As we have seen many come and go on this forum, I guess my turn has come.
I had not really expected to sell my car at this point, but after some consideration and some rather insistent buyers, it will move on to the next owner later this week. To make a long story about the actual sale hopefully short, I took the car for scheduled service about two weeks ago (timing belt, water pump, other items) and two dealer managers begged, pleaded, and offered me whatever they could to sell even before the work started. Needless to say, I guess timing sometimes is right.
To give some history, I owned this particular model - 95 Red/tan since April 2005. When I first bought it, I was afraid to really drive it anywhere. In fact, I might say it took a good 6 months to get used to having it and understanding what different driving dynamics it had. As I became more comfortable with it, all became second nature.
During the time I owned it, I slowly met the Houston group and learned more and more about what the ownership experience really meant. In mid 2007, I had the chance to make a trip to Columbus, Ohio for a relative's wedding. This happened to coincide with NSXPO 2007. On almost a whim, I decided to make the trip and drive up. The car was half packed with clothes for almost two weeks and the other half was car washing and detailing supplies (not surprising to many). It was a memorable trip with many highlights. I met Larry B (Larry Bastanza), Ken Sax, Joe (pbasso), Roger (rpm217), Bob (RSO 34- who loaned me some expensive camera equipment to test out), and some others. I think Greg (brickdds) and I were the only ones from Texas that year. It was such a fantastic experience and was, unfortunately, the one I attended.
Moving on, I began to see what modifications were worthwhile. Since I tend to keep things relatively stock, I found a few items to have. Since David (davidf) was excited to try all the exhausts available for the NSX, I was able to buy one of his:smile:. After a few more Chacho's meets, I began to make a better circle of owner friends. To this day, they are all relied upon for helpful information, installation help, or just general car chat. This of course includes - Z (zishan), Matt (matt_337), Aamir (Nero Tenebre), Kevin (PoKnow), Ty (1TITENSX), Nick (Fastrunner) to name at least the local long term group I know.
What else will I miss? Well, the operating costs were somewhat low. Some major items had to be replaced but I guess I traded depreciation for paying the repair costs along the way. I will miss all the other drivers trying to get close enough to take a picture while I am driving or giving the thumbs up. So, there were some intangible benefits with no cost. Also, I guess I will have hours of my life back every day from not combing through NSXPRIME as though it was the first time I ever found the site.
It will not be the same for me to attend cars/coffees and try to save all the parking spaces or flag down cars to have park together in our area. Nick, since you are closer by at least 2 minutes, YOU should take this over now!
So what is next? I have not really decided for now. The Audi R8 is probably still at the top of the list. As I drove a V10 six speed the version the other day, have to say it certainly is worthy of the praise and comparisons to the NSX I have read. Sure the Italian route might be nice just to try it. There are plenty of options.
I will still be around for car gatherings and look forward to meeting even more new owners. I guess Norm (Norm) can claim he has the cleanest red NSX (or maybe any color for that matter) at the local meets since I think we seem to secretly compete for this title:biggrin:.
I only bid farewell to the ownership but not the life experiences that I had along the way.
Tony
I had not really expected to sell my car at this point, but after some consideration and some rather insistent buyers, it will move on to the next owner later this week. To make a long story about the actual sale hopefully short, I took the car for scheduled service about two weeks ago (timing belt, water pump, other items) and two dealer managers begged, pleaded, and offered me whatever they could to sell even before the work started. Needless to say, I guess timing sometimes is right.
To give some history, I owned this particular model - 95 Red/tan since April 2005. When I first bought it, I was afraid to really drive it anywhere. In fact, I might say it took a good 6 months to get used to having it and understanding what different driving dynamics it had. As I became more comfortable with it, all became second nature.
During the time I owned it, I slowly met the Houston group and learned more and more about what the ownership experience really meant. In mid 2007, I had the chance to make a trip to Columbus, Ohio for a relative's wedding. This happened to coincide with NSXPO 2007. On almost a whim, I decided to make the trip and drive up. The car was half packed with clothes for almost two weeks and the other half was car washing and detailing supplies (not surprising to many). It was a memorable trip with many highlights. I met Larry B (Larry Bastanza), Ken Sax, Joe (pbasso), Roger (rpm217), Bob (RSO 34- who loaned me some expensive camera equipment to test out), and some others. I think Greg (brickdds) and I were the only ones from Texas that year. It was such a fantastic experience and was, unfortunately, the one I attended.
Moving on, I began to see what modifications were worthwhile. Since I tend to keep things relatively stock, I found a few items to have. Since David (davidf) was excited to try all the exhausts available for the NSX, I was able to buy one of his:smile:. After a few more Chacho's meets, I began to make a better circle of owner friends. To this day, they are all relied upon for helpful information, installation help, or just general car chat. This of course includes - Z (zishan), Matt (matt_337), Aamir (Nero Tenebre), Kevin (PoKnow), Ty (1TITENSX), Nick (Fastrunner) to name at least the local long term group I know.
What else will I miss? Well, the operating costs were somewhat low. Some major items had to be replaced but I guess I traded depreciation for paying the repair costs along the way. I will miss all the other drivers trying to get close enough to take a picture while I am driving or giving the thumbs up. So, there were some intangible benefits with no cost. Also, I guess I will have hours of my life back every day from not combing through NSXPRIME as though it was the first time I ever found the site.
It will not be the same for me to attend cars/coffees and try to save all the parking spaces or flag down cars to have park together in our area. Nick, since you are closer by at least 2 minutes, YOU should take this over now!
So what is next? I have not really decided for now. The Audi R8 is probably still at the top of the list. As I drove a V10 six speed the version the other day, have to say it certainly is worthy of the praise and comparisons to the NSX I have read. Sure the Italian route might be nice just to try it. There are plenty of options.
I will still be around for car gatherings and look forward to meeting even more new owners. I guess Norm (Norm) can claim he has the cleanest red NSX (or maybe any color for that matter) at the local meets since I think we seem to secretly compete for this title:biggrin:.
I only bid farewell to the ownership but not the life experiences that I had along the way.
Tony
