Thoughts on this - 91 NSX JH4NA1157MT000647 Salvaged

[ZR33]

Hi guys - long time lurker finally registered! Learnt a lot already on this forum so thanks in advance!

The following NSX popped up on my local craigslist:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/5675037547.html

VIN: JH4NA1157MT000647

It's the earliest model with 184k miles on it, salvage title and a poor choice of rims

probably the only thing going for it is the manual g'box...yet it's still $30k!? The prices are going through the roof!! Anyways, did a bit of basic research and googling the VIN shows the following damage

https://www.google.com/search?q=JH4...jOvNAhVILcAKHRQHAm8Q_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=791

looks like someone part repaired it as it has different hood and looks a bit straighter in the above 2 pics, but you can see it's parked roughly at the same place and the wheel damage is unchanged

Supposed new repaired interior (notice driver seat replaced):

Front-end damage before

The "after" pic in the craiglist ad has been lifted directly from google

Was thinking of going to have a look at it today as it's pretty close to home, but is it even worth going? What kind of things should I look out for (on this salvage vehicle specifically, I've read the usual buying guides) and what price do you think is realistic?

Appreciate any help - thank you

 

[JohnWayne]

I remember this car going through the auction. It probably brought close to 20k at the auction if I had to guess. Almost all NSX's that are manuals and running are going to bring close to 30k at this point.

First flag to me is the way the CL ad is written, someone is trying to sell a 30k car and cant type a complete sentence or words.

 

[ZR33]

Thanks! - the knowledge on this forum never ceases to amaze...:redface::redface:

Bit more researching and it turn out [FONT=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Ben Schaeffer (Redbird92) is only a few mins away and is well renowned on this forum and the East Coast - I'll try and get in touch with him to see if would kindly be available for a PPI

Also - that craiglist ad..[/FONT][FONT=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/FONT]

 

[Lud]

That's a pretty good hit on the front. Whoever repaired it had to cut structural stuff out and weld new stuff in. Did they do it piecemeal or replace the whole front end? You'll want someone who knows what they're looking at to inspect that work pretty carefully, as well as further down the car where energy from the crash may have misaligned some other things. Front right suspension definitely needs a close look as well.

Judging by the early interior pics, the car was in pretty rough shape before the crash. Most people who let their seat get that bad are probably not the type to be very diligent about maintenance. It's only a few hundred bucks to re-cover a seat.

What's up with the red tape at the top of the windshield?

Look for a receipt on the new steering wheel airbag. Some shady "rebuild and flip" people do so without putting in a working airbag to save $.

An inspection by Ben is definitely be in order if you are going to seriously consider the car.

 

[DocL]

With the high miles, salvage title, and crappy interior, the car is worth $22k at most. Don't waste your time or anyone else's time by looking at that POS.

 

[docjohn]

look at it this way....for that damage to be repaired the right way, by a certified shop,would cost a bundle...I wonder who payed for that?

 

[DocL]

look at it this way....for that damage to be repaired the right way, by a certified shop,would cost a bundle...I wonder who payed for that?

That is a $45k repair if done by a qualified shop.

 

[docjohn]

exactly....que Forest running...

 

[ZR33]

Sigh. You guys are correct - I will not be purchasing this (unless he whacks $10k off the price lol). You guys know what it's like with NSXs, my heart was leading my head and I was trying to justify it as I don't commute for work (and it would be a second car), I have no intentions to sell (so I could work on it over time and restore/maintain it), its local to me, as is Ben and his garage! Not to mention it's one of my dream cars...

Anyway, I think I will go and give it a look though as I haven't sat in an NSX in over a decade (car show!) and have never driven one. Maybe I'll take some stealth photos and report back to the forum for a future prospective buyer...

 

[docjohn]

I wouldn't feel safe driving that...

 

[mwagner10702]

I'd walk away . . . fast.

 

[InExcess94]

No way for $30k. I just picked up a 94 with 96k for $35k. Prob will need a new clutch soon but clean title and only stock stereo (very common) doesn't work. Just be patient, I waited for about 3 years before the "right one" showed up. However I do understand that's difficult with the recent price spikes.

 

[Jinks]

Hahah, funny ass description.
If you have no money or need car loan don't bother your self. Don't mean to be dick but thing happen to me b4.I own supra b4... Will trade for tractor or craftsman ride along mower.... This guy talks like Tamoske.

 

[ZR33]

No way for $30k. I just picked up a 94 with 96k for $35k. Prob will need a new clutch soon but clean title and only stock stereo (very common) doesn't work. Just be patient, I waited for about 3 years before the "right one" showed up. However I do understand that's difficult with the recent price spikes.

Exactly this. Market is pretty crazy right now and it seems if an NSX doesn't sell instantly, something is up with it...will just have to be patient.

 

[neuronbob]

I don't get why people barely speak cogent English on CL ads. That alone makes me want to run away even though poor English isn't always an indicator of poor maintenance. I wouldn't have given that one a second glance.
[MENTION=32875]ZR33[/MENTION], it took me a year to find my "right one". Patience and daily perusal of cars.com, Autotrader, and CL, will eventually yield a decent car. You may want to pre-loan with a service like Lightstream just so you have the money available when you see "the one"....in this market, if you see a deal, you have to jump on it immediately or miss it.

Good luck with the hunt! There are better cars out there.

 

[blue_myriddn]

Thanks for the detailed info. I agree that at $30k it is a tough buy and that there are better cars out there for the cash. This is probably the type of car that you would save money on the purchase price, but end up spending a ton on keeping it running straight down the road.

 

[InExcess94]

Exactly this. Market is pretty crazy right now and it seems if an NSX doesn't sell instantly, something is up with it...will just have to be patient.

Yea totally agree, mine came up on midnight on a sunday and I put deposit down in less than 24hrs. Guy said he was getting "mean" messages about its being sold so fast.

 

[comptonassdaniel]

It's been re-posted on Craigslist:

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5695808142.html

From the ad:

"[FONT=&quot]its has an Maryland clean title but carfax shows that the car were rebuilt, due to hail and front end damage."

That's one hell of a hail storm!

How did this end up with a clean title is what I'm wondering?[/FONT]