Questions regarding 1992 red/black NSX

[AlanC]

Hey guys,

I took a look at a NSX in the Ventura County area and I noticed some issues with the car. I was just wondering if they should be any cause for concern.

Firstly, it had a mild musty smell coming out of the trunk area of the vehicle.

There was also an issue with the VIN stickers. I was wondering if 1991-1993 NSX's have VIN numbers on the rear quarter panels of the vehicle like the 2000-2005 models and if a lack of them indicates a rear-end collision.

I also noticed a clicking noise coming from the valve lifters. Is that indicative of a 60,000 mile car?

Lastly, there is an issue about price. The current owner tells me that he purchased the car used in 1996 for 39,000 dollars. Was that a low price for the car back then and does it hint at any other undisclosed problems?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[PHOEN$X]

Firstly, it had a mild musty smell coming out of the trunk area of the vehicle.

This is a symptom of a common problem. The tail lights leak and water gets into the trunk: http://nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118270

There was also an issue with the VIN stickers. I was wondering if 1991-1993 NSX's have VIN numbers on the rear quarter panels of the vehicle like the 2000-2005 models and if a lack of them indicates a rear-end collision.

Body panels didn't get VIN stickers until 2000: http://nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?p=211068#post211068

I also noticed a clicking noise coming from the valve lifters. Is that indicative of a 60,000 mile car?

I'm not sure. Could it be the fuel pump? http://www.nsxprime.com/wiki/Noises...From_The_Engine_Compartment_At_4.2C000_RPM.3F

Lastly, there is an issue about price. The current owner tells me that he purchased the car used in 1996 for 39,000 dollars. Was that a low price for the car back then and does it hint at any other undisclosed problems?

I purchased my 91 NSX w/55k miles in 2002 for $27k, so $39k in 1996 is not inconceivable. The only way to know for sure whether the car has any issues is to do a comprehensive PPI (including a compression test). Also, the NSXPrime Wiki is a wealth of resources for learning about the NSX, and remember that the search is your friend.

Good luck!

 

[AlanC]

Thanks for the info! I probably will take the plunge for this car then.