Prospective owner with a few questions

[sbkim]

Hello and thanks for the great forum. I am in the market for Gen 2 NSX but cross shopping R8 V10 + (performance) currently and had a few questions. Obviously NSX is pretty rare and I am still unable to take the car out for a test drive...

1. Any members with experience driving Gen2 R8 V10 + comment on how NSX compares to the R8? I recently test drove one and I was very pleased with obviously the engine noise and interior fit and finish. It was also surprisingly comfortable to drive as well and am curious if NSX offers adaptive suspension that softens when you put on comfort mode? R8 (at least the performance) does not offer this. Does NSX feel faster due to hybrid torque vs R8? You really have to gun it to feel the power

2. Is there prepaid maintenance program with NSX similar to audicare that covers for 4 years?

Thanks!

 

[tbuff]

Hello and thanks for the great forum. I am in the market for Gen 2 NSX but cross shopping R8 V10 + (performance) currently and had a few questions. Obviously NSX is pretty rare and I am still unable to take the car out for a test drive...

1. Any members with experience driving Gen2 R8 V10 + comment on how NSX compares to the R8? I recently test drove one and I was very pleased with obviously the engine noise and interior fit and finish. It was also surprisingly comfortable to drive as well and am curious if NSX offers adaptive suspension that softens when you put on comfort mode? R8 (at least the performance) does not offer this. Does NSX feel faster due to hybrid torque vs R8? You really have to gun it to feel the power

2. Is there prepaid maintenance program with NSX similar to audicare that covers for 4 years?

Thanks!

HI,

You can't separate engine performance selection and suspension in the NSX like you can in a McLaren - there are integrated - comfort, sport etc changes both performance and suspension. That being said, suspension in the NSX is firm but not teeth rattling - way worse in a GT3 or even 911 in sport mode. So yes, suspension does soften. I used to have a 360, sold it because torque didn't happen until 5k rpms, drove me nuts. I drove an older R8 and same feeling. Torque in NSX is instant due to hybrid - power is somewhat terrifying. NO turbo lag.

2. I don't think there is prepaid maintenance but that's another advantage - this thing is a Honda, and annual services are cheap.

Hope that helps.

 

[sbkim]

Thanks so much tbuff... very helpful. I had a 997TT and as you noted it felt about the same as R8.

 

[Bricks and Bio]

Never driven an Audi so no input on number 1 other than the R8+ gets you most of what a Huracan offers (except the look and feel) at a much lower price point and with a far larger dealership network

As tbuff mentioned no prepaid service for the NSX. My car is over 4 years old with 13K miles. I had 1 oil change for around $400. My annual expenses are related to having the second set of wheels and tires switched in May and November (Summer and Winter compounds) and that is about $180 each time.

 

[RyanRA]

2. Is there prepaid maintenance program with NSX similar to audicare that covers for 4 years?

Depending on your dealership location, your annual oil change costs between $300 and $500. My NJ dealer charges me just under $300.

Maybe someone local to you can offer up a drive of their car. Where are you located?

 

[sbkim]

Depending on your dealership location, your annual oil change costs between $300 and $500. My NJ dealer charges me just under $300.

Maybe someone local to you can offer up a drive of their car. Where are you located?

Thanks Ryan. You bring up my other question as to what I can expect from maintenance cost for the first 4 years on this car. is it really just oil changes once a year so about $2K?

I used to live near Morristown and Bergen county - miss that area. I am in Chicago suburbs now. I found a couple dealers locally who might let me drive one. Unfortunately one was modified and sporting springs (about 1") lower?

Another dumb question - no seat height adjustment. Is this an issue for 5' 7" drivers? I set in a lowered NSX and entry and visibility wasn't as good as R8.

 

[Bricks and Bio]

I have only had 1 oil change in 4+ years

You go by the car's internal computer

 

[Olyar15]

I have only had 1 oil change in 4+ years

You go by the car's internal computer

Owner's manual states that if the MM doesn't indicate service after a year, to perform annual oil changes.

 

[Bricks and Bio]

My servicing dealer, including input from the Master Tech guided to go by the computer.

 

[tbuff]

Thanks so much tbuff... very helpful. I had a 997TT and as you noted it felt about the same as R8.

I have a 997TT too. I find the torque around 3k RPMS with this when I'm on the boost. And then it builds like crazy.

My GT350 has a higher torque similar to the R8, but still has around 450 lb ft, so plenty to pull on.

I am 5'10" and found it weird sitting with no height adjustment but got used to it. I find the R8 cabin on V10+ clausterphobic. Also find that about Lambos. McLaren has the best driving position I've ever been in.

 

[RyanRA]

Thanks Ryan. You bring up my other question as to what I can expect from maintenance cost for the first 4 years on this car. is it really just oil changes once a year so about $2K?

I used to live near Morristown and Bergen county - miss that area. I am in Chicago suburbs now. I found a couple dealers locally who might let me drive one. Unfortunately one was modified and sporting springs (about 1") lower?

Another dumb question - no seat height adjustment. Is this an issue for 5' 7" drivers? I set in a lowered NSX and entry and visibility wasn't as good as R8.

You could save a bunch, if you perform the oil change yourself. Here's the write-up from Charles (@Olyar15) that I always share: http://www.nsxwiki.com/nsx-second-g...odifications/oil-and-filter-change-procedure/.

I'm more vertically challenged at 5' 5" and find the outward visibility quite good at the Gen 2 stock ride height -- I don't need a seat height adjustment. Ingress and egress is better than my slightly lowered Gen 1.

 

[Stkpikr]

Thanks Ryan. You bring up my other question as to what I can expect from maintenance cost for the first 4 years on this car. is it really just oil changes once a year so about $2K?

I used to live near Morristown and Bergen county - miss that area. I am in Chicago suburbs now. I found a couple dealers locally who might let me drive one. Unfortunately one was modified and sporting springs (about 1") lower?

Another dumb question - no seat height adjustment. Is this an issue for 5' 7" drivers? I set in a lowered NSX and entry and visibility wasn't as good as R8.

One thing I noticed when researching buying my NC1, is that the regular battery often needs replacement faster than on other cars. Otherwise if the battery fails, the car will start throwing codes. My car had the battery changed after less than 2 years. I see a lot of them changed before 3 years. Not a big expense due to being changed under warranty, but something to be on the watch for.

 

[RYU]

One thing I noticed when researching buying my NC1, is that the regular battery often needs replacement faster than on other cars. Otherwise if the battery fails, the car will start throwing codes. My car had the battery changed after less than 2 years. I see a lot of them changed before 3 years. Not a big expense due to being changed under warranty, but something to be on the watch for.

Just a quick add regarding this. I agree about the battery in new cars. I have a reminder for my Honda Clarity PHEV after 2yrs just to change the battery instead of risk getting stranded. It's one of the main complaints on the Clarity forums and in my brief research has been a problem in other Hondas as well. However my previous BMW i3 REx also had a 3yr 12V battery limit.

 

[Stkpikr]

Just a quick add regarding this. I agree about the battery in new cars. I have a reminder for my Honda Clarity PHEV after 2yrs just to change the battery instead of risk getting stranded. It's one of the main complaints on the Clarity forums and in my brief research has been a problem in other Hondas as well. However my previous BMW i3 REx also had a 3yr 12V battery limit.

While on this topic of battery replacement; any one know if there are any tricks to be aware of in changing one on the NC1? I've always changed my own batteries in the past and really the only thing I had to do was reset radio settings. With the electronics on the NC1 are there any other items that need to be reset?

 

[RyanRA]

While on this topic of battery replacement; any one know if there are any tricks to be aware of in changing one on the NC1? I've always changed my own batteries in the past and really the only thing I had to do was reset radio settings. With the electronics on the NC1 are there any other items that need to be reset?

Just the audio system, clock, and navigation if you have one.

 

[Stkpikr]

Just the audio system, clock, and navigation if you have one.

Thanks. When I had my PPI done, the only things they found that needed to be done were the cabin air filter, wipers and both engine air filters. They only wanted $500 to do that. lol I passed. Of the 3, only the cabin air filter seems a little tricky and my ASE certified mechanic is willing to do that for me.

 

[RyanRA]

Thanks. When I had my PPI done, the only things they found that needed to be done were the cabin air filter, wipers and both engine air filters. They only wanted $500 to do that. lol I passed. Of the 3, only the cabin air filter seems a little tricky and my ASE certified mechanic is willing to do that for me.

Only 10 steps to change the cabin air filters : )

http://www.nsxwiki.com/uncategorized/cabin-air-filter-replacement/

 

[sbkim]

Great info - thank you all. I just have a couple more questions:

1. Any advice on how to conduct PPI out of town? Case in point, let's say there is car in LA/OC area but I am in Chicago. Who do I hire or do I ask them to take the car to the nearest Acura dealership?
2. Dumb question but I keep seeing 0-60 in 2.7 sec for stock NSX on a few acura dealership websites/youtube but all of the car magazines seemed to show 3's. We are splitting hairs here but is NSX sub 3 sec car?

 

[drmanny3]

Great info - thank you all. I just have a couple more questions:1. Any advice on how to conduct PPI out of town? Case in point, let's say there is car in LA/OC area but I am in Chicago. Who do I hire or do I ask them to take the car to the nearest Acura dealership?2. Dumb question but I keep seeing 0-60 in 2.7 sec for stock NSX on a few acura dealership websites/youtube but all of the car magazines seemed to show 3's. We are splitting hairs here but is NSX sub 3 sec car?

As for conducting a PPI out of town. When I sold my 2001 NSX-T to a fellow in the Bay Area, he asked me to have a PPI done by an Acura Dealership. I ended up driving my car about 45 miles to Ventura where a very experienced NSX Tech performed the PPI. So that worked out best for the buyer and myself as the seller. When I recently purchased the 2017 NSX from an Exotic Car Dealership I had them drive it over to the local Acura Dealer who had a Trained NSX Tech perform the PPI. So that would be my recommendation. Find a dealership that has a trained tech for the model NSX you are interested in. As for the 0-60 times, I have seen Acura post 2.9 seconds. So I would say it is a sub 3 second car. The NSX has excellent acceleration because of the nine speed duel clutch transmission which was developed by Honda. First gear is only available during initial acceleration from a standing stop. Once you are moving the trans will not shift back into 1st gear. This setup plus the electric motors that exhibit immediate torque is why the car can do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds.

 

[Bricks and Bio]

I can't recall a "reliable" entity getting 2.7 other than Acura's printing of that.

2.9-3.1 seems to be the real world best case.

Regarding the battery, I have found that driving the car in Sport+ for the last 20 minutes of a drive keeps the 12V battery charged up.

Mine failed a couple of months short of 4 years in service.

Where in Chicago are you? I am in East Lakeview.

 

[sbkim]

You guys are great. Thanks again. Bricks and Bio - I am in the Northshore suburbs.

I agree... I see how 2.7 secs at the bottom of this site (https://nsx.acura.com/explore/power-unit) but as people have noted it's always been higher during media review. I guess Germans like to post conservative numbers with the R8 V10+Performance lists 3.2 but I think has been tested 2.6. Again, I doubt that anyone will tell the difference.

 

[Bricks and Bio]

But nobody in the real world gets 2.7

The car is crazy fast, you'll see on Rt 41 North of Highland Park

I work in the Lake Bluff area (err, when I can go into the office)

To keep it clean, be sure to see the guys at Chicago Auto Pros in Glenview

 

[sbkim]

But nobody in the real world gets 2.7

The car is crazy fast, you'll see on Rt 41 North of Highland Park

I work in the Lake Bluff area (err, when I can go into the office)

To keep it clean, be sure to see the guys at Chicago Auto Pros in Glenview

Great - thanks! I will keep an eye out for your white NSX Working with McGrath Acura to get some indicative pricing on 2021. Sucks that I may have missed out on the incentives

I am going back and forth on white vs silver at the moment.

 

[Bricks and Bio]

Why not go with a 20 then?

If you would like to order one, Corey at Zimbrick in Middleton, WI is super to work with.

I have no idea how competitive they will be on pricing a 21.

My experiences with Napoleon, Muller and Rohrman were particularly bad.

I use McGrath downtown for service. Great folks.

 

[sbkim]

I will definitely reach out to Zimbrick. I would love to go with 20 but the order bank is closed and the only colors remaining seems to be yellow. There is one white in San Fran area but no response.

Why not go with a 20 then?

If you would like to order one, Corey at Zimbrick in Middleton, WI is super to work with.

I have no idea how competitive they will be on pricing a 21.

My experiences with Napoleon, Muller and Rohrman were particularly bad.

I use McGrath downtown for service. Great folks.