NSX pricing trends this past year

[whs520]

Hi, everybody,
I have previously owned two NSX's this past decade, and I am considering owning one again. I have been browsing internet ads for about one year now, looking for the elusive 2001 Black/Black manual NSX, which I have yet to find. During my search past 11 months, I have noticed the prices of NSX of all years to be increasing, in my opinion, to exaggerated prices. I draw this conclusion based on following all things NSX for the past decade!. The prices have gotten so inflated (again, in my opinion), that it has started to actually turn me away from wanting to get one just on principle, so much so that I am nearly convinced that I should just move on and get something else (Audi R8 or Porsche 998). For all you fellow long-time Primers, have you also noticed this price trend, and do you agree with it/think it is justified? I oftentimes shake my head in disbelief when I see some asking prices for NSX's recently. Sorry but just had to vent.

With that being said, I still react this way when I see an NSX :wink: (warning: language)
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LzcBG__hWfA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[socalx]

pricing of most reasonably priced used cars is at an all time high. recently i was looking at buying a used 2006-2008 civic or accord for my daughter. with the price of a 2006-2008 civic at 11k-14k, i ended up just buying a new 2012 coupe on friday.

 

[NSXLVR]

Depends on what you deem as justified. A vehicle's worth is only driven by what a person is willing to pay for it. A vehicle that is no longer in production + the reliability of said car + a timeless design + rareness of car, would equal a higher cost to me

I to this day, kick myself in the ass for selling my nsx, so like you've I've been searching.

I havent seen any other car (well minus a DBS or an LFA) that would give me the feeling that the NSX did :redface:

 

[Juice]

They are becoming rarefied. If you find one cheaper, be prepared to drive a distance and put some work into it. The real issue that you are facing is that they are owned by enthusiasts for the most part. And that you are trying to purchase a sports car in Spring. If you wait till Fall, you will see a few come up on eBay or Autortrader for reduced pricing.

IOW, your timing and logic is flawed.

 

[BlackWindEXE]

You will notice that the ones that are priced well, sell the fastest (obviously). The rarer, lower miles, are obviously going to respectfully sell for a higher price which is warranted. But then there are others that sit on the market for a long time that don't sell because they price their cars 5-10k higher than what others sell their cars for, and they have far less maintenance done with the same miles or even higher. It's easy to spot these ones on autotrader or ebay. There are owners on here that sell their cars for much more in line with the "market".

 

[tbromley]

You know the longer you wait the more your gonna pay! They aren't getting more prevalent - they are going the way of the wild Tiger - the more that get wrecked - check out Shawns posts on his salvaged purchase and work in progress - the more they're worth.

The NSX is an amazing car - if you want a late model NSX your going to pay north of 45k up to 55k and beyond depending on year and mileage and rightly so - I mean what else gives you a ride like this. Sure one can bitch about the stereo - which still works well - but otherwise they work well. Some will bitch about the window thingys or the AC - but then that's the early models - but then some are maintained, like mine, to a very high standard. So I buy a 91 Silver for 28.5k and put 6k in it - and it came with a pile of reciepts for AC, radio stuff, comptech headers, othe stuff, window thingys, etc., AND it has 49k miles on it - so what do you think you'd sell a car like that for? Where do you think you'll find another one unless you buy one and put a bunch in it just like I did?

Now some guys on here have some rare colors - don't really care if the sell em or not and are asking some pretty high prices but hey there will be another one that will sell for less if it's not such a rare color. But let's face it they aren't building anymore of them. You can't find another car that looks like it or handles like it and it's still pretty damn fast! And if I hear another ding dong conversation about how slow the NSX is I think I'll puke! These cars are still modern day fast and if you consider it is a V6 then you'll still be impressed and mine is 20 years old! It still runs like it was just broken in and at 49k it was just broken in! That's the way I felt about my 993 and it had 50k miles and was a jewel but my NSX is faster and the 993 is a fast car too.

Sure you can go out and buy a brand new 911 with 345 hp for about 85k + depending on options and it will be faster and more modern - so what - you can buy a 2002 or so and spend around 55k+ and it will run great - at about 30k less and so you go by a Boxster with the change and a late model one too - cause they drop in price like a rock! NOT the NSX - it still just holds its value and keeps on demanding the RIGHT price for what it is - A SUPER RARE CAR - all aluminum - won't rust- and maintains at just a little more than an accord! What am I missing here - so am I starting to get thru???

You've had 2 of them - hell you know what I'm talking about - right! Maybe you just want a fellow primer to just say - "it's ok - the price is right - go buy another one - you'll be happy you did!" Is that what your looking for?

Well it's ok - go out and find one - what the heck are you looking for that you can't find one? Well you mentioned that - why that particular year - man just find one that is close to that year - there are black ones being sold - I've seen em - maybe not that particular year - but why just that year? There is one out there just for you - believe - it will come! So relax and wait for it just a bit longer and expand your model year and you'll find it.

Good luck - it's just one of the best cars ever made and it's timeless design is not going out of style - it's never going out of style - so hang in there! All the best!

 

[bullithollywood]

I think the NSX is logically becoming more collectible as time goes on and the qty of fine cars in original condition continue to diminish. Likewise Honda's apparent lack of a will to build a geniune successor makes those available even more desirable.

Haggerty's prediction that it will be a future collectible "semi-exotic" is probably prophetic. I think the article below is representative.

The CarGuru’s Blog

January 21st, 2009

As the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona ended last week, I remembered that old Toronado and wondered which cars from today my son might someday collect or even restore. Of course there isn’t a scientific way to predict what models will skyrocket in value, but we can certainly take educated guesses.

Below are four modern cars I believe will eventually sit behind red ropes at auctions or await restoration in garages across America.
...Acura NSX
Honda recently scrapped their plans to build a new NSX, but the ones in existence are primed to take on a near-mythical quality. This is the car that caused Ferrari to rethink their build quality, for goodness sakes. Find one now and pay what you must for it, because this car will bring in even bigger bucks in the future, assuming you (or your grandkids) are ever ready to sell it. tgriffith

 

[JD-GT-350]

One consideration I had not taken into account on selling an NSX is location. When I purchased my 1998 NSX I thought I would have little or no problem selling my 1991 NSX. Not so.. although the 1991 is many times a better car than others on the market, I get nothing but electronic tire kickers and bottom feeders looking for resale opportunities. My mid western local has almost rendered the 1991 a long term resident. Lesson learned... JD

 

[BlackWindEXE]

^Yeah I always wondered if NSXs move faster in locales other than Cali, Florida, and the Northeast. It seems as though it would be harder. But because you have a shipping connection, your car should definitely be more enticing to individuals who are looking for a well-maintained NSX regardless of location. I'm surprised yours hasn't sold yet. I would definitely pick it up if my M35 would sell. I've been very close, but no one has brought the cash. If I don't pick up your car, someone needs to. Your car is in great condition. If anyone is looking for a well-maintained 91 nsx... check his out.

 

[shawn110975]

.


Well have you ever wondered why KBB asks you for your zip code before you enter the car?

try other zip codes and you will see a big price jump up and down.

I know that an 2011 Acura TL with technology package is 10,000 bucks cheaper in TX than FL thats a big chunk of change.

I Purchased my current 2008 TL type-S for 21K in AL we traded in a 2002 Jeep Grand larado 4X4 the trade in value in FL was 3200 the trade in value in AL for the Jeep was 6500 big jump worth the long ass drive to get another Acura. LOL

never be scared to fly or drive to get a perfect deal.
I drove my 2005 TL Navi to SC to get my current NSX, was a long drive but the drive home was so fun except I had to follow my GF she had the Navi and took us per the driving instructions of the navi a longer way home, so a plus for me.

.

 

[Jetpilot3]

Welcome to this decade! Actually the R8 and current Porsche 997.1 or 997.2's (slight facelift) or future 991 will be alot more expensive than a NSX...

To be honest I believe we are on the cusp of NSX collectibility. I truly feel that since the 91-94's even up to 96's have become attainable by the masses that most have crashed, contain some hidden or declared history or been modded to some horrible extent. We are talking about cars now 15-20 years old and its becoming very hard to find one unmolested or without history.

If you consider age, low production numbers and the scenarios presented above then I'm certain this trend will only continue. What will become even harder to find is the 2002-2005 cars simply due to reduced sales and production numbers. There have been alot of crashed 02-05's...right Shawn?

 

[socalx]

^^^ Cam, i totally agree with you. if your standards are low then there are many a beat or modified out nsx's for you. if you want a un damaged, clean unmolested nsx, it is very hard to find the right car.

 

[usafdarkhorse]

A vehicle's worth is only driven by what a person is willing to pay for it.

This.

/thread

 

[rbilder]

I'm not sure location is a huge drawback on a car like the NSX.

When I was looking, I looked national. Then again, I'm in the midwest and there just weren't many here for sale. I did see a couple but at the time the price was a premium.

Classic Cars Omaha has had several and seem to sell them and they ask a premium for their cars. They don't have NSX's very often, but the few I've seen have sold.

The last 91 Black NSX I saw there with ~44k on it had an asking price of $36k. I'm not sure what they sold it for, but I suspect above $30k. It was outside the snap ring range and had some documention. I didn't investigate further to find out if there was recent maintenance done, etc.

I know when I did my search, I selecte anywhere. It's not like there were that many to look through.

They are getting rarer... as time goes on, people wreck them, weather (tornado's, earthquakes, flood, must have possibly got a couple).

Like Tim mentioned, aluminum, so rust isn't a major issue. The paint and craftmanship for the most part is outstanding (I would say outstanding, apart from some of the interior... but I must say the seats are about the most comfortable I've sat in).

They are timeless, people still crank their necks to see it.

If I could drive one year round, I think I would purchase another one and drive the heck out of it. The older ones don't seem to be losing much value if any.

Of course, being on a NSX forum there will be some bias. I have no regrets.

 

[mlambert890]

Welcome to this decade! Actually the R8 and current Porsche 997.1 or 997.2's (slight facelift) or future 991 will be alot more expensive than a NSX...

To be honest I believe we are on the cusp of NSX collectibility. I truly feel that since the 91-94's even up to 96's have become attainable by the masses that most have crashed, contain some hidden or declared history or been modded to some horrible extent. We are talking about cars now 15-20 years old and its becoming very hard to find one unmolested or without history.

If you consider age, low production numbers and the scenarios presented above then I'm certain this trend will only continue. What will become even harder to find is the 2002-2005 cars simply due to reduced sales and production numbers. There have been alot of crashed 02-05's...right Shawn?

Bingo... really well said. The NSX is coming out of the other side of its "baller on a budget" phase. All cars come through this worse for the wear.

You think the NSX is bad? Check out the Supra. Before coming back to the NSX, I considered maybe checking out the Supra finally (wife vetoed though) Prices of clean, generally stockish, TT Supras that havent previously been totaled and repainted, or dont have 250k miles, are through the roof. And rightly so. There are about 12 left

We have a pretty extensive "totaled" and "salvage" list here on Prime and it isnt even *close* to scratching the surface. When you consider that there were only 8k or so NSXs made in the US, and there are hundreds listed as having been totaled just here on Prime, and most of the production was heavily front loaded between 91-94, there isnt a lot of inventory out there.

The NSX isnt a 997 or an R8. It's an iconic car with a now quantified legacy and a defined lifespan. The R8 is a new car that is tremendously expensive for the manufacturer selling it and is a lot like the NSX in that and many other ways. But its still going and no one knows what the future will hold for it. Already, it doesnt have NEAR the legacy of the NSX. Same with the GTR. IMO these cars *cant* have that legacy. The thing with the NSX is it was the *one* moment when Japan *actually* put up a *real* challenge not only just to Europe, but to Maranello in a way that was actually acknowledged by the industry. Thats a big deal.

The LFA, R8, GTR... They're posers next to the latest iron from Ferrari. Ferrari hasnt slipped since Honda gave them that kick. The NSX will always be remembered as the car that got under Ferraris skin a bit (ditto the GT40)

IMO the NSX is now no longer a "baller on a budget" car unless its a beater. It has moved into the Porsche 993 territory - ie: "car with heritage". Either you want to pay to play that game, or you dont.

964s and 993s are, and will always be, more valuable than 996s and 997s. Thats the very nature of a "classic" car. Most cars depreciate down to basically 0, other cars stop, stabilize, and then begin to actually *appreciate* at some point. The NSX is in the latter category.

A car doesnt have to be a MAJOR collector piece (like an original XKE or California Speedster or 250GT) to still be a car with "collector value".

 

[nsx_2k]

In response to the original poster, I do agree that the prices of NSX's have risen in the last 3-4 years. As others have posted (quite eloquently by mlambert890), I do believe the NSX has entered a collectible category for many of the reasons stated. The overall number of NSX available for sale is significantly less than what I recall a few years ago.

From the observed trend, I think the prices will continue to rise as more of these gems are lost or retired.

The NSX's (and the S2000's) are the last of the real cars made by Honda. So if you want a great car with Honda reliability and not a watered down hybrid, sports car-wanna be, you are left with only a few used specimens. Though, I must say, these are soul-stirring cars that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face

 

[Nero Tenebre]

If you can afford an R8, buy it. It will depreciate though while the NSX will stay strong since it's already depreciated and now out of production. You only live once and you've already had two NSXs. Or, just buy an early gallardo and an NSX for R8 money

 

[RedWings]

I can understand targeting a 2001 black/black... perhaps expand that year range a bit wider to at least give yourself a chance at finding one.

If someone were offering a well-kept 2001 blk/blk with lower miles <50K, you should at least bring 45K-55K to the table depending on mods and condition issues (which is still a major discount for a $90K sticker car)

Find out who owns them and start from there...

 

[Honcho]

Bingo... really well said. The NSX is coming out of the other side of its "baller on a budget" phase. All cars come through this worse for the wear.

You think the NSX is bad? Check out the Supra. Before coming back to the NSX, I considered maybe checking out the Supra finally (wife vetoed though) Prices of clean, generally stockish, TT Supras that havent previously been totaled and repainted, or dont have 250k miles, are through the roof. And rightly so. There are about 12 left

We have a pretty extensive "totaled" and "salvage" list here on Prime and it isnt even *close* to scratching the surface. When you consider that there were only 8k or so NSXs made in the US, and there are hundreds listed as having been totaled just here on Prime, and most of the production was heavily front loaded between 91-94, there isnt a lot of inventory out there.

The NSX isnt a 997 or an R8. It's an iconic car with a now quantified legacy and a defined lifespan. The R8 is a new car that is tremendously expensive for the manufacturer selling it and is a lot like the NSX in that and many other ways. But its still going and no one knows what the future will hold for it. Already, it doesnt have NEAR the legacy of the NSX. Same with the GTR. IMO these cars *cant* have that legacy. The thing with the NSX is it was the *one* moment when Japan *actually* put up a *real* challenge not only just to Europe, but to Maranello in a way that was actually acknowledged by the industry. Thats a big deal.

The LFA, R8, GTR... They're posers next to the latest iron from Ferrari. Ferrari hasnt slipped since Honda gave them that kick. The NSX will always be remembered as the car that got under Ferraris skin a bit (ditto the GT40)

IMO the NSX is now no longer a "baller on a budget" car unless its a beater. It has moved into the Porsche 993 territory - ie: "car with heritage". Either you want to pay to play that game, or you dont.

964s and 993s are, and will always be, more valuable than 996s and 997s. Thats the very nature of a "classic" car. Most cars depreciate down to basically 0, other cars stop, stabilize, and then begin to actually *appreciate* at some point. The NSX is in the latter category.

A car doesnt have to be a MAJOR collector piece (like an original XKE or California Speedster or 250GT) to still be a car with "collector value".

+1 Well said. I think the NSX market for 91-94 coupes bottomed in 2008-2009. As others have said, we are coming out of the "baller on a budget" phase and moving into true collectors phase. The early coupes now have either (1) been wrecked/salvaged; (2) been hacked up and riced out by the civic crowd; (3) bought cheap and driven to death with no maintenence by people who couldn't truly afford the car; (4) converted to track cars; or (5) maintained and driven with minimal mods by enthusiast owners. This is making unmolested clean versions of the early cars rare. If you have a 91-94 coupe with minimal mods, up-to-date maintenence and good original paint, I think you are sitting on a pot of gold- especially the 1991 cars (first year).

As for the later years, I'm not sure- I think we have to wait a bit longer to see what will happen. The limited production makes them rare and the Zanardis/NA2 Coupes will always command a premium. Same with the 2005 cars (last year).

In any event, I think the market overall for the NSX is heading up and will continue that way for a while. As noted, a car is worth only what people wil pay for it. As my dad's generation aged and combined increased wealth with age and nostalgia, you saw 60's muscle cars just explode in terms of value. I remember seeing numbers-matching 70 Hemi Cudas go for $250,000+ a few years back. Back in the early 80's, you could probably pick one up for 5 grand or less. My generation will go the same way with the sports cars of the late 80's and 90's. At the top of that pack is the NSX. I was in 7th grade in 1991 and I remember seeing a red NSX at an Acura dealership for the first time. It made a big impression. I will never sell my NSX, but I predict in 20 years it will be worth over $100,000.

 

[Jetpilot3]

Bingo... really well said.

You think the NSX is bad? Check out the Supra. Before coming back to the NSX, I considered maybe checking out the Supra finally (wife vetoed though) Prices of clean, generally stockish, TT Supras that havent previously been totaled and repainted, or dont have 250k miles, are through the roof. And rightly so. There are about 12 left

IMO the NSX is now no longer a "baller on a budget" car unless its a beater. It has moved into the Porsche 993 territory - ie: "car with heritage". Either you want to pay to play that game, or you dont.

964s and 993s are, and will always be, more valuable than 996s and 997s.

1. Well said as well.:wink:

2. Stock Supra's - our very own Ben here on Prime has his limited edition 1 of 24 1998 Quiksilver TT all stock for sale....:tongue: shameless plug!

3. The NSX has indeed reached 993 type escalations in price. Why? 993's were the last of the air cooled 911's and made in low production numbers just like the NSX. Purity at its best. Try finding a no history, Carrera S manual and you'll easily pay above $50k on a car that originally sold for $70-90k from 94-98. Don't even get me started on the Turbo version...$$$

One other factor to consider that I didn't mention in my other post is that we are only talking about information on the NSX's that appear to be crashed etc. within the Prime Community. What about all of the "outside" NSX's belonging to people who haven't a clue what NSX Prime is about? I'd hazard a guess that at least 40% of the NSX's sold in the U.S. have been crashed or totaled (wish I knew exactly - and I know someone who has every single VIN of every single NSX sold in the U.S. I wonder how long it and how much it would cost to run Carfax's on every single VIN???).

It would be killer to start a database and manage it...then we'd for sure see how many NSX's are out there.

 

[tbromley]

Are we just talking to ourselves again - where is the OP? Haven't seen him since his first post???

 

[DDozier]

I have been browsing internet ads for about one year now, looking for the elusive 2001 Black/Black manual NSX, which I have yet to find. During my search past 11 months, I have noticed the prices of NSX of all years to be increasing, in my opinion, to exaggerated prices...... Sorry but just had to vent.

OK, you have been searching for a specific car for almost a year and you are wondering why the prices are getting higher than you want to pay. I feel your pain I looked for my 04 for over 9 months before I found it and it was listed for sale for less than 4 hours before I made an offer to buy the car. The thing is you should have kept your old NSX while you looked for your new NSX, that is what I did. I learned my lesson after I sold my first NSX and had to go almost a year while I searched for the second, there was no way I was going to get rid of the 2nd before I found the 3rd.

Good luck on your search, it is out there just keep looking.

Dave

PS. you own the swear jar about 10 grand for that video! Your next NSX is not getting any cheaper.

 

[EAC]

Threads like this make me grin from ear to ear :biggrin:

 

[rbilder]

Are we just talking to ourselves again - where is the OP? Haven't seen him since his first post???

Tim he just stirred the pot... we are off and running. Maybe we can ramp this up into VTEC

I will never sell my NSX, but I predict in 20 years it will be worth over $100,000.

At the rate the US government has been printing money, a gallon of milk may be worth over $100,000 in 20 years. I kid, I hope.

 

[warrenw]

1. Well said as well.:wink:

2. Stock Supra's - our very own Ben here on Prime has his limited edition 1 of 24 1998 Quiksilver TT all stock for sale....:tongue: shameless plug!

3. The NSX has indeed reached 993 type escalations in price. Why? 993's were the last of the air cooled 911's and made in low production numbers just like the NSX. Purity at its best. Try finding a no history, Carrera S manual and you'll easily pay above $50k on a car that originally sold for $70-90k from 94-98. Don't even get me started on the Turbo version...$$$

One other factor to consider that I didn't mention in my other post is that we are only talking about information on the NSX's that appear to be crashed etc. within the Prime Community. What about all of the "outside" NSX's belonging to people who haven't a clue what NSX Prime is about? I'd hazard a guess that at least 40% of the NSX's sold in the U.S. have been crashed or totaled (wish I knew exactly - and I know someone who has every single VIN of every single NSX sold in the U.S. I wonder how long it and how much it would cost to run Carfax's on every single VIN???).

It would be killer to start a database and manage it...then we'd for sure see how many NSX's are out there.

I drove my buddies 1991 Carrera 4 back from BC to Edmonton this spring. This car is in next to new shape with 74,000 kms (46,000 miles). Air cooled interesting car. He offered it to me for $35k and I turned him down. Maybe both of us are not aware of it's value???? :smile:
Anyway, I don't think I would trade my '91 NSX (37,000 miles) for it. The Acura seems to be a better, more refined drive.