New Member... Advice on buying a used NSX?

[94lude]

Hi all,

My name is Ken (94lude) and have been a NSX fanatic since it was first introduced in the early 90's. Although I was only 14 at the time, the sleak lines of the NSX caught my attention like no other.

My obscession with the car slowly decreased as I realized an average person cannot afford a 80K car... Instead, I settled with Honda's top of the line vehicle at the time, the Prelude.

It wasn't until I had the oppurtunity to drive the NSX Type S on the Twin Motegi Race Track in Japan two years ago. I was fortunate enough to be on the Gran Turismo team (PS2 Racing Sim Title) at the time and experienced first hand the capabilities of the Type S... I was teary eyed when they took the keys away from me... It didn't take much for me to fall in love with the car.

The only complaint I had about that car... NO AC... in the middle of August in Japan it can be a killer.

So now... I'm in search of a NSX for myself... Finally, the NSX is within grasp for somewhat of a reasonable price. (Average $30K for a 91) Other choices in mind are also:

Audi S4 (used)
Audi A4 (new)

The only problem is... what year would be the best value in regards to value, durability, and features?

Any comments and suggestions are welcomed. I need all the information I can get.

Note: For the time being, my daily driver is still the Honda Prelude. Please click on link to view my vehicle. Comments are welcomed as well.
http://www.hondaprelude.com/setups/setupsdsply.asp?id=4&gen=4&orderby=nickname&order=ASC

Thanks,

94lude

 

[NSX01]

I was in your shoe late last year, I owned a 1993 all fix up prelude and sold it 4 mo ago. Now I'm a proud owner of a 1992 nsx. Go to traderonline.com and ebay to shop for a nsx, good lucky.

 

[flaminio]

Best value is probably a low-mileage '91. There's lots out there, but it will take a little while to find just the "right" one. Take your time -- the car will still be awesome when you get it. And keep your 'lude of course for your daily driver.

The Audis are a completely different class of vehicle, and not comparable to an NSX.

Don't worry about the A/C -- that was just the Type S, which is not available over here. AFAIK, all NSXen in the US have A/C.

Finally, read the FAQ on this site cover-to-cover. Not only will it answer all your questions, it will most likely reassure you that yes, you can have an NSX, too.

-Bob ('94 #496)

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by 94lude:
The only problem is... what year would be the best value in regards to value, durability, and features?

I agree that the '91 is the one to get. Prices are lowest, and supply is highest. Spend a little more for one in top condition and low mileage.

All should be durable, but some problems afflict certain years. Check the FAQ. Specifically the section about the snap ring problem, which affects almost all the '92 cars but only about 20 percent of the '91s. (Also search the topic "Snap Ring Information" in the Technical forum on NSXprime.)

For changes in features, LITFAQ here.

 

[FuryNSX]

Originally posted by 94lude:

It wasn't until I had the oppurtunity to drive the NSX Type S on the Twin Motegi Race Track in Japan two years ago. I was fortunate enough to be on the Gran Turismo team (PS2 Racing Sim Title) at the time and experienced first hand the capabilities of the Type S...

Dude,

You suck!!! (J/K)

Anyways, I work on a PS2 football game, and I can't convince my producer to send me to all 32 football games.....errrr....football stadiums for research. They make me look stuff up on the internet instead for pics. Rats!!


------------------
1995 NSX-T
1999 3.2TL
2001 Odyssey
1992 SC400

[This message has been edited by FuryNSX (edited 24 June 2002).]

 

[5inchfatlip]

I dont think the S4 can really compare still to an early year NSX...kind of crazy that year NSX is over 10 yrs old....I know its weird about what can be bought for that amount of money...

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Ken,

I agree with the comments above. Just one point about the mileage. These cars are very reliable, and last a long time. I purchased my 1991 3 years ago with 17K miles and paid a premium for it(I feel about $3K more then average). Based on my past 3 years of ownership, if I were to do it all over again, I would have saved a few $K and picked one up with let's say 40K miles, well maintained. You may actually have a hard time finding one at this time with very low miles, but I would not be too concerned, it's a Honda after all!

BTW, beware of ebay. There has been some real crap out there lately, especially in regard to used NSX's. If you cannot see it CLOSE, or have someone you trust see it CLOSE, I recommend you pass.

I am sure if you find one, there are plenty of folks here that can check it out long distance for you.

I am in the tri-state area, if you need a car looked at. Also, check here in the "NSX for Sale" forum. We know many of the folks and the cars.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[NetViper]

One thing to remember with Ebay is if the price looks too good to be true, there is probably something wrong with the car. Be careful.

 

[ilya]

Aside from the general stuff, make sure to check all MAINTENANCE, condition of the CLUTCH, and the AC. Each one of those will run you over 2K if it's not done or in good shape.

 

[Dan]

Ken, Take your time looking for that special car. It took me about 8 months to find mine. I bought a 91 red/black 44,000 miles for 30k.
The car had all the records, had the timing belt/water pump replaced at 20,000 miles and new tires. the car was owned by a 70 plus year old man and looks and drives like brand new. Dan

 

[94lude]

Yeah... I've been looking for a 91 to 94 NSX for about a month now. Though it did take me 6 months to find my Prelude.

Its too bad some people are asking too much for a car that is over ten years old, especially dealers. I know its going to take awhile to track the right one down.

For a 91, I don't want to go beyond paying 30K for it.... unless of course its "immaculate"

For a 94, I will pay up to 35...

No rush as of now, I might still keep the Prelude as the daily driver even after I get the NSX... although my GF has threaten to leave me if I bought the NSX....

Girl friend... or NSX... What do you think guys?

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by 94lude:
although my GF has threaten to leave me if I bought the NSX....

Girl friend... or NSX... What do you think guys?

NSX. If she's not understanding enough to let you enjoy other passions in addition to her, she's not the one for you.

It's amazing how many women would dump a guy who wants to enjoy a car. They'll probably wind up with a guy who's got another girl on the side, instead of a car. Then maybe they'll learn...

 

[SexyRed]

I had a similar threat too. Remember she is your GF not your wife. Best car I have ever driven and owned. I love love it. Take your time for the right nsx. I got mine from the this site. It was local (in state). Happy shopping.

 

[Si]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
It's amazing how many women would dump a guy who wants to enjoy a car. They'll probably wind up with a guy who's got another girl on the side, instead of a car. Then maybe they'll learn...

Very nicely said.

 

[Ak47]

Yeah, take the NSX man. Live life to enjoy it while you can and get the most fun you can scrap up.