First NSX, need advice

[AG]

Hello

This is my first post, I have been reading this forum for nearly 5 months, it has been my daily routine to visit the forum at least once a day, I truely enjoy reading all the useful posts and informations on NSX, and drool over the NSX images posted by fellow NSX owners.

NSX always has been my dream car, the look is to die for, however the near $90000 new car price is out of my reach, and would not be a good value for me finacially, so I will most likely purchase a used 91 to 94 NSX.

I have owned 4 different cars, all purchased new, my current ride is 99 Lexus GS400, while it has decent power, extremely easy to drive, but is really not a fun car to drive, and feel bulky at times.

I have worked extremely hard for this day, convincing girl friend to let me purchase a used NSX was not a easy thing, trust me, now it is obstale no more, finally convinced her after several months of plea and negotiation, I can finally go out and look for one, however I do have one concern, this will be my first used car ever, I have never had any major problems or even minor problems with the previous 4 cars I owned, never had to let any one of my previous cars sit in the shop for more than a few hours, for a 91 to 94 NSX it is a fairly old car, should I expect a lot of down time or major problems? are there anything else that I should consider thoroughly before making the pruchase?

Also my girl friend used this against me during our debate of purchasing used NSX, while she is allowing me to purchase one now, she still bring up this argument occassionally and try to convince me otherwise, she always tell me, why spent $30000 to $40000 on a 10 year old car (91 to 94 used NSX), when you can purchase a brand new S2000 now or wait for 350Z or Infinity G35 Coupe in a few month from now, and not worry about any down time or problems, all I can said to her is I love the look of NSX more than any other car, it is fast, and it is a true exotic.

Have anyone of you been through similar situations? if so can you please provide even more convincing arguments, or suggestions.

any adivce will be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Jason

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by AG:
for a 91 to 94 NSX it is a fairly old car, should I expect a lot of down time or major problems? are there anything else that I should consider thoroughly before making the pruchase?

You shouldn't expect a lot of down time or major problems. However, you can minimize the chances of that by seeking out a car that has low mileage and/or has been meticulously maintained. Make sure that the car has a complete service history and that all the scheduled maintenance has been done on time. For example, the timing belt and water pump are scheduled for replacement after 90K miles or 6 years, whichever comes first. They should have been done by now on any '91-94. If you find a car where they haven't been done, or were done a week before the car started being advertised, keep searching. This may cost you a few thousand dollars more than a similar car without such indications, but it's one of those things where "you get what you pay for".

You will have a better chance of finding that "perfect" NSX on the classifieds sections of forums where NSX owners hang out, such as these:

NSXprime

nsxsc.com

NSXchange

NSX Classifieds (James)

NSX Classifieds (Chris) (has been up and down)

more so than autotrader.com and cars.com which have a lot of dealer cars. Perfectly maintained NSXs tend to be sold in private (and sell quickly).

Search nationwide. If you find one that you're serious about, you can have a knowledgeable NSX owner in the area check it out in person for you, and/or have a dealer in the area do a tech inspection. That can save you a plane ticket (or worse), since many cars are not as presented. Many owners think their cars are immaculate when they are not.

As for your girlfriend, those other cars are simply not in the same category as the NSX. When you get the NSX, take her to a fine restaurant and make sure she sees how the valets park it right up front (particularly if you make sure they know you're going to slip them a few extra bucks when you pick it up).

 

[5inchfatlip]

hey there- FIrst thing- the majority of people will think you are somewhat "crazy" paying up to and over $40k for a early year model....only beacuse this amount of money can buy a very nice new car with a warranty and blah blah blah....and a car around 10 yrs old!

Most will NOT and I repeat NOT understand, my GF wanted me to buy a 00 LexusGS400, fully loaded, 20" Brabus rims, body kit...for even less than my 93 NSX....I didnt listen, and once she saw the car in person, she fell in love...and even more in love hearing the engine scream at you at high RPM's....she now tells me I can never sell the car..

If you worried about what your GF will think, there are VERY nice early years out there that look brand new, mine is always mistaken for 2000 or so model by folks that dont know the car...try to find one too where the owners knows the car, not just has it, to have an NSX...it may take a while too...

I dont think you will be dissapointed, I have owned an early Porsche Turbo 3.6, & Rx7 TT, and this car by far is the best overall package....as said they are a different league...good luck!

 

[Doberman8U]

AG, I am in the same boat. I am halfway to saving cash to buy a 91-94 NSX and my girlfriend hates it so much that it has led to severe arguments. Her main point is the warranty and new (or 1-2 yr old) car. She says it is stupid to pay that much for a old car.

I do see her reasoning, but to call our idea stupid is just not right and offends me. My best comeback for her is that I can resell the NSX (not that I would) for virtually as much as I pay for it. If I go buy a brand new Audi A4 Convertible when they come out, and then try to sell it 3 years later-I will lose many thousands of dollars.

No matter what, I don't see me winning this argument with her and for me personally, I feel I am too young to be programmed by a girlfriend this early in life. Therefore, the NSX will be mine! Oh, yes, it will be mine!!!

Johnson

 

[hk4site]

Sounds like you guy's are married...Do what you want, your time is coming

 

[tanman]

I too am going thru a similar situation with my girlfriend. Very usefull thread.

Tan
2000 Monaco Pearl Blue NSX with Volk GT-C Silver
2000 Formula Red S2000 with 18" Volk GT-N Gunmetal

Contemplating selling the S2000 to appease her.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by BlueNSX:
Contemplating selling the S2000 to appease her.

That's not "appeasement". That's "surrender". Do that, and you will prove to her that she can control every decision in your life.

 

[SmittyCat]

Thanks for the tips guys. Just reading thru the replies, as I am saving up for a used '91-'93 NSX as well. I need to get all this good info before I start looking at the used ads.

 

[Tom Larkins]

Like yourself I was abit worried about a used car purchase. I test drove a couple of Vipers & Porsche 911's and I found that they just didn't cut it in terms of overall quality and maintenence history. If your do your homework as it appears you have been, you will find this to be true. Those cars did have better preformance in some aspects but the NSX is the overall package and the Acura product itself is darn near bullit proof. My 96t is rock solid from its fit/finish, even better than the GS400 I currently use as my daily driver and it has the same milage as the NSX (29k). What others have said is correct, find one w/documented history and you will have piece of mind and this forum will be your best source. You will also find most folks here are glad to help out. I looked for several months before I even knew this site existed and mine was found right here by a guy whom never posted before. Good luck...

 

[TigerNSX]

I am in the same boat.
The only way that I can get NSX is to sell my 98 BMW 740il (original owner) which only has 32k miles, and many extras like 19inch Hartge rims, H&R springs w/ Bilstein shocks, and exhausts. Unfortunately, due to a soft market for luxury cars, my 7 series is only worth about $30k or $32 at most even with a low milege. My wife and all my friends do not understand why I would trade in my 7 seris for 91 NSX. My heart is set on NSX, but because of what they have told me, I am in confusion and chaos. Whenever I mention "NSX", my wife simply ignores me. I am currently working on a secret deal with the dealers so that my wife doesn't know what I am up to, but I am still very confused and wonder if I have guts to make such deal.

 

[ChopsJazz]

Sounds to me like while you're looking for an NSX in the Classifieds, you might want to check the Personals for a new girlfriend too.

 

[5inchfatlip]

RIGHT ON Mr. CHops!!! I dont think at all your significant other should have a say in what you buy with your $$...if everything else is taken care of, its yours....

my ex had the same problem, she knew i loved cars, but she would never support me and we always fought about it...

my new GF loves the car, and all our bills are paid everythings cool!

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SUPPORT by them, or else the fight will never stop...not just in cars, but in all your hobbies and interests...

 

[K-Dawg]

I have just been talking about the NSX with my fiance for so long she is now putting her foot down, she wants the 97 spa yellow t top!!

Thank god she is being so supportive!!!!

 

[huckster]

eight months before d-day;

"honey, im thinking about getting a sports car"

she said"you dont need that"

"yeah, i know, but im still thinking about it"

she said "sigh" head shake

four months before d-day;

"honey, you should see the nsx i saw, today"

she said, "thats nice"

"really, it was incredible. When i drove it.."

she said, "WHAT!! You DROVE it!!"

"Well, not really, i just took it around the block a few times. But the dealer was asking too much"

she said, "sigh" head shake

One day before d-day;

"hey honey, im going to Springfield to look at an nsx. ive got business down there too, but i'll only be gone two days"

she said, "why dont you buy a harley instead. i know you still want a harley, ever since yours got stolen. And a harley would be cheaper"

"What, youre trying to get me killed? we've got kids now, and i dont want to get wiped out on a motorcyle. Besides, the harley i would get would still cost 30k. Have you looked at the prices on Harleys lately?"

she said, "sigh" head shake.

AND THAT WAS THAT,

CAUSE I DONE TOL' YOU WOMAN, IM FIXIN' TO GIT DAT NSX!!!

 

[Joel]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
For example, the timing belt and water pump are scheduled for replacement after 90K miles or 6 years, whichever comes first. They should have been done by now on any '91-94. If you find a car where they haven't been done, or were done a week before the car started being advertised, keep searching. This may cost you a few thousand dollars more than a similar car without such indications, but it's one of those things where "you get what you pay for".

Huh?! Nsxtasy, please elaborate on this. If the timing belt and water pump have been replaced, why would it be a concern if they started advertising to sell the car right away? I don't understand.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by Joel:
Huh?! Nsxtasy, please elaborate on this. If the timing belt and water pump have been replaced, why would it be a concern if they started advertising to sell the car right away? I don't understand.

If the current owner is only replacing the timing belt and water pump now, two to six

years late, it means he didn't bother performing this scheduled maintenance when it was due. If he didn't do this service on time, then perhaps he may have neglected other needed maintenance and repairs too.

 

[PKim]

Gheez?
You guys with gf, sound like your married or something? Unless she is your common law wife or your engaged, why should she car how you spend your hard earned money? Am I right guys? At this stage of the game she should support you and appreciate you for who you are and visa versa. I been looking at nsx for about 6 months now and everytime I'm on the net my wife peeks over and asks what are you looking at and I say "porn" LOL.
She just rolls her eyes, actually I been looking at nsx but it give me the same hard on,hehehe. Well my wife knows how hard I work and she told me get one if you want. That's why I married her. She's a keeper.

 

[TigerNSX]

Originally posted by huckster:
eight months before d-day;

"honey, im thinking about getting a sports car"

she said"you dont need that"

"yeah, i know, but im still thinking about it"

she said "sigh" head shake

four months before d-day;

"honey, you should see the nsx i saw, today"

she said, "thats nice"

"really, it was incredible. When i drove it.."

she said, "WHAT!! You DROVE it!!"

"Well, not really, i just took it around the block a few times. But the dealer was asking too much"

she said, "sigh" head shake

One day before d-day;

"hey honey, im going to Springfield to look at an nsx. ive got business down there too, but i'll only be gone two days"

she said, "why dont you buy a harley instead. i know you still want a harley, ever since yours got stolen. And a harley would be cheaper"

"What, youre trying to get me killed? we've got kids now, and i dont want to get wiped out on a motorcyle. Besides, the harley i would get would still cost 30k. Have you looked at the prices on Harleys lately?"

she said, "sigh" head shake.

AND THAT WAS THAT,

CAUSE I DONE TOL' YOU WOMAN, IM FIXIN' TO GIT DAT NSX!!!

Your wife sounds just like mine..

 

[G-man]

Originally posted by BlueNSX:
I too am going thru a similar situation with my girlfriend. Very usefull thread.

Tan
2000 Monaco Pearl Blue NSX with Volk GT-C Silver
2000 Formula Red S2000 with 18" Volk GT-N Gunmetal

Contemplating selling the S2000 to appease her.

Forget it, dump the girl friend!

Girlfriends are much easier to come by than a really good NSX of S2000 anyway. That is why I got rid fo my first wife, she wanted me to drive a K-car to save money. My current (and final) wife was selected for not only her tolerates but her love of my car indulgences for NSX, Porsche, BMW, etc... since I don't cheat on her, I don't do drugs, it is a fair trade. Keep the cars and dump the GF.

------------------
Gordon G. Miller, III
2000 NSX-T #51 Yellow/Black

 

[CyberYeh]

I just got my 96 NSX-T last month. It has 78,000 miles on it, and I got it on e-Bay for $35,500. The mile is little high and the car was out of State from Florida. I searched all over the web for months (didn't know about this site at the time) before I decided to bid on e-Bay. Like you, I was worried about the condition of the car, and my GF simply did not understand. First of all, I spoke to many NSX owners, and they all baby their car like it's brand new. I flew out to Florida to see mine when I place the bid. I wanted to make sure it's perfect, and it is. The owner told me it's a Honda, and we all know Honda makes great reliable cars. When I drove the first NSX, I knew I had to get one. Besides the awesome apparance, the acceleration and handling was incredible. If you take your time and shop around, you should be able to find a 91 to 94 with low miles around $30,000. But they go fast. When I was shopping, many owners said they have to sell theirs because they are getting married and buying a house. Those are the best deals. But they sold theirs in a day or two, MAX. As for your girlfriend, you'll find out once you have the NSX, you'll love IT more than HER, but just don't let her know it. Good luck.

 

[khiroshima]

Gentlemen,

While I agree that it is prudent and maybe even just good PR to get your GF's "advise" on topics like this . . . The last time I checked, the person who signed the check to the IRS was ME. So in my opinion, that will be the same person who decides where the disposable income goes. Maybe this is harsh, but it's all in how you present the problem. If you ask her opinion you have options. If you ask her what to do, you're #$%^&*.

Certainly none of my GF's, past and present (hmm, that looks plural) loved the car, they just accepted it. They all understood that it is/was my passion. It is something that they may never understand or share, but it is something that is mine.

Maybe it's because I'm in sales, but I have never had an issue. It's all in presentation. Kevin

 

[AG]

I greatly appreciate all the info and reply I received on this topic, several people also e-mailed me privately and provided additional info and tips, thanks everyone!!

I have just sold my 99 GS400 yesterday, and will go start shopping for a NSX after I return from Japan for a business trip later this month, if all goes well I will post pics of my NSX sometime next month.

Jason

 

[5inchfatlip]

good luck AG- there are alot of NSX's out there...take your time and travel a few hundred miles if you can for one...take it to Larry b4 buying so he can inspect it too for a small fee...once you get it lets meet up sometime..

 

[ChopsJazz]

Originally posted by khiroshima:
Gentlemen, [ you're #$%^&*. ]

Kevin

Kevin, could you be more specific?

And AG, when you post pics of your new NSX, post some of your new girl friend too please. We're all dying to see her.