What's the average yearly cost to Maintain '91-94 NSX?

[ak]

Hi guys. I'm fresh out of grad school starting a new job in Chicago and figure that I should reward myself for the hardwork i've done(?) over the years. Anyway after subtracting car payments, tax, 401k, miscellaneous costs etc etc, i have about 1000bucks/month left. Would that be enough to maintain those badboys?

Also, what's everyone's opinion on driving NSX during winter? I'd avoid it if I could but my daily driver(old mazda) is starting to break stuff on me, so I may be forced to drive whatever I buy on one of those cold cold snowy winter days..

 

[Edo]

In my meagre experience I'd recommend holding off for a bit, and paying cash for one.
Insurance and maintenance only is pretty cheap. Add in a car payment and it gets a little hefty.
I bought a '91 with 52K miles, since then I've spent about 3000 dollars (4 months) to do a Timing belt/water pump, Tires, Master Cylinder/Slave Cylinder, Windshield and a host of "Minor" repairs that cost waaaay too much. And I still need to get a new clutch which costs about 2500 bucks.
Not a cheap car to maintain for a poor guy like me. I'm not a succesful *Internet Weenie* like G-man.

 

[Flying Low]

Get a 94 w/iles and you should have no mainatainance costs for a long while.

The 94 does not have many of the earlier models problems such as snap ring failure.

If you find a 94 w/ less than 30K miles you should not have to do the timing belt. Check that the clutch has been replaced recently and that the tires have tread.

I've had my 94 since March, I drive her every day and have only done two oil changes. The NSX is very hassle free.

The 91 models look like a deal but they end up costing you in maintanance.

------------------
94 Red & Tan NSX 5spd
1999 Cosmos BMW M Coupe 5spd

 

[TitaniumVtec]

I to have a 94 that I purchased in March with 34k miles on it. So far not one scent spent on repairs with 6k miles added. The original owner said the car never went to the dealer once. I think a grand a month is more than enough to own and operate a used NSX. Get an extended warranty and that will cover most repairs. I found a company that offers the follwing coverage w/prices for a 94 with 41k miles in Florida.

1 year 12k miles - $885
2 years 24k miles - $1105
3 years 36k miles - $1330
4 years 48k miles = $1430

These are great prices!! He is sending me a contract to fill out as we speak. For anyone who is interested, his number is 800 933 9190 and his name is Hal Moses. The company name is Buyer's Choice Inc and they are underwritten by Lyndon Property Insurance Co. They are an "A" rated company. I think they offer good coverage for a great price! Anyone ever dealt with them before?

Don't wait to start having fun. You've earned it!!!!!

 

[ak]

I'm not sure if I get it. So you can get warranty from someone other than Acura?? I'm considering buying one fromacura dealer so it'll be in perfect condition when I get it to avoid any type of initial used car hussle. Can I get any type of waranty if I get it from Acura? I guess i'll find that answer when I go to one of the dealer today or tomorrow.

 

[TitaniumVtec]

You don't have to go through Acura for an extended warranty. Don't think that just because you are getting anything from a dealer you are getting great advice/product/value whatever.

I prefer to buy used cars from private owners. That way I can see the owner and talk to him/her about the car. You buy a car from the dealer and you have to take their word on the car's history.

Shop around my friend.

 

[nsxtasy]

Extended warranties don't cover routine maintenance, only repairs. And generally speaking, the NSX does not require frequent repairs. It may pay off for you, or you may pay more than you would be saving. Remember, extended warranties are big moneymakers for the people who sell them. More on extended warranties at http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/ownership/extended.htm

As far as scheduled maintenance goes, that is more predictable. Remember that this is based on miles OR time, depending on how much you drive. This cost is easy to figure out. See http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Maintenance/MaintCosts.htm

To determine the cost of insurance, check with your insurance agent NOW, before buying the car; he/she should be able to tell you how much it would be for a particular year NSX.

 

[nsxtasy]

I'm fresh out of grad school starting a new job in Chicago

Leaving town right before NSXPO 2000, huh? Well, there will be several dozen NSX's driving together to the event in Atlanta from Chicago. More info at http://www.nsxpo.com/nsxpo/2000/convoys.htm

what's everyone's opinion on driving NSX during winter?

Not recommended. I know one or two people who have bought Pirelli P210 winter tires and put them on their NSX. But even with winter tires, a deep snow will ground the NSX with its low chin spoiler. Besides, you really don't want your NSX covered with a layer of road salt, and you don't want to get slush all over that nice NSX carpeting. If you have to, buy a beater for the winter (unless you're living in the city and can get by with cabs and the occasional rental).

 

[Flying Low]

Move to L.A. where winter is not an issue and the NSX dream never ends...

------------------
94 Red & Tan NSX 5spd
1999 Cosmos BMW M Coupe 5spd

 

[James Cruz]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
Extended warranties don't cover routine maintenance, only repairs. And generally speaking, the NSX does not require frequent repairs.

This is not always the case. It does depend on the year you buy. My buddy spent about $2k for his warranty through Heritage... and they have spent over $5k on repairs to his 91 in less than a year. A/C went south, as well as his fuel pump, plus a few other things, and all repairs were done at the dealer with no hassles.

It doesn't take long for an NSX to rack up $2000 in repairs. I sure would hate to replace the ABS system under the hood or the evaporator in the dash. I hope I never have to use it, but I'll be happy if I ever encounter a problem.

My $.02


[This message has been edited by James Cruz (edited 29 August 2000).]

 

[ak]

Thanks guys for the good inputs. I went to Woodfield Acura today and of course there wasn't an NSX in stock, so I just left my info and told the dude to call me back. One thing that I didn't like is that the guy told me that the financing will be around 15% or so!? That's a little too high so I'll have to look around for better rates. On the extended warranty issue, I would probably get it since $2500 for 50k miles coverage would be well worth it, but the question is, how does modifications affect it? I'm sure it'll depend on which company...but if I do get NSX, i plan on doing light mods like header/exhaust/chip and maybe coilovers if $$ allows.(Thank god for signing bonus!) If anyone has any input about those issues above, I appreciate it!

As far as NSXpo goes, will I be lucky enuff to find my NSX within a month..?

 

[nsxtasy]

Move to L.A. where winter is not an issue and the NSX dream never ends...

...while you're sitting in traffic on the 405 driving to your home that costs twice as much.

 

[nsxtasy]

It doesn't take long for an NSX to rack up $2000 in repairs.

A repair can be expensive, but you may never need one. My '91 NSX has been out of warranty for six years. I drive it on the track so it certainly gets its share of use. The only repair I've had during that entire period was the stereo system for a total of around $300 (I used one of the repair places described in the FAQ). I've spent quite a bit on consumables (tires, brake pads, and one clutch) and on scheduled maintenance (including the timing belt and water pump) but those are items not covered by an extended warranty.

 

[nsxtasy]

I went to Woodfield Acura today and of course there wasn't an NSX in stock

If you're looking for a used NSX, walking into a dealer is like looking for a needle in a haystack. You're better off using the sources in the "Buy/Sell" section of the FAQ, particularly those listed under "Generic Online Classifieds" in http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/BuySell/BuySellResources.htm

Other good sources with lots of NSX's listed are the market section of this site at http://www.nsxprime.com/market/marketplace.htm , the listings in NSXchange at http://www.performancecarnetwork.com/scripts/nsx/classified-active.cfm and the various e-mail lists, particularly the "big" list and the Midwest NSX list (see http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Resources/emaillist.htm ).

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 30 August 2000).]

 

[akira3d]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
...while you're sitting in traffic on the 405 driving to your home that costs twice as much.

I'd rather have the top off under sunny skies with traffic than have to leave the top on because of cold weather or (what's the stuff that falls from the sky called again?).