Well, I have wanted an NSX since I was 15 years old. That was 1991, and I remember my father laughing when I took him one Saturday to the dealership to "look" at them. I fell in love with the red/black combo right away. (what year did they introduce the amazing blue LBB?)
Between 1991 and 1996, I had three car buying opportunities for various reasons.
The NSX was the first thing that came up in MY mind each time. My parents laughed every time I mentioned it to them, but I knew that I would be able to get one someday...
Last month, for my birthday, I bought a car. Not an NSX, but something a "little" more practical that I was equally excited about. Seeing as how I did this, I certainly did not expect to be in the market for an additional car any time soon.
That was until the last week when I started tinkering with Ebay...I wasn't even looking for an NSX, but she found me. Here I was reading about my dream NSX in MINT condition, only to find it was just a few minutes away from me! I couldn't resist, and the rest is history.
She is a beautiful 1991 (red/black) with several great stories included with the purchase. 15,800 miles and truly MINT.
First off, she was originally purchased by George Lucas of Star Wars fame. He bought the car new in 1990, and kept it (with only 3000 miles on it) until 2004. I have the original purchase receipt with his signature, which I think is pretty cool.
According to Marin Acura, who went over the car for me before purchase, George bought two of them that were identical. One that he drove, and one that he babied. Guess which one this was.
In 04, he sold my new car to his personal assistant, who put 10K miles in it in 2 years. The PA then sold it to the guy I bought it from, who meticulously maintained and very slightly upgraded/modified the car. More importantly, he kept it under cover in a climate controlled garage, and barely drove it.
His minor upgrades include a K&N air filter and the really nice (and expensive) aftermarket 18" wheels that he purchased. He also included with the purchase a box of springs from Speed of Science that are still sealed, the heavy duty NSX car cover, the original stock wheels and tires with 85% tread remaining, and the original Titanium key.
Dean, the service manager at Marin Acura, who has been there since before the NSX was introduced, told me that the car is truly pristine, and that he has seen the car regularly for routine service since 1991. He also said that his tech was very pleased with everything during the checkup, and that he usually finds more problems with cars only 1 or 2 years old.
So, my new car is home, but not for long. I am going to be cautious with my baby, and send her back to Marin Acura for a new timing belt, which it probably doesn't need. The master mechanic said the belt looked fine, but it has been 6 years or so...better safe than sorry, right? I know that it isn't warranted if you look at the mileage, but the factory says every 6 years, and even if the belt "looks" ok, you never know for sure until its too late! Everybody agree with my theory?
By the way, I knew about the cars potential need of a timing belt before I decided to buy it and committed to the inspection. The inspection actually went so well that I decided to drive the car for a few days rather than leave it for the timing belt immediately. I felt like even with the $2K timing belt "issue" I still got a good deal on the car. The guys are Marin Acura agreed.
So, that's the story. Needless to say, I am thrilled with my new ride, and I look forward to some NSX events in the Northern California area to attend.
Currently, I am a member of Club Sportiva (www.clubsportiva.com) but the club doesnt have an NSX! If any of you live in the Bay Area and love cars, you should check out that site. They are opening in San Jose, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Internationally in the near future. They also have 30 or so Italian exotics available for tours in Europe. I have been a member for almost a year, and I am about to renew at a higher level so I can get my hands on the new 430 coupe, the new Aston Martin DB9 Volante, and the new Lamborghinis (plural). The staff at the club have become my friends, along with the other members, and I highly recommend this club to all car enthusiasts.
I look forward to your replies.
Cheers,
Ryan
Between 1991 and 1996, I had three car buying opportunities for various reasons.
The NSX was the first thing that came up in MY mind each time. My parents laughed every time I mentioned it to them, but I knew that I would be able to get one someday...Last month, for my birthday, I bought a car. Not an NSX, but something a "little" more practical that I was equally excited about. Seeing as how I did this, I certainly did not expect to be in the market for an additional car any time soon.
That was until the last week when I started tinkering with Ebay...I wasn't even looking for an NSX, but she found me. Here I was reading about my dream NSX in MINT condition, only to find it was just a few minutes away from me! I couldn't resist, and the rest is history.
She is a beautiful 1991 (red/black) with several great stories included with the purchase. 15,800 miles and truly MINT.
First off, she was originally purchased by George Lucas of Star Wars fame. He bought the car new in 1990, and kept it (with only 3000 miles on it) until 2004. I have the original purchase receipt with his signature, which I think is pretty cool.
According to Marin Acura, who went over the car for me before purchase, George bought two of them that were identical. One that he drove, and one that he babied. Guess which one this was.
In 04, he sold my new car to his personal assistant, who put 10K miles in it in 2 years. The PA then sold it to the guy I bought it from, who meticulously maintained and very slightly upgraded/modified the car. More importantly, he kept it under cover in a climate controlled garage, and barely drove it.
His minor upgrades include a K&N air filter and the really nice (and expensive) aftermarket 18" wheels that he purchased. He also included with the purchase a box of springs from Speed of Science that are still sealed, the heavy duty NSX car cover, the original stock wheels and tires with 85% tread remaining, and the original Titanium key.
Dean, the service manager at Marin Acura, who has been there since before the NSX was introduced, told me that the car is truly pristine, and that he has seen the car regularly for routine service since 1991. He also said that his tech was very pleased with everything during the checkup, and that he usually finds more problems with cars only 1 or 2 years old.
So, my new car is home, but not for long. I am going to be cautious with my baby, and send her back to Marin Acura for a new timing belt, which it probably doesn't need. The master mechanic said the belt looked fine, but it has been 6 years or so...better safe than sorry, right? I know that it isn't warranted if you look at the mileage, but the factory says every 6 years, and even if the belt "looks" ok, you never know for sure until its too late! Everybody agree with my theory?
By the way, I knew about the cars potential need of a timing belt before I decided to buy it and committed to the inspection. The inspection actually went so well that I decided to drive the car for a few days rather than leave it for the timing belt immediately. I felt like even with the $2K timing belt "issue" I still got a good deal on the car. The guys are Marin Acura agreed.
So, that's the story. Needless to say, I am thrilled with my new ride, and I look forward to some NSX events in the Northern California area to attend.
Currently, I am a member of Club Sportiva (www.clubsportiva.com) but the club doesnt have an NSX! If any of you live in the Bay Area and love cars, you should check out that site. They are opening in San Jose, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Internationally in the near future. They also have 30 or so Italian exotics available for tours in Europe. I have been a member for almost a year, and I am about to renew at a higher level so I can get my hands on the new 430 coupe, the new Aston Martin DB9 Volante, and the new Lamborghinis (plural). The staff at the club have become my friends, along with the other members, and I highly recommend this club to all car enthusiasts.
I look forward to your replies.
Cheers,
Ryan
. Smart decision on the TB and WP.
