Newbie needs help jh4na1185tt800002

[XYXXXY]

New to the forum and looking to join the exciting world of NSX ownership. The vin above relates to a 96 T located in Halifax at the Acura dealer. The car has 75K and asking is $46k.The car has no mods but has not had a timing belt or water pump replacement. As I am as green as grass when it comes to NSX's and am reaching out for some of the collective expertise and advice. Should the TB/WP be done immediately ? Would it be advised to have that dealer do the work, or take the advice here and have done by the Acura dealer in Oakville?What is the approx cost for that replacement ? Your sage advice is welcome !


P.S. sorry for posting in the wrong forum originally

 

[Bram]

Hello,

There are a few things that I would get the dealer to do on the car before taking delivery.
- TB and Water pump
- Replace Coolant hoses
- Complete tune-up
- Replace all fluids - Brake/transmission/Clutch etc
- Check the AC make sure it working properly
- Check the radio and speakers
- Check the EPS , make sure it working and there is no noise
- Check the Clutch...@ 75k it may be due for replacement
- Check the body for repairs.

Maintenance is the key to these cars, then you are good to go.

Bram

 

[XYXXXY]

Thanks for the expert advice.
I'll post if the deal comes together.

 

[BioBanker]

I would take Brams list and get a quote from that dealer for the work.

If you like the car, use the work thats required and their own quote during the negotiation.

I'd prefer a discounted price and get Rob to do the work than a non discounted price work included.

$46k is a crazy high price btw. Maybe mid to high $30s with all the work done. Life on TB is 7yrs. It must be done right away - I'd question the cars history if it hasn't been done. Hell, I did mine on my ex 2002 YEARS ago.

 

[BioBanker]

The other thing is that the 95/96 cars are kinda oddballs. They have the heavier and flexier targa chassis but the weaker and less appealing engine and tranny.

91-94 cars will outperform it because they have that engine and tranny in the coupe.

97+ cars have a stronger engine and better tranny, in part to make up for the targa chassis.

Doesn't matter to many people but it may to you.

 

[XYXXXY]

Thanks for the advice.
Car history appears clear, CarFax and the dealer confirms three owners. One thing I found odd was that the previous owners have been associated with Honda/Acura dealers according to the selling dealership with all maintenance up to date yet TB/WB is not done.

Price felt a little strong ,but given what is currently on the market in Canada it didn't seem too out of line esp given the $37k bidding war on the 95 last week.

I have lots to learn, will keep reading.

 

[nikey22]

agree with Bram and BioBanker, these guys know their stuff.

quick trick:
look at the trunk lid very carefully, and see if you can spot any "dimples". This usually means careless maintenance history as mechanics would just probably plunk a tool on the delicate aluminum body...

I walked away from 2 of these in the past, adverstised as "no dents, perfect body"..

 

[Oyagi]

People are bidding on nsx's in Canada? Wow!

 

[Bram]

Thanks for the advice.
Car history appears clear, CarFax and the dealer confirms three owners. One thing I found odd was that the previous owners have been associated with Honda/Acura dealers according to the selling dealership with all maintenance up to date yet TB/WB is not done.
.

Perhaps because it was leased, meaning it was own by Honda/Acura all thru it's life. Means nothing for maintenance.

Keep doing your research, this site have excellent infromation on the NSX and owners that knows these cars inside out.

Bram

 

[XYXXXY]

Looks like the car has been back and forth between Ontario and Quebec. 97 to 02 in Ont. PQ from 02 to 10, then sold at auction in etobicoke then out to halifax until present.
I've had Porsches, Mercs, BMW's and Audi's but haven't seen a community like yours....thanks for the guidance to date.....my struggle will be to remain patient.

Currently have a 911 cab so will have a summer ride as the journey progresses.

 

[nikey22]

wow, I've noticed alot of cross-over Porsche lovers on this forum... very interesting...

 

[Bram]

Now you'll get Dave and Stu all excited when you start talking about crossing over stuff....

 

[bruni911]

Just question ?
Why does the 95 and 96 have a heavier engine
And tranny?
As quoted I thought they where the same as the 91 to 95?

 

[bruni911]

Just question ?
Why does the 95 and 96 have a heavier engine
And tranny?
As quoted I thought they where the same as the 91 to 95?
Sorry the weaker engine not heavier

 

[BioBanker]

Weaker engine and 5 speed tranny in the heavier targa chassis

Targa was introduced in 95 but they didn't upgrade the engine and tranny until 97

 

[bruni911]

But why is it weaker?
Cause the car is heavier ?
I'm just trying to understand
Thanks

 

[BioBanker]

91-96 is 3L 97+ is 3.2L.

Plus headers are not as good.

All info is in the wiki. Read up!

 

[Bram]

It's considered weaker'' by some, because it is 150 lbs heavier than the coupe with the same 3.0 engine making the same power.

Unless you are at the drag strip, most would not be able to tell the difference

Bram

But why is it weaker?
Cause the car is heavier ?
I'm just trying to understand
Thanks