What can I expect for $25K?

[renegade13]

Hello,

I've been lurking for a bit but have been a long time drooler for an NSX. I'd really like to purchase one of these beautiful vehicles, unfortunately, my current budget dictates that I can only spend $25K. So, my question is, what can I expect to get for $25K? I realize with this budget that I can only look at cars between '91 and '93 but can I find a solid car in this price range with my budget? If not, I guess I'll just have to save some more and keep my status as a "drooler".

Thanks

 

[scorp965]

With $25k you're probably in for a lengthy search, unless you're prepared to settle for a sub-par vehicle, or one that will require maintinance.

I would budget $28-30k for an early car in clean/solid condition... deals do happen, an nsx'r I was speaking with yesterday, who just purchased his nice red/black nsx, paid $25k.

 

[Cairo94507]

With $25k you're probably in for a lengthy search, unless you're prepared to settle for a sub-par vehicle, or one that will require maintinance.

I would budget $28-30k for an early car in clean/solid condition... deals do happen, an nsx'r I was speaking with yesterday, who just purchased his nice red/black nsx, paid $25k.

X2

 

[Heeltoe914]

There are deals on any car. Go prepared if you asked all the right question before going to see it and your going to see it to confirm what the seller has already told you bring a deposit. I bring a deposit, flashlight. camara, towel to lay on and a checklist so I am ready to make it happen. If the buyer is needing cash Well it mite be your lucky day, DONT INSULT THE CAR TO TRY AND GET A DEAL. BE NICE ABOUT YOUR CONCERNS, RESPECT GOSE A LONG WAY. I will drrive a car over a curb to get one side higher so I can go under it to see if I can spot any repairs or damage. Trust your eyes and if you ?? it, take a pic and post it someone will help you.

 

[Vega$ NSX]

Hello,

I've been lurking for a bit but have been a long time drooler for an NSX. I'd really like to purchase one of these beautiful vehicles, unfortunately, my current budget dictates that I can only spend $25K. So, my question is, what can I expect to get for $25K? I realize with this budget that I can only look at cars between '91 and '93 but can I find a solid car in this price range with my budget? If not, I guess I'll just have to save some more and keep my status as a "drooler".

Thanks

Don't give up! I bought my car for $20K and the only thing wrong with it was the A/C was broken. It was very high milage, but don't let that stop you. If the car was properly taken care of, the NSX runs strong for a very, very long time.

 

[ef you]

Don't give up! I bought my car for $20K and the only thing wrong with it was the A/C was broken. It was very high milage, but don't let that stop you. If the car was properly taken care of, the NSX runs strong for a very, very long time.

same here. my friends dad bought a viper and didnt want his NSX anymore, and i ended up picking it up for $22k after TTL. it had 75k on the odometer, a broken climate control and radio, and bad trunk and engine cover shocks. just had the timing belt, waterpump, and clutch done at 60k too.

keep looking man, if you dont give up, one will come along.

 

[Big_D]

I think you can expect to get a car that has deferred maintenence and higher miles. I am of the opinion that it is better to save that extra 5 grand and get a car that is up to date on service.

In the long run, you will spend less. A/C is an expensive repair and clutches come in second followed by the TB/WP. If you add those repairs up it will cost more than the 5 grand that you are trying to save.

Most of all, be patient and get a car with as complete service history as possible. Multiple owner cars are common and not usually an issue. I suggest getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a reputable NSX tech. Then you can really find out what you are getting.

Good Luck on your search!

 

[damthatbeaver]

I payed $29,000.00 Canadian for my 1991 NSX and it had 200,000 kms...and it is an awesome machine...and I mean "machine"! You can get a car that is cared for and loved which has been taken care of by someone!! Have faith...take your time...the right car will come to you!!

Dam

 

[omeys_berlina]

You'll find someone elses problems for 25K...My advice would be save an extra 5K just in case some work needs to be done on it upon recieving the vehicle....

 

[sahtt]

I'd just keep looking while saving. If you thought you could get what you want with 25k, you'd probably alread have it and not be asking this question.

I want to make a suggestion though, no matter what NSX you buy, the price of the car and cost of the car are not the same. The price may be $30k, but the sales taxes alone add a couple grand to that. Add in a new set of tires every two years at a grand each, insurance, general maint., etc. and the cost* of an NSX priced at $30k may be $30k+$2k sales tax+ years of ownership X $2,000 etc.

It always worries me when people attempt to pick from the "bottom of the barrel" persay regarding cars like the NSX where having a tight budget and getting a car that is more likely problematic then the average can be extremely tiresome.

Been there, done that, with cheaper cars luckily.

 

[g2000]

Don't give up! I bought my car for $20K and the only thing wrong with it was the A/C was broken. It was very high milage, but don't let that stop you. If the car was properly taken care of, the NSX runs strong for a very, very long time.

I totally agree with you man.

Make sure the owner has all the maintance records, if not, just take to a local Acura dealer and have it checked out. Most high mileage NSX's have been properly well taken car off. Patience, you will find a nice X for $25k,
trust me.

 

[renegade13]

It always worries me when people attempt to pick from the "bottom of the barrel" persay regarding cars like the NSX where having a tight budget and getting a car that is more likely problematic then the average can be extremely tiresome.

Hey sahtt,

I don't want to pick from the bottom of the barrel. That's why I was asking what $25k would get me. If it is the bottom of the barrel then I'll definitely save the extra $5k. However, I seem to be getting conflicting answers......some seem to say that $5k is alright as long as I'm patient about it and others say no way. I think I'm more confused than when I first asked the question

Thanks for all the help though. I appreciate it.

 

[Big_D]

Prices are also influenced by the location of the seller, time of year, number of cars on the market etc. Winter time is better to find good deals.

Bottom line is you should expect to spend some money on deferred maintenence when buying a car for only 25K. Remember that most maintenence is due because of time not mileage.

 

[redsuns3838]

well, if you find a great deal for 25K, good for you. But that may take quite some time to come across.

I'd save up an extra 5K, and just keep your eyes peeled while doing so. expect to spend 30K for a well cared , mid-mileage NSX (60-90K miles maybe?). and if you happen to find a good deal, jump on it.

 

[aaronkamloops]

If I had $25k to spend this is what I would expect:

-hopefully no accidents over $4000
-a car that had maybe a few scratches and could maybe use a paint job
-higher mileage than I would probably like
-interior would be average (carpet would be average and the leather seats
would be due for a re-do on the drivers side)
-stock rims with decent tread life
-stock or decent aftermarket sound system
-not much for upgrades
-probably needing some servicing (timing belt/brakes/etc) but nothing
excessive

I paid $7k more than your budet and still got several of the things on that list.

Maybe you have the luck of the Irish and will get a smokin good deal but that isn't likely to happen since low-cost NSX's are few and far between unless it is a salvage....but happy hunting!!

 

[nsxtasy]

I agree with most of the comments above. As for those who claimed they got a great car for $20K, it's extremely unlikely - you would have to be in the right place at the right time, PLUS be really really really lucky. IOW - Don't count on it.

Also, I wouldn't buy a used NSX unless you also have some money set aside just in case you face an expensive, unexpected repair. If you spend your last dollar on one and you can't afford $2500 to replace the clutch if it fails, the car isn't going anywhere.

 

[Duffer]

Keep in mind that whatever you end up paying for your NSX, you better have some money in reserve for repairs, new tires, brakes, etc. While the NSX is cheaper to maintain than lets say a Porsche or a Ferrari, you can bet it's more than most daily drivers. If you are going to spend $25 or even $30K, count on at least a few thousand for pots and pans.

Hey sahtt,

I don't want to pick from the bottom of the barrel. That's why I was asking what $25k would get me. If it is the bottom of the barrel then I'll definitely save the extra $5k. However, I seem to be getting conflicting answers......some seem to say that $5k is alright as long as I'm patient about it and others say no way. I think I'm more confused than when I first asked the question

Thanks for all the help though. I appreciate it.

 

[MCM]

"can I find a solid car in this price range"

Solid yes, nice- probably not.
For 25k I would expect to see 100k or so miles.
Areas where you can detect paint work.
Maybe a body panel or bumper cover that does not have a perfect gap,
Might need a timing belt, clutch around the corner, tires? brakes? shocks? alignment issues?
possible snap ring range, oil leaks? Air cond not blowing cold, etc.
(Do the math)
If this is your "dream" car why should you have to deal with any of the above?
I honestly believe those that spend low to mid twenty's end up spending more than someone who buys the same year in "cream puff" cond.
(Unless your super lucky/unlike 99.9% of us)
And when its time to sell, guess who comes out ahead? :smile:

 

[ImolaOrange03]

This ad was posted on Craigslist in San Francisco area.... I dont know if NSX is still for sale.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/382613183.html


Reply to: [email protected]
Date: 2007-07-26, 12:51PM PDT


red 91 NSX
Clean Title
81K mi.
Comptech headers
RM racing exhaust
Dali race springs
Koni yellows
Powerslot rotors
stainless steel brake lines
Project Mu brake pads
Defi HUD
Eclipse stereo
4 point chassis brace behind seats
Bronze 18" volk racing CE28N forged wheel in front 19" in rear
Michelen pilot 2 tires all around (80%)
Zanardi mats
will include seven spoke stock wheels from 94-up painted and clearcoated in gunmetal

Paint is in excellent condition except for some oxidation on the roof"

 

[sokudo88]

that would be me, i hope ! got mine for 25k but there were some small problems. passenger window shows signs of slowing up and down movement, driver side bolster need repair, cam caps and vtec solenoid gaskets needs changing, and center console needs to be changed as well. h'ever, all in all car runs great with hks exhaust as the only modification it had when i got her. i fixed the center console myself and installed a pioneer double din unit.
the seller had the SOS new console but never installed it. i got quoted for fixing the cam caps plug and vtec solenoid gaskets for $340.00
also, i had to change the stock coolant reservoir due to a minor crack and coolant leak. i will deal with the windows and bolster seat later on in the future. all in all, i think i got a good deal on the car ! im very happy and enjoying modding it ! so far, car has been lowered with eibach springs, updated rear valence with CF lip diffuser, hid on head lights, black hp split five wheels, WW front lip and sides (hv not installed the sides yet), and
recently changed rear center light to the new one. more mods coming though.
oh, the car had 65k miles when i bought it.....

With $25k you're probably in for a lengthy search, unless you're prepared to settle for a sub-par vehicle, or one that will require maintinance.

I would budget $28-30k for an early car in clean/solid condition... deals do happen, an nsx'r I was speaking with yesterday, who just purchased his nice red/black nsx, paid $25k.

 

[Vega$ NSX]

You'll find someone elses problems for 25K...My advice would be save an extra 5K just in case some work needs to be done on it upon recieving the vehicle....

Actually, let me clarify my comments. The car I bought originally posted for $28,000, right about par for the condition and milage. The owner was in a hurry to sell so dropped it down to $25,000.

At the time, I wasn't looking to buy an NSX. I knew nothing about them. In fact I was test driving G35's. So I just wrote the guy saying, "Hey, I have $20,000 cash. I'll take it off your hands this weekend if you are interested." Did I think I was going to get it? No. Did I think I was going to get taken seriously? No. Did I think I was going to get a call or write back? Not really? But I figured what the hey, I've got nothing to lose. I wasn't even seriously considering it because I didn't even have $20,000 cash (though I could get it).

To my surprise, he said, "You know, I've been jerked around for the last month, and you are the first person to offer me a genuine deal. Because I need the money now, it's a deal as long as you pick it up this weekend." He was in Indiana, I was in Vegas, and it was Tuesday. In 3 days I pull $20,000 out of my ass, booked a flight and in 4 days driving my new NSX.

So what I mean by not giving up is that you won't have to sacrifice a crappy NSX for a low price but with $25,000 and lots of time and patience, you could get lucky and find the one situation where you get a perfectly good NSX for $25,000. It's a long shot, but if you aren't in a hurry you can let your let that work to your advantage. That's pretty much worked for me my entire life, from buying my NSX at a great price, to buying my homes at outrageous prices, to getting a rediculous pay at my jobs. Urgency is money. It can be used against you, or work in your favor. :smile:

 

[myguitar]

that would be me, i hope ! got mine for 25k but there were some small problems. passenger window shows signs of slowing up and down movement, driver side bolster need repair, cam caps and vtec solenoid gaskets needs changing, and center console needs to be changed as well. h'ever, all in all car runs great with hks exhaust as the only modification it had when i got her. i fixed the center console myself and installed a pioneer double din unit.
the seller had the SOS new console but never installed it. i got quoted for fixing the cam caps plug and vtec solenoid gaskets for $340.00
also, i had to change the stock coolant reservoir due to a minor crack and coolant leak. i will deal with the windows and bolster seat later on in the future. all in all, i think i got a good deal on the car ! im very happy and enjoying modding it ! so far, car has been lowered with eibach springs, updated rear valence with CF lip diffuser, hid on head lights, black hp split five wheels, WW front lip and sides (hv not installed the sides yet), and
recently changed rear center light to the new one. more mods coming though.
oh, the car had 65k miles when i bought it.....

Oi,

Tell me something really quick, if you don't mind me asking... How did you get financing?

I have good credit and I haven't applied anywhere yet cause I wanted to do a little research first and I asked a couple of banks how to go about financing a 15-year-old car and they said they wouldn't do it...

Is this just these few banks being retarded or is this widespread?

 

[sokudo88]

i purchased the car cash. you might wanna try calling capital one for auto finance. the seller wz financing the car thru capital one. you have to apply, maybe over the phone, and if qualified, they give you a check for the amount you will pay for the car.....i think. i purchased the car on jul 19 but didnt get the pink slip until last week. the car was located in sacramento by the way and i had it shipped to los angeles.

Oi,

Tell me something really quick, if you don't mind me asking... How did you get financing?

I have good credit and I haven't applied anywhere yet cause I wanted to do a little research first and I asked a couple of banks how to go about financing a 15-year-old car and they said they wouldn't do it...

Is this just these few banks being retarded or is this widespread?

 

[dx3]

Oi,

Tell me something really quick, if you don't mind me asking... How did you get financing?

I have good credit and I haven't applied anywhere yet cause I wanted to do a little research first and I asked a couple of banks how to go about financing a 15-year-old car and they said they wouldn't do it...

Is this just these few banks being retarded or is this widespread?

Yeah, Capital One is the way to go. Just remember they have 3 tiers, and it is only the top tier that will let you buy from a Private Party without age/mileage restrictions...

Jonny

 

[Vega$ NSX]

Oi,

Tell me something really quick, if you don't mind me asking... How did you get financing?

I have good credit and I haven't applied anywhere yet cause I wanted to do a little research first and I asked a couple of banks how to go about financing a 15-year-old car and they said they wouldn't do it...

Is this just these few banks being retarded or is this widespread?

Well there is a couple of ways of doing this. I initially bought my car with an unsecured loan. Basically it's the bank just handing you cash and you can only do it with it what you want. You can only do this if you have great credit, but the interest rate will be very high (points above prime). However, you can pay it off at any time/rate so what I did was shop around car loans places until I got a decent one. I basicaly used the bank unsecured loan to buy me time to get the car but to shop out loans so I only paid high interest for a couple of months. Car lenders are much more apt to give you a loan if you actually have the car in hand rather than trying to purchase one. I found Capital One which gave me a pretty nifty 5.5%. Then I pulled out a HELOC (equity line of credit) off of my home and paid off my car loan. The interest rate was about the same, but I could write off the interest off my taxes because it was an home equity loan. Then I just ended up paying cash and paying off my car all at once. The whole process took about 2 years and it worked out pretty well for me.