been looking for a few months. wanted a nsx for a little while and now considering buying one. have found a few around the low 5oK area "2003", upper 58k area for an 2004, and numerous lower 90's for the 25K-32K area. how is the maintainance and insurance on these things?? any year cars to avoid-the ones that have some major bugs. out in central california. THANKS
looking to become a new owner-nsx
- Thread starter hansen
- Start date
- Joined
- 1 January 2006
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- 1,218
1) You shouldn't buy a NSX for cheaper than 30.000 $ because finding a good condition car will be difficult
2) The 1991 model NSX's has something called "snap ring" (see FAQ http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/faq.htm for more information or search it) - this you want to avoid because if the tranny fails it does cost a little. Don't trust a 1991 NSX seller if he sais that the car is in snap ring range but it's fixed, you should require papers for the job done to fix it etc. Later NSX no snap ring problem
3) There are mainly three types of big changes on the NSX through the years, the first ones are called NA1 (from 1991 - 1997) - the original. This car has 5 speed, 3.0 l. V6 engine etc. Then from 1997 - the last NSX, the NSX was modified and has the name NA2. Many people claim these NSXs are much better, with bigger engine 3.2 l. (still a V6) and a closer ratio 6-speed with bigger OEM wheels, brakes etc. And the 3rd and last big change was in 2002, when the exterior got facelifted, but still 6-speed, V6 3.2 l. engine and so on.
4) NSX is available in both targa roof version and coupe version. If you want to track the car, a coupe might be a better choice, whatever suits your needs. I know coupe is extremely rare in the facelifted 2002+ version, almost every NSX sold from 2002+ is NSX-T.
These are simple details about the car. I would (and will) buy the latest model I can afford.
Maintance; On NA1 NSX's, the clutch is cheaper to replace than NA2 NSX's. (I don't know the exact amount for the clutch parts/labour because I haven't changed a clutch yet). Timing belt should be changed according to the instruction book/ service book (whatever you call it over there lol) guidelines, a failure in old timing belt can damage engine very hard. The rear tire wear is faster than family cars lol
You should read the FAQ, if you can't find it there, you may ask about it here
Do you track the car? Are you planning to use forced induction? Tell us what your needs are
2) The 1991 model NSX's has something called "snap ring" (see FAQ http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/faq.htm for more information or search it) - this you want to avoid because if the tranny fails it does cost a little. Don't trust a 1991 NSX seller if he sais that the car is in snap ring range but it's fixed, you should require papers for the job done to fix it etc. Later NSX no snap ring problem
3) There are mainly three types of big changes on the NSX through the years, the first ones are called NA1 (from 1991 - 1997) - the original. This car has 5 speed, 3.0 l. V6 engine etc. Then from 1997 - the last NSX, the NSX was modified and has the name NA2. Many people claim these NSXs are much better, with bigger engine 3.2 l. (still a V6) and a closer ratio 6-speed with bigger OEM wheels, brakes etc. And the 3rd and last big change was in 2002, when the exterior got facelifted, but still 6-speed, V6 3.2 l. engine and so on.
4) NSX is available in both targa roof version and coupe version. If you want to track the car, a coupe might be a better choice, whatever suits your needs. I know coupe is extremely rare in the facelifted 2002+ version, almost every NSX sold from 2002+ is NSX-T.
These are simple details about the car. I would (and will) buy the latest model I can afford.
Maintance; On NA1 NSX's, the clutch is cheaper to replace than NA2 NSX's. (I don't know the exact amount for the clutch parts/labour because I haven't changed a clutch yet). Timing belt should be changed according to the instruction book/ service book (whatever you call it over there lol) guidelines, a failure in old timing belt can damage engine very hard. The rear tire wear is faster than family cars lol
You should read the FAQ, if you can't find it there, you may ask about it here
Do you track the car? Are you planning to use forced induction? Tell us what your needs are
Maintenance schedule :smile:
Hi Hansen,
As you know the cost of insurance is based on several factors among them age and prior driving history. I also am trying to get a nsx. I have checked on two cars and the first one was a 1995. It was about $40 more every 6 months than my 2001 suv. The 1997 was about $40 more than the 1995 for 6 months. In other words close to the same as normal vehicles. Now mind you my suv is and the nsx will be insured on a less than 7k miles per year policy (will save me $120 a year). Hope this helps but there are alot of factors involved.
cheers
thanks for the help and information. it does seem that most of the nsx under the 30k area needs "TLC". Basically wanted a weekend car for a nice drive, not looking to race or turn it into a street racer. this give a noob a little insight on what to look for. LOL-didn't know that the nsx line was discontinued until a few days ago!!!:biggrin:
