all this talk about "snaprings." Can someone clue me in? Also with 68K miles what should I expect to have been done maintenance wise?

Appreciate anyones thoughts on this car as I'm seriously considering flying to Chicago next week to drive it. Advise? Thanks!
~Wailer

 

[slamstrom]

Re: Contemplating a '97

I don't think the snap-ring is an issue on the 97 NSX. Being a 10 year old car, the timing belt and water pump is probably due for replacement. The buy it now price seems to be a fair price. I thought the spare tire should have a different color rim, I don't think the original color is red (maybe someone can comment on this to confirm). You may want to ask the seller also. Good luck on your search.

 

[whiteNSXs]

Re: Contemplating a '97

The spare rim should be in yellow. The car looks quite beat-up especially the passenger's front wheel. Pictures are useless since they don't show the flaws that one would look for. I think you should ask someone on Prime to get an initial inspection before spending on the trip.
Steve

 

[kye]

Re: Contemplating a '97

I think you should have someone check it out. Looks strange that the caliper on the front is rusty like that for example. The bolster wear is probably normal for that mileage and nothing to worry about. The spair looks like it has been spray painted for some reason ? should be a orange colour (mine is on a 98 red T)

 

[otoro]

Re: Contemplating a '97

Hi all,
I'm new to the site and contemplating the following '97:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=300180084945&rd=1

I've researched quite heavily and it looks like a good deal to me if I can get them down a little on price. I'll be giving up my S2K which has been a great car, and don't want to get stiffed!

~Wailer

NA2., 67k miles and with a asking price of $37k? Shame on your Wailer; didn't do your OWN homework did you? :smile:

 

[wailer]

Re: Contemplating a '97

Thanks to all for the input. I'm new to the NSX, though I've admired them for years. I did notice the seat bolster and the painted scratched spare rim. It looked to me like the front bumper might have been painted as well (probably for rock chips?). Also noted the front rubber skirt was seperated slightly from the body near the wheel well. Now it seems I may be looking at a car that has had a lot of defects covered up? The rusty brake caliper bothers me. I am curious about otoro's comment about mileage and price though. Am I being way to hopeful to find a nice used one in this range for $37K? Kelly Blue Book says the price is a little high. But given the demand on these exotics, perhaps Kelly doesn't reflect their true price point. I did speak to a friend in Jacksonville, FL who works for Acura, and he thought is was a little high. I'm in no rush. Is there anyone on prime that's close by? I'd love to have someone who is knowledgable to look at it before I drop $'s on a deposit and then fly there to drive. Dealer claims the timing belt and water pump have been replaced recently. Says tires have about 85% left. Pulled a carfax, and it appears to be a 2 owner car as the dealer states. I agree that pictures are deceptive to knowing the true condition. That's why I was going to go see it. But I don't want to spend time and money flying all over to see various cars. Pictures and data are starting points. If anyone on prime can help me do this right, I appreciate all the friendly advice! Thanks again to all who responded so far. I guess I won't pull the trigger quite yet. I bought my S2K new . . . at least I know what I've got now!

 

[otoro]

Re: Contemplating a '97

I am curious about otoro's comment about mileage and price though. Am I being way to hopeful to find a nice used one in this range for $37K? Kelly Blue Book says the price is a little high. But given the demand on these exotics, perhaps Kelly doesn't reflect their true price point.

Disregard what others have to say, in then end of the day its your car and go with your gut instinct. $37k is on the lower end of the spectrum. Similar car with given mileage and year can command up to $40-$42k or so.

As slamstorm has suggested, at 67k miles, TB, WP and clutch replacement is due - these items can easily sum to $2500+ or more.

Wish you well on your search. :smile:

 

[HTN]

Re: Contemplating a '97

The AM FM knob looks really worn out. Interior is not consistent with exterior. Must have been repainted and they also repainted the spare tire. Pictures can tell a different story. Don't let the shiny paint cover up all the flaws. As other members had pointed out... bolster, caliper, spare tire, etc.
I would have a prime member help inspect this if you are really serious.

 

[350ztoronto]

Re: Contemplating a '97

The spare rim should be in yellow. The car looks quite beat-up especially the passenger's front wheel. Pictures are useless since they don't show the flaws that one would look for. I think you should ask someone on Prime to get an initial inspection before spending on the trip.
Steve

good eye i thought at first maybe the picture was screwed but every picture the pass rim is bent in many areas it probably got used and abused =/
or even in a minor accident

 

[wailer]

Re: Contemplating a '97

Thanks everyone. Now, how would I go about getting a Prime member to check this out for me? I'm asking if there is anyone out there that can take a look before I fly out. Can deal with minor issues, just don't want to get taken for a (horrible) ride!
~wailer

 

[MC36]

Re: Contemplating a '97

You should post a thread asking area NSX Prime members in Chicago to take a look for you. Go to the regional section and post there. They should be pretty accomidating. I had a lot of help from area NSX owners when I was searching. Big peace of mind having them backing you.

I recently bought a '97 NA2 a few months back with 70K on it and I paid $36K. It was a one car owner with a dealer purchasing it (who I bought it from and also a Prime member). The exterior was repainted with an excellent job and extra clear coat added, hence the price. The interior was awesome and the bolster ware was better then what I usually found from the mileage.

I used Kelly Blue book as a reference too and they said top end $34K but using that method I lost three NSXs within a month with people out bidding me or coming in at asking when I was trying to stick to the $34K mark. I have wanted an NSX for years and knew that I would be keeping it for a very long time, $2K was worth it for me (plus the new paint job). The person I bought it from could not tell me if the TB/WP has been done so I will have to shell out the $2,500 shortly to be safe. If the dealer has records indicating that they have been done consider that part of the higher price you are going to pay. Either pay now or pay later!:biggrin:

 

[HTN]

Re: Contemplating a '97

Well Said MC36

 

[synth19]

Re: Contemplating a '97

This dealership does not have a good reputation. Almost everyone I know says to "stay away" from this dealership... I would not recommend this based on the rep of the dealership... I've heard too many bad stories and experiences....

 

[HTN]

Re: Contemplating a '97

This dealership does not have a good reputation. Almost everyone I know says to "stay away" from this dealership... I would not recommend this based on the rep of the dealership... I've heard too many bad stories and experiences....

This is a very important factor to consider.

 

[Vendetta]

Re: Contemplating a '97

This dealership does not have a good reputation. Almost everyone I know says to "stay away" from this dealership... I would not recommend this based on the rep of the dealership... I've heard too many bad stories and experiences....

I concur... I bought my Supra from this dealership and nothing was as described. I don't want to bash them on prime so if you want to PM me, feel free to do so....

 

[wailer]

OK all,
I am so glad I found this great forum! I am waving off this particular car. So much good advise. It is great that there are so many knowledgable people here. Thanks again for all your time spent passing the info on. I am now considering alternative choices, and believe the For Sale section of this site is the safest place to look. I have to admit, I was being somewhat enticed by some very pretty pictures! You guys saved me! YOU ROCK! Thanks!
~Wailer

 

[wailer]

Oh, I almost forgot to ask . . . what is the "snap ring" issue. What is "snap ring-range?" Does that have to do with age/mileage, or year models? I am not really a mechanic, and while I understand about WP's and TB's, this snap-ring issue sounds expensive! I take it that it was an issue on earlier models? How about a '95?

Also, is there really that much difference between the 3.0 and 3.2 motors? Is one more reliable than the other?
~Wailer

 

[otoro]

Oh, I almost forgot to ask . . . what is the "snap ring" issue. What is "snap ring-range?" Does that have to do with age/mileage, or year models? I am not really a mechanic, and while I understand about WP's and TB's, this snap-ring issue sounds expensive! I take it that it was an issue on earlier models? How about a '95?

~Wailer

I don't think the snap-ring is an issue on the 97 NSX. Being a 10 year old car, the timing belt and water pump is probably due for replacement.

:wink:

Also, is there really that much difference between the 3.0 and 3.2 motors? Is one more reliable than the other?
~Wailer

The best way to find out, is to go out there and drive one. In terms of reliability, if you believe older cars (NA1, 3.0) are less reliable, than your answer is yes.