is this a good deal?

[Ko-nsx]

I'm from St.louis Mo. I found a 1998 black nsx-t for $54,000. I looked at it and it seemed fine. Not in pristine shape but not bad. They asking 54k from a local dealer. is this a good deal? really want a kaiser silver one but this will do. What should i beware of.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by Ko-nsx:
What should i beware of.

The "used car checklist" in the FAQ is a good place to start.

 

[bayareansx1999]

Originally posted by Ko-nsx:
I'm from St.louis Mo. I found a 1998 black nsx-t for $54,000. I looked at it and it seemed fine. Not in pristine shape but not bad. They asking 54k from a local dealer. is this a good deal? really want a kaiser silver one but this will do. What should i beware of.

i bought my 99 with 10k miles in perfect mint condition for 57k + taxes

 

[insx]

bayareansx1999,
that is a good deal.
what is the color of your car?

 

[nsxtasy]

I don't know if I would say that that is a good deal or not. What do you mean, "Not in pristine shape but not bad"? IMO any 1998 ought to be in pristine shape - otherwise, what's the point of paying a premium to get a newer one? You can get a pristine '97 for less money than that...

 

[sjs]

Is that the one in Ballwin with tan interior and 53k miles? Haven't looked at it, but it sounds high. If you're into pristine, take your time and shop around, if not, research the actual value and offer them that. (Do you have a rough guess Ken?) Let me know if you want another set of eyes on it.

 

[len3.8]

Originally posted by sjs:
Is that the one in Ballwin with tan interior and 53k miles? Haven't looked at it, but it sounds high. If you're into pristine, take your time and shop around, if not, research the actual value and offer them that. (Do you have a rough guess Ken?) Let me know if you want another set of eyes on it.

I also looked at this car, If in fact it is the one in Ballwin, Dealer withheld.
It has been there for awhile.
I wouldn't pay that much for it.
JMO
Not alot to choose from here on our Island.
Good luck

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by sjs:
Is that the one in Ballwin with tan interior and 53k miles? Haven't looked at it, but it sounds high. If you're into pristine, take your time and shop around, if not, research the actual value and offer them that. (Do you have a rough guess Ken?) Let me know if you want another set of eyes on it.

53K miles is VERY HIGH for a '98. Average mileage on NSXs is about 5K miles a year.

Right now there are 18 '98 cars on autotrader.com 5 don't show prices or are auction cars. One is asking $42K and I gotta believe there is something wrong with it. Of the other 12, the one in Ballwin is the only one with mileage that high. Considering that there are three others with fewer miles for that price or less, I don't think that price is all that great.

Perhaps you're hung up on buying one locally? I wouldn't be. I would search nationwide, and have a local NSXer in the area where you find one check it out in person to make sure it's being accurately represented, also have a local dealer tech it, before you hop on a plane to close the deal and drive it home.

If I wanted to spend that kind of money on an NSX, I would be looking for a '97 with fewer miles. There are several '97s in that price range with 15-25K miles, and that's a much better deal than this one.

 

[sjs]

Funny thing about NSX prices here, they are almost always significantly high especially at dealers. They seem to think that because there are so few around here they can ask a premium. Obviously they forget that there are so few here for a reason, and that it is simple to locate one elsewhere.

 

[bayareansx1999]

Originally posted by insx:
bayareansx1999,
that is a good deal.
what is the color of your car?

blk/blk with perfect leather (interior). the paint is A++ with no chips no dents, not even a chip on the windows

. 10k miles, only 57k.

 

[matteni]

Ko-nsx,

I would start with the NSX's for sale on this list. Most are enthusiast owned who are very particular about who and how maintenance and repairs are done.

Also - we are having a St. Louis get together next Sat. night 8/24 - private me if you are interested in details at [email protected]. You will see 7 NSX's that night!

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[huckster]

quick .02 cents---part of the premium you're paying for a newer nsx is for the lower mileage. as someone else said--thats not low mileage for that year. mileage is one of the more significant depreciators on exotics.

e.g. you could buy a earlier 90's nsx for mid thirties with 20k or less miles for 33-37k (really pristine condition). on this option, you've already seen the depreciation for age, and you have room to put plenty of miles on the car without much additional depreciation.

if you buy a newer model, you will see some age depreciation, but a low mileage nsx will give you the opportunity to put plenty of miles on it without seeing much mileage depreciation.

id say find one with lower miles or negotiate the price down significantly if youre going to buy a recent model.

 

[matteni]

Good point IMO huckster,

It's that midwest conservatism and "show me" attitude that I have too!

I bought my car from a doctor in 11/97 for $34,500 with 20k miles. Now the car has 44k miles and has been well maintained with a few mods / goodies (call it +$6k). I am confident I could get nearly what my original purchase price was or a few $ less.

Compared to my stocks - I wish I had bought a fleet of 91's!

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[Ko-nsx]

Originally posted by sjs:
Is that the one in Ballwin with tan interior and 53k miles? Haven't looked at it, but it sounds high. If you're into pristine, take your time and shop around, if not, research the actual value and offer them that. (Do you have a rough guess Ken?) Let me know if you want another set of eyes on it.

I would like another set of eyes, it is the one in ballwin. I drove it yesterday. There not budging on the price. It was a lease, and it has been driven. Someone smoked in it too. Have seen lower mileage cars, and cleaner. But I really the nsx. I think I could get a cleaner one for that amount of money.

 

[matteni]

Have you looked at the yellow one at West County Motors (3 miles east on Manchester)?

My office is RIGHT accross the street - I could meet you over there this week.

I walked around it and it was in great shape from the outside but I didn't get under it and look as hard as if I were buying it.

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[Ko-nsx]

Thanks for all the feedback! The color is black. They aren't budging on the price. I have seriously seen cleaner cars for cheaper. Maybe i'm just in a hurry. But if I'm gonna finance an nsx, I at least want a clean one to help ease the pain of the fat monthly note. What price should be asked for the car?? black 98 with 53,950 miles, some rock chips, mismatched tire(fronts and rears different), and smoke and cigarette smell? Seems to run OK. Not an expert, just love the car.

 

[Ko-nsx]

I made an appointment with a salesman( name withheld) to look and test drive. When I got there on the appointment day, He say's "o, the owner took it out, and he's driving it" Then what was my point in making an appointment!! I'm 29, he probably did not take me seriously. That really bothered me an a business level. But anyhow, i did look at it. Lot cleaner than the 98 black one. just not real keen on yellow. Really like the monaco blue posted here but another member. Has wheels and everything. My heart is set on a kaiser silver one Already got wheels picked out.

 

[Ko-nsx]

Originally posted by matteni:
Have you looked at the yellow one at West County Motors (3 miles east on Manchester)?

My office is RIGHT accross the street - I could meet you over there this week.

I walked around it and it was in great shape from the outside but I didn't get under it and look as hard as if I were buying it.

I just posted a response. I looked at the yellow one, made and appointment and when i went back a salesman was like o, the owner is driving it right now. Then why make an appointment!!! They felt a little pushy anyway. But it was clean as a clean can get.

 

[len3.8]

The yellow one that Nick spoke of is sold.
I too had appts. with them on 2 cars when I got there both times about 30min after getting off the phone they were sold. They almost always put theres on Ebay. They have had 3 cars in the last 3 months all have been
pretty clean. I lost a 94 to a most staggeringly beautiful lady. About 5'10 and
very in shape. I hope I see her at get togethers. On a serious tip I would keep looking until you find the car you want.
A word of caution don't put all of your $$$
into the initial purchase price. It is a used
car and there could be some surprises. (read I am in shock) If you are going to spend the $$$$ buy what you want. Leave the emotion at home. Based on what you have gathered here and the fact that that car has lasted at there location for over a month, if they don't want to budge let them keep the car.
He has a whole lot full of highend used cars
on the east side of manchesters lot.
Between You, Me, My little brother he has walked a few people. So just keep looking.
I did and I am happy with what I ended up with. Even though I bi%$# and moan about it.
Good Luck
Take your time.
Len

[This message has been edited by len3.8 (edited 18 August 2002).]

 

[nsxtasy]

Len is right.

If you really want a silver one, find a silver one.

 

[Ko-nsx]

Originally posted by len3.8:
The yellow one that Nick spoke of is sold.
I too had appts. with them on 2 cars when I got there both times about 30min after getting off the phone they were sold. They almost always put theres on Ebay. They have had 3 cars in the last 3 months all have been
pretty clean. I lost a 94 to a most staggeringly beautiful lady. About 5'10 and
very in shape. I hope I see here at get togethers. On a serious tip I would keep looking until you find the car you want.
A word of caution don't put all of your $$$
into the initial purchase price. It is a used
car and there could be some surprises. (read I am in shock) If you are going to spend the $$$$ buy what you want. Leave the emotion at home. Based on what you have gathered here and the fact that that car has lasted at there location for over a month, if they don't want to budge let them keep the car.
He has a whole lot full of highend used cars
on the east side of manchesters lot.
Between You, Me, My little brother he has walked a few people. So just keep looking.
I did and I am happy with what I ended up with. Even though I bi%$# and moan about it.
Good Luck
Take your time.
Len

What do you have now. thanks for the help. Both lots seem not to want to negotitate. I told the dealer that i wanted to get some eyes on it before i buy. They shunned that, I left a deposit to further negotiate tomorrow, but i think i'll pass, the miles are to high.

 

[Ko-nsx]

I hope this doesn't offend anybody.
They also have a 01' vette conv. How do you guys feel about that erie question
"why would you spent 60k on a 4 year old car, when you can get a new z06???"
i drove a vette and i just drove for the first time, and nsx. there is no comparison
what is the maintenance cost for an nsx???
I mean like brakes tune-ups and mods??
Another question, That black lip on the bottom of the front of the car is missing on the one i looked at. Is this a common problem on nsx's. when i find the car i want is it a problem on driving?

 

[len3.8]

Originally posted by Ko-nsx:
I hope this doesn't offend anybody.
They also have a 01' vette conv. How do you guys feel about that erie question
"why would you spent 60k on a 4 year old car, when you can get a new z06???"
i drove a vette and i just drove for the first time, and nsx. there is no comparison
what is the maintenance cost for an nsx???
I mean like brakes tune-ups and mods??
Another question, That black lip on the bottom of the front of the car is missing on the one i looked at. Is this a common problem on nsx's. when i find the car i want is it a problem on driving?

The Vettes are a dime a dozen. You can get a 02 Z06 for less than 43k now with a little looking.I seriously considered a Z06, Have a few friends that would have just loved me to join them. I just could get past the fact that I see them all the time, Depreciation, and the interior bugs the hell out of me it's so cheap. The car is fast and handles well. I just couldn't talk myself into it. Drive it you may like all the things it has to offer.
I asked myself the same question though I did
not spend 60k, and you shouldn't on that particular car. That is an extremely mint price. I am glad I did not buy the vette.
Ask the guys that bought the 02 ZO6 how much
its worth now. Then think about what some of these guys are getting for 91,92,93's.
That settled it for me. Buy the NSX , drive it ,take care of it and minimize your loses.
You will not see yourself coming & going.

The front lip spoiler missing? Make sure the car has not been hit up front and the spoiler
was just omitted. They are not that expensive to replace. $100-200 I think.
Take your time.
Len
Like Ken and others have said.
Look all over the country.

 

[Ko-nsx]

Thanks len. nice to see this much help in the purchase of such a fine auto. Nice to know I've got a references in stl. You guys will be the first to get a post if i can find a silver one.

 

[matteni]

Why don't you join us Sat. night for dinner and learn all about buying the NSX you really want and what to look for.

BTW - the "woodwork" once told us that there is an NSX sticker under the hood just in front of the radiator that is nearly impossible to replace. If a car has been hit in the front - this sticker will be gone 99% of the time.

Like Ken said - take a deep breath and wait. I can taste your desire to get into an NSX but it will wear off quickly if you don't get EXACTLY the one you are looking for and exactly the condition for the prices you are talking about. It took me about 4 agonizing months to find mine but the good news is 5 years later it is worth nearly as much and I have had NO major problems to report (scheduled maintenance, brake pads, rotors, 1 toe link, AC compressor covered under warranty).