Who "settled" for a pre-97?

EssTooKayTD

EssTooKayTD

Contributing Member
Joined
18 February 2004
Messages
234
Location
Houston, TX
Hey all,

Of you owners, who "settled" for a pre-97 model and do you regret it or not? I know most of the differences. I was just curious about the general concensus. I know the price plays a big role in the choice for potential buyers like me. Can I swing 50k+ maybe, would it be smart? maybe not :)

Just curious and trying to get a little more familiar with the Prime community.
Tom
 
Welcome to Prime.

That's kind of like asking Ferrari owners "who settled for a Modena?".:)

It's still a great car.
 
Given the US production numbers of the early cars versus the later cars, most people who own NSXs have 'settled' for an earlier car.

I would be interested in upgrading to a 97+ coupe or Zanardi, but a Targa does not fit my purposes.
 
very good point. There are numerous 91-92's out there. You have to search a little harder for '97+.

Do any of your pre-97 owners ever think..."I should have just waited to find the right 97+?"

I'm struggling with the choice.

Tom
 
hlweyl said:
Welcome to Prime.

That's kind of like asking Ferrari owners "who settled for a Modena?".:)

It's still a great car.
Click to expand...

oh yeah, exactly my point. I know pre-97's are still AWESOME cars. No arguement there :) But post 97's are arguably a more desireable car, unless there is things I don't know about (highly likely).
 
If I could swing it, I would wait for the 97. I guess it depends on how you want to mod the car. If you don't want to deal with OBDII, go for a low mileage 91-94.

Personally, I would wait and extra 6 months to save up to afford a 97 over 96. I think it is well worth it after driving both cars.
 
Not me... I have never given it a second thought.

If you're interested in engine mods, the earlier cars seem to even be desirable for some FI applications.
 
I initially would of settled for a 91-92 since it was all I could afford for a second car. Then being in sunny California, I wouldn't want to settle for a non-T car so I decided to wait and save up for a 95-96. But with the prices coming down a bit more maybe partly in lieu of the HSC, I don't think I can settle for less than a 97. It has so much more than the pre-96 cars, 6 speed, extra 0.2L, lighter aluminum body, better structural support, and the Targa. I figure I've waited this long might as well save a bit more for that perfect 97 T even though now I can easily afford a nice 93, 94 or even a 95 T. That way I'll have no regrets later on.
 
NetViper: Can you direct me to some info on the OBDII? Thanks. I have driven a 97, and that's it. It was simply awesome! That is why I'm wonder if I'm going to regret buying a pre-97 b/c I'll be able to feel the difference. Again, not trying to talk down about the pre-97's cuz I have been looking for only a couple of months now, but they all look like great buys.

Griffen: Why are the earlier models more FI friendly? if it's in the FAQ section, which part?

93B18: I guess I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. I love my S2000 right now. I was considering selling it to go out and start saving and shopping towards a 97+. I decided I want to keep the S2000 (after an S2000 group drive), and have always considered going with a pre-97, maybe even pre-Targa. I think i woudl still love the car regardless of year, but I don't want to feel liek i could have waited just a little longer to go for the 97. patience is a virtue I really need to learn to attain.
 
I sold a car twice the cost to get my NSX, really wanted a coupe so I found a 94 with under 10K miles as it was the newest/nicest non-zanardi coupe I could find at the time. I had to pay alot for it, but it fit the bill exactly as to what I was looking for.

In retrospect, I should have gotten Monte Carlo Blue since I love the color so much (not having as much to do with the motor or targa). Every time I see one for sale I think I should buy it.

On some sunny days, I wonder why I didn't just buy a 97+ targa. At last week's autocross I was glad to have a coupe.... I guess I just wanted the most rigid car I could get, which is what led me to want a coupe. Bottom line, if you feel like getting an early car is "settling" don't get it. If you have a reason to want an early car (such as I did) that would be a better for your long term happiness with the car. Just my 0.02

Aaron
 
AaronR said:
I sold a car twice the cost to get my NSX, really wanted a coupe so I found a 94 with under 10K miles as it was the newest/nicest non-zanardi coupe I could find at the time. I had to pay alot for it, but it fit the bill exactly as to what I was looking for.

In retrospect, I should have gotten Monte Carlo Blue since I love the color so much (not having as much to do with the motor or targa). Every time I see one for sale I think I should buy it.

On some sunny days, I wonder why I didn't just buy a 97+ targa. At last week's autocross I was glad to have a coupe.... I guess I just wanted the most rigid car I could get, which is what led me to want a coupe. Bottom line, if you feel like getting an early car is "settling" don't get it. If you have a reason to want an early car (such as I did) that would be a better for your long term happiness with the car. Just my 0.02

Aaron
Click to expand...

well, I suppose that's the dilemna. I don't feel that I would be settling THAT much if I went pre-97. First and foremost, the looks of the car is what got me in the first place. So if you go from there, I can go 91-2000 if I'm not mistaken. But, the other side of me likes the 6spd option and open air motoring that i have in my s2000. That brings me to 95-96T's and 97+ for the 6 spd.

Again, this thread is for my info, but is also just to get to learn though processes of other people that may have been or are in my position. Like I said, getting to know you guys and gals better.

Tom
 
EssTooKayTD said:
NetViper: Can you direct me to some info on the OBDII?
Click to expand...

OBDII is On-Board Diagnostics, 2nd Generation.

The Pre-96 cars (NSXs and otherwise) are OBDI.

As I understand it, the OBDII system limits what you can do to modify the car, as the car has to be kept within much more restrictive emissions parameters. You can still modify the car and even add forced induction, but it is a more complex process.

This is the same reason people may prefer a 1995 E36 M3 over a later 1996-99 E36 M3. The impact of OBDII on the M3 S50 US engine was such that they had to raise displacement from 3.0 to 3.2 liters just to stay at 240 hp. The benefit of that displacement was 236 ft/lbs versus 225 for the 3.0.
 
OBDII was introduced in 1995 on the NSX. The main issue with ODBII and FI mods is that it is TBW "Throttle by wire" which many fuel management systems cannot deal with. You can pick a FI solution that is compatible or you can convert it to a cable throttle and expand your fuel management choices.

In other respects I think the best improvement for the 1997 has got to be the 6 speed. It is also a stiffer Targa model then previous. And let's not forget the bigger brakes too, although the 1997 NSX is no Brembo competition;).

The only downside to me is the price of the clutch:eek: . The single disc clutch will set you back about $2700 vs. $1200 for the pre 1997 version (I am quoting parts prices only labor is equivalent.) With that said, if you are spending the kind of money for this car you are, that is not a no-go in my book.

HTH,
LarryB
 
so tom, do you want to mod out your nsx? if you are not planning to, than go with 97+ but if you want to go FI than early model is for you! i will always love a 6sp with targa! no way i will ever go back to pre 97!
 
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also if you do want to go with FI, just make sure you can deal with some additional problem! nsx is just not the best car to add FI! i think for your budget, spending more money on FI is very unwise!!
 
For me, 97+ is

Pro:
-6 speed
-3.2L
-Targa(when the weather is nice)
-newer
-bigger brakes
-power Steering
-better ABS
-available in blue

Con:
-OBD2/Drive by wire
-more expensive
-Targa(when at the track)
-Heavier
 
The first 8 months of looking for my nsx, i didn't even bother to look at a pre'97.....but the more i learn about price/performance, targa, ect..? i went with a low mileage (13k) '92 (BEST investment i ever did, with about $20K left in my bank), since i live i houston, tx. believe me! targa top will not cut it (high humidity). btw/ i love the feel of my non-power stearing nsx....even so, i can afford the 98+ if i have to do all over again? i still would choose the 91-94 NSX.

Good luck on your search.
 
brahtw8 said:
As I understand it, the OBDII system limits what you can do to modify the car...
Click to expand...
It is the throttle by wire within OBDII cars that limit forced induction options for the OBDII NSX's. Given the current state of FI for the NSX, if you think you will consider forced induction, then consider a 94 or earlier NSX. More FI solutions for OBDI NSX's at present, but there is always the CTSC for OBDII.

[Edit]: Oops, LB already answered the TBW thing. :o
 
Last edited:
settling??

i never "settled" when i purchased my 91..i was in the market for a 91-94..i wanted a red or white one with low miles and maintainance records and thats what i found.

i too could have gotten a "newer" one but since im only putting about 4000 miles a year. i wasnt going to spend 45k+ on a car that i rarely drive. I actually just stare at my car for hours and hours anyway. then i play Gran Turismo 2 and whip everyone... anyways good luck and whatever year you get, welcome!! erick
 
I never "settled". I bought my '91 in December 1990, when it was the only year NSX on the market. I got to enjoy it for almost seven years before the '97 was introduced.

Now? Not enough difference between the two to justify the extra cost, especially since the Coupe meets my needs better than an NSX-T would. And I'm happy that I've got everything on my car sorted out and in perfect condition.
 

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