Why spend that much for your NSX?

[myw]

i always wonder the tax rate you guys have to pay when i see this; double dip nsx option suggested?

in canada going this route; ie 35k+ nsx then 50k ish nsx would net me a nice 10-11 grand in taxes; which would make this option very economically unsound for me.

In that case, have you considered picking up an earlier NSX, then bumping up to a 2002/zanardi if you feel the need? The earlier NSX's will hold their value, so it would be easier to buy one and go from there...

edit: ah... turbo2go beat me to it. dang work.

 

[TURBO2GO]

5% when I bought it. Now up to 6.

 

[Yawwn]

Why don't you forget the 02+ and get yourself a clean NA1 for 30-35K for a few years?

Hear me out here:

You aren't buying anything. You are "renting" an NSX. For how much? For free. Why? Because in 3-4 years you'll sell it for the same amount. Pay for gas and insurance. What other car can you do that with? Even a Camry can't do that. The fact that you get a supercar for free.... It's ridiculous.

When you finish medical school and are making money get yourself an NSX 2.0.

I agree with Dave regarding his thoughts. You really are renting the car.
I did this with a Porsche 911 Carrera4 over a decade ago. I kept it for 2 years. Bought it low, and sold it high, so definitely just fuel and insurance (plus made a few hundred dollars).

 

[myw]

5% when I bought it. Now up to 6.

Ahhh 13% for us unlucky folks, new 2002-2005 buyers paid 15% back in the day

 

[kaede]

To answer your question, why most of us spend that kind of money for a NSX (doesn't matter what year and engine spec NA1/2, Zanardi, or 02+) is actually quite simple. We can all agree that it is somehow overpriced performanced and status-wise (Honda vs Porsche, Lotus, etc) but that is IF YOU DO NOT KNOW what the NSX is. But for sure it is worth every penny.

And that is not only because of its heritage and historical significance in the supercar industry. Nor is it because performance-wise, it is still neck to neck with many more mordern and sophistcated cars on the road today (it is designed in the 90s afterall). Not the most "rarest" or most reliable (although close to) sports/super-car you can get for $30-60k. Not because it still drives like a wonder and the driving feel, steering feedback, and driving position serves its purpose well (whether you are a spirited driver, cruising, or racing). Or the fact that it has a timeless classic design (put it besides a 348 or 355 or any pre-996 porsches) that confuses the hell put of people when I tell them my 94 IS in fact a 94. That only enthusiasts or sports car purists appreciates the NSX for what it is.

If you have the minute and haven't seen already, search up LFA vs NSX on youtube and watch that video where they pitch the NSX against the craziest japanese supercar. (sorry, but I don't consider the GTR as a supercar, even more fast and furious than the LFA yes, but it just doesn't have that "aura". It's a beast, but not a supercar status car in my opinion)

TO sum it up, the small list of things above are just bonuses to the NSX. For most of us why we spend that much for the NSX is because it was love at first sight. I fell for it. I love it. It is my DREAM car. :redface:

 

[Briank]

Used cars prices set by the market and you have the choice to pay the the market or take a pass. Its great NSX's have held their price because of the number available and the number of people who want one. The last new NSX was sold in 2005 and there was only about 250 off them in that year.

When I bought my 91 NSX is 2002 there were 13 NSX listed on Ebay. Looking today there are 16 listed and I think Ebay lists many more cars now then in 2002.

 

[880]

If it is your dream car, then go for it!

Don't worry about newer cars being "better bargains." That is inevitable.

Newer cars tend to be better performers, but they won’t necessarily have better styling, character, or feel. E.g. Ford GT vs ZR1, 993 widebody vs any new P car, etc etc.

 

[warrenw]

the OP's logic does not take into effect that people will spend stupid amounts of money on what they want. As cars become rare, and the demand is there, the price will go to unreasonable levels. Look how much NA muscle cars sell for.. It is not for the technology!? Supply and demand. I sold a 1966 mustang for 3X what I paid for it, and 18X what it sold for new. Nothing special. All numbers matched and the car was never restored. 100% original.. bad paint and all. Was it rare?, for today, yes, but that year? Ford built 500,000 just like it in 1966 alone. Not as rare as a 1991 all original NSX.
Another example is an air cooled P car. In original shape a seller can ask what he wants, and get it. Low HP compared to today's cars, but it is now a collector car, so logic goes out the window....
Not all cars become valuable as they age, the NSX isn't really going up in value, but it is holding a good part of it's original value, 22 years later.
The reality is, if you want a nice NSX, be willing to pay for it.
Honda never made very many, and they are not making any more either, so nice original NSX's will become scarce.

 

[lotus425]

Nice to see a physician on the forum.

Thanks for your reply. I still love the NSX, but people can change in 10 yrs. I use to only like Jap cars due to better reliability, but considering ownership and maintenance of an unreliable (i.e. German) car shouldn't be a problem with a physician's salary, it's opened up doors to many other options. As much as I'd like to fulfill my NSX dream, it's depressing to think that at the same price, a Cayman S/R can smash the NSX and look good doing it!

Doc, do you mean to tell me that you never considered owning a P-car?

Been an Attending physician for more than 5 years and a current NSX owner. I can tell you that the NSX won't be your only sports car. Yes I also own a Porsche, a Lotus, and a BMW 7 for family matters. The NSX and the Lotus are the cars worth keeping in my opinion (low volume and cult status). The Porsche and BMW will be replaced in my stable (996,997, and now the 991) (BMW 7 from Benz S class) as time goes on. Main stream cars will forever be main stream and replaced like you replace appliances at home.

Once you are working full time as an attending, you won't have the time to spend money on your self. Pampering yourself with some nice watches and a couple of cars, driving different ones to work will be the highlight of your day. I was considering the E30 M3, 190E Evolution 2, Porsche 993 coupe, or the NSX to complete my 90's collection. The NSX won my heart because of its looks, performance, and reliability beyond any car from that generation.

Italian sports cars (ferrari, lambo) do not fit the physician image well. You will be singled out in the Doctors' parking lot.

 

[synth19]

Nothing wrong with asking or questioning the NSX after dreaming about it for years. I suggest checking one out in person, test driving it, etc. Compare it to other cars and then decide what you want to do. The NSX doesn't hold up to the "competition" on paper, but I think you'll realize that the numbers don't matter when you see/drive the car in person. If you don't get that feeling, then move on to something else.

 

[EdinKali]

Watch this LFA vs NA1 NSX comparison and see why you have to own one of these cars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLJ2lw0bCkk

nuff said

 

[RedWings]

Owning a REALLY NICE nsx is cool, fun, etc... and it wasn't cheap

there are days though that I'd be happy enough with an older, cheaper, "well-used" NSX to drive like I stole it and if a rock pings it, I'd be thinking "oh well" instead of "dammit"

If I had an open spot in the garage, I'd probably have that second NSX as a DD and track rat car. Course the wife would see things differently but thats another topic

 

[bngl3rt]

If I had an open spot in the garage, I'd probably have that second NSX as a DD and track rat car. Course the wife would see things differently but thats another topic

Ditto. Whenever a 200k+ mile one floats by in the for sale section I start having thoughts...

 

[AdvansCPAP]

After 10 years, it seems like the NSX in your eyes today isn't a model you wouldn't hesitate to marry now, but is more like a buttaface that you like to smash on for the hell of it. Don't bother with the NSX if you are constantly comparing.

 

[RJD1022]

I had thoughts similar to the OP and I even looked at a few other cars (Vette, P-cars).
I was close to making a deal on a nice Vette when I realized that I have not always dreamed of have Corvette. I have for as long as I can remember dreamed of having an NSX.
After that, I did not look at or even consider another car and I have not regretted if for a minute.

 

[MOMSPH]

Although mine is not an 02+. it's a '98 (acquired early this year), It was a purchase that fulfilled a dream created in 1992 when I graduated from college. It took 20 years to fulfill it but fulfilled nevertheless.

 

[neilsx]

As the saying goes, they don't make them like they used to.

All aluminum chassis, suspension, body, engine, wheels, titanium connecting rods, tuned by Ayrton Senna, hand built, etc. You won't find all these features packaged into today's newer cars. The NSX is a raw back to the basics supercar with a high revving motor and an excellent manual gear box to match.

Today's cars are big and bloated with safety and technology features that take away from the driving experience. You buy the NSX for what it used to be, what it still is. Now is a good chance to own and experience a classic.

 

[spjvang]

Thanks for all the feedback. I really appreciate it. Hopefully this thread will be of use to future prospective owners.

I think for now, my goal will be to obtain a hardtop NA1 (were they all HT?) within the next 2-3 yrs and my dream NA2 within 6-7 yrs if school loan repayment is manageable. Gonna make this dream come true.

Watch this LFA vs NA1 NSX comparison and see why you have to own one of these cars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLJ2lw0bCkk

nuff said

As much as I love the LFA, one could argue that the NSX was much more significant in the history of supercars than the LFA. The LFA is VERY impressive, but it's hardly anything innovative besides the sweet engine and carbon fiber tub. Unfortunately, the typical physician does not make enough to even dream about this car.

Although mine is not an 02+. it's a '98 (acquired early this year), It was a purchase that fulfilled a dream created in 1992 when I graduated from college. It took 20 years to fulfill it but fulfilled nevertheless.

Congrats! Wow, 20 years! You really chased that dream. I guess dreams do come true

 

[bigbadberry]

Kind of in the same boat now, especially with the headaches I'm getting when looking for an NSX. At this point, a Boss 302, 2012 is looking more realistic. (Yes I realize that Mustangs are a dime a dozen but at least it's a car I can get my hands on and drive)

 

[sahtt]

Thanks for all the feedback. I really appreciate it. Hopefully this thread will be of use to future prospective owners.

I think for now, my goal will be to obtain a hardtop NA1 (were they all HT?)

10 years and you haven't learned that yet :smile:?

91-94 are coupe, after that they are targa except for very few special ordered coupes (and I mean very few) and of course Zanardi edition NSX's. That is part of why Zanardi cars are so special, they arguably have the best the USDM NSX has to offer (IMO) with the NA2 drive train, reduced weight, and NA1 looks/coupe structure.

As far as the performance of the NSX vs the 'competition' goes, I always chuckle a little bit. I daily drive a 10 second sport bike 3 days a week. There is no comparison on 4 wheels in urban conditions; on the highway there are a few cars that rival literbikes but not many. My current one isn't even particularly fast for a literbike with only ~155hp.

Get a car because you enjoy driving and owning it. You aren't racing it against anybody. A dead stock s2000 with good tires is as fun to drive as almost any exotic on a twisty road outside of town.

 

[Track Addict]

To the OP: I lusted after an NSX for many years like you. When the opportunity arose a few years ago for me to purchase I jumped at the chance KNOWING that the performance of the NSX per dollar wasn't what it was when it was new (even new there were those who argued that it didn't put up enough...even though it was superior to the Italians in every way)

In the end the car chose me and I chose it. Almost four years later I haven't regretted it ONE bit, but I knew that I would feel this way from before I owned it. If you aren't certain the NSX is for you, then what I suggest is to get a list of ten to twelve cars that you'd like to own/drive and get out there and test drive as many on that list as possible.

In the end, I believe, that there is a relationship between car and owner. It's all about chemistry and if you have a better experience in another car than the NSX then please pursue that avenue.

I, and most everyone on this forum, will wait for your "I just purchased my dream NSX" Thread :wink:

 

[racer9x]

Very well said,Track Addict:smile:

 

[myw]

imo this turned out to be a really great thead.

alot can change in 6-7 years; by then even the NEWEST original nsx's will be almost 15 years old. and the majority of the coupes (early 90s) will be approaching 30 years old....

in 7 years even the 2015 nsx will be 4 years old already

 

[diddy]

Been an Attending physician for more than 5 years and a current NSX owner. I can tell you that the NSX won't be your only sports car. Yes I also own a Porsche, a Lotus, and a BMW 7 for family matters. The NSX and the Lotus are the cars worth keeping in my opinion (low volume and cult status). The Porsche and BMW will be replaced in my stable (996,997, and now the 991) (BMW 7 from Benz S class) as time goes on. Main stream cars will forever be main stream and replaced like you replace appliances at home.

Once you are working full time as an attending, you won't have the time to spend money on your self. Pampering yourself with some nice watches and a couple of cars, driving different ones to work will be the highlight of your day. I was considering the E30 M3, 190E Evolution 2, Porsche 993 coupe, or the NSX to complete my 90's collection. The NSX won my heart because of its looks, performance, and reliability beyond any car from that generation.

Italian sports cars (ferrari, lambo) do not fit the physician image well. You will be singled out in the Doctors' parking lot.

im curious, could you elaborate more on that statement?

 

[aznblitzzzz]

as spoken by a member here on nsx prime

Originally Posted by SupraTT
Don't buy an NSX. If you question the value of an "old car" you're not in love with it.