Edmunds 2002 NSX review

[nsxtasy]

The article claims that the NSX began development in '84, instead of '87.

It DID start in '84. Word started leaking to the automotive press in '86 (when I put down a deposit on one). Rumors at that time had Honda selling a twin-turbo supercar with a price then expected to be at the unheard-of level (for a Japanese car) of $25,000.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
One of our local NSX/ITR/S2000 owners (also a rally driver) had a WRX wagon. He hated the suspension, hated the brakes, and had a number of problems with it (things that needed to be fixed). He sold it after putting only 800 miles on it.

Correction: He has been TRYING to sell it, but hasn't sold it yet. See below.

"From: "Ryan K. Brooks" < [email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [chip] WRX Wagon For Sale
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2002 14:54:58 -0600
Reply-To: [email protected]

Okay, the f-cking thing is still in my garage-- what started as an excellent
experience w/ ebay has gone south. Too many kids w/o money.

Anyway, first offer above $20k takes it, but please take it away!"

 

[skim83]

I think the reason for the high number of Porsche units sold per year is that the majority of people buy a Porsche as a status symbol. Kind of like buying a Porsche to say, "Hey world, I've arrived...I'm with the big boys now." My dentist drives a Porsche. He told me specifically that the only reason he bought one was because other people in his income bracket had one so he figured that's what he was supposed to do. The NSX on the other hand is sold to people not looking for a status symbol but to those interested in true performance and build quality.

Also, I've noticed that magazines really have to fish (hard) for negatives about the NSX. Although I'm not a big fan of the recent reskin I have no doubt in my mind that Honda will introduce a beautifully built car that can haul ass with the best of em in 2004.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Shanker]

Case in point about the NSX becoming too rare... I phoned the Canadian Acura customer service number to request a 2002 NSX brochure. When I said "NSX", the gentleman I talked to asked me to repeat myself, said he'd never heard of the NSX and asked if perhaps I meant "RSX". I'm sure he was just a freak occurrence, maybe it was his first day on the job, who knows... but if some of Acura's front-line customer service employees aren't even aware of their flagship that sells only 200 or so copies a year, it's no wonder that few non-enthusiasts recognize them.

In C&D (May '94 I think), it mentions that the NSX factory was built specifically for the NSX and was designed/intended to crank out 25 per day. 9000/yr feels like way too many though there must be at least that many 911's sold worldwide every year.

Also just wanted to mention to the regulars that although I just lurk most of the time, the comments, humor and advice posted on this board are just excellent and always a pleasure to pop by and read. I'm not an owner yet but do hope to join the ranks sometime in the next few years (who knew kids would be so expensive?). Now if the Canadian buck would just head the other way..... cheers all.

 

[nsxtasy]

In C&D (May '94 I think), it mentions that the NSX factory was built specifically for the NSX and was designed/intended to crank out 25 per day. 9000/yr feels like way too many[/QUOTE]

The factory did indeed produce its intended 7000 NSX's in the first year of production (including 3000 for the U.S. market). However, sales and production dropped steadily after that.

 

[RyRy210]

Originally posted by skim83:
I think the reason for the high number of Porsche units sold per year is that the majority of people buy a Porsche as a status symbol. Kind of like buying a Porsche to say, "Hey world, I've arrived...I'm with the big boys now." My dentist drives a Porsche. He told me specifically that the only reason he bought one was because other people in his income bracket had one so he figured that's what he was supposed to do. The NSX on the other hand is sold to people not looking for a status symbol but to those interested in true performance and build quality.

Somehow I don't quite agree that the NSX is not a status symbol. I think both Porsche and the NSX are both status symbols in their own right and both great performing cars. I just want to give a counterpoint of what u said. Most people that I know who got the Porsche over the NSX because they felt that they get more car for less money. They are not saying that the Porsche is a better car. Some actually think the NSX is better performing, but not worth the extra $1,450-$20,180 depending on what Porsche they wanted to get. The NSX is more expensive than any Non-turbo Porsche. I just check www.kbb.com today and the base carrera is $68,665, and the most expensive non-turbo Porsche is the Carrera 4 Cab at $87,395. The '02 NSX-T MSRPs at $88,845. I know more people that buy the NSX for the status than for the performance. People I know who care about status gets the things that cost the most money, and I think that is quite true. Lets put it this way (this only applies to new buyers at MSRP prices), all new NSX-T owners can afford any new non turbo Porsche, but not all new non-turbo Porsche Owners can afford a new NSX-T. Just my $.02.

 

[NetViper]

Originally posted by RyRy210:
I just check www.kbb.com today and the base carrera is $68,665, and the most expensive non-turbo Porsche is the Carrera 4 Cab at $87,395. The '02 NSX-T MSRPs at $88,845.

The one thing you forgot to mention is that with the NSX, there are next to no options. Try building your own porsche using the BASE model. Add the options that you would like, and you will quickly see the price rising. Mine ended up at 85K retail/74 invoice. And that was just basic options.

It is pretty common knowledge that a 2001 NSX can be had for 1000's under MSRP, even as low as 70-75K. As for the 2002, that waits to be seen. Since we want to compare apples to apples, KBB lists the retail of the 2001 NSX at 84,845.00.

At any rate, the "bargain" the porsche looks like quickly vanishes when you add options.

------------------
NetViper -= 100% Stock EBP 2000 Civic Si =- Still looking to get an NSX, but at least I can live life at 8,000 RPM!

[This message has been edited by NetViper (edited 18 January 2002).]

[This message has been edited by NetViper (edited 18 January 2002).]

 

[RyRy210]

However, to own a Porsche, I can choose to add no options at all. That is a choice that the buyer chooses to make. To "own" one is not expensive. I built a Porsche Boxster S will all options and it totaled to almost a $100K, but a person looking at it will still see it as a $50K car. The $88,845 price I quoted was for the NSX-T, which I think most dealers are selling. Don't forget I was quoting new '02 prices, and so what u said with regards to '01 prices & discounts doesn't exactly relate to my post. Re-read my post and u will see I did explain that my thinking only applies to new buyers at MSRP prices. I'm trying to base my prices with the most concrete facts possible. Mercedes is the same way. I paid almost $51,975 for my ML Mercedes that MSRPs at $36,945. Did I buy a $52K car? Ofcourse not. I just bought a $37K car with $15K in options. Seriously, skim83 bought up the point of how other people view others by what car they drive. You know u r driving a Porsche that u paid $85K for, but I wouldn't if i see it on the road. I know that I paid $52K for my ML, but u would never know I forked out that kind of money. To you I will still be driving a $37K car. No flames intended. Just IMHO.

Ryan

 

[NetViper]

Originally posted by RyRy210:
However, to own a Porsche, I can choose to add no options at all. That is a choice that the buyer chooses to make.
Ryan

Ryan, I agree with you that you can just get it without options, but it's a pretty basic car without options. I really dont like cars where the MSRP means next to nothing because the options add over 10K. I think thats just silly. BMW is terrible for this. A 36K 330 becomes 46K after adding options. Might as well get an M3!

Acura, on the other hand, really equips their cars well. The RSX-S has almost no options, the TL Type S only has a nav option. I think that is the way cars should be. If it says its 30K, its 30K.. simple as that... just my opinion.

PS. I know you were comparing 02 to 02, however, there is no 02 NSX on kbb.com so i used 01. The porsche price was the same in 01... so it't not really a stretch.



------------------
NetViper -= 100% Stock EBP 2000 Civic Si =- Still looking to get an NSX, but at least I can live life at 8,000 RPM!

 

[skim83]

Oh, I agree that the NSX is a status symbol. What I meant to say is that the people I know who bought a Porsche (3, 4 if you count my dentist) bought it just because people associate Porsche with big $$. Of course, after they drove it they appreciated the car for what it is but initially they purchased just for the status.

And these days it seems to me that everyone I talk to thinks BMW and Porsche entry-level cars are all 70K+. When I tell them that you can buy a BMW for 30K they look at me all funny...like I'm nuts. It's probably just the conversation sticking with me and me forgetting all the other conversations I had the same day.

 

[huckster]

just felt like chiming in...

i actually like the nsx because most people, in my experience, dont even know what it is. in truth i was a little selfconscious about buying an exotic sportscar, and for most people the nsx is an unknown, UNLIKE the porsche or bmw which does "scream status symbol". not my words, this is a quote from other people in an acura whatchmacallit--you know, those surveys where they call you in for two hours to ask you questions about car ownership.

so, i guess you could say i see it as a status symbol, but a subtle one only for those who know what it is, and those who see it and say "wow". the nsx is not name-branded the same way porsche, benz or bmw is name-branded.

just one owners opinion

 

[nsxtasy]

i guess you could say i see it as a status symbol, but a subtle one only for those who know what it is, and those who see it and say "wow".

Actually, I think the NSX is a status symbol. Most folks see one, and they don't know what it is, but the looks (NOT the logo on the hood) make them say "wow".

There are plenty of people who know me as "the guy with the fancy sports car". Again, they forget the name or the brand, but this is what they remember.

Different kind of status.

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 19 January 2002).]

 

[huckster]

NSX "the different kind of status"...

sounds good to me, i like it!!

 

[skim83]

Originally posted by huckster:
just felt like chiming in...

i actually like the nsx because most people, in my experience, dont even know what it is. in truth i was a little selfconscious about buying an exotic sportscar, and for most people the nsx is an unknown, UNLIKE the porsche or bmw which does "scream status symbol". not my words, this is a quote from other people in an acura whatchmacallit--you know, those surveys where they call you in for two hours to ask you questions about car ownership.

so, i guess you could say i see it as a status symbol, but a subtle one only for those who know what it is, and those who see it and say "wow". the nsx is not name-branded the same way porsche, benz or bmw is name-branded.

just one owners opinion

Thanks, you say what was on my mind MUCH more clearly =) especially the "name-branded." I was trying to think of that word but couldn't fish it out of my stressed out head.