Anything special I should look for in a NA2? (Turbo'ed: Pg. 10)
10-31-2015, 12:56 PM
#41
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Deed is almost done on a silver/black 1999 NSX. I now have a deposit in on it. It's at an Acura dealer in the NYC metro. They are doing the timing belt, water pump, touching up paint, replacing some hoses.
It's this one:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2851/overview/
The advantage to using the Acura dealership is that I can do a trade. I'll be driving my S2000 to trade it in. Plan is to drive to NJ next weekend and complete the transaction.
I did not offer asking price.
It's this one:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2851/overview/
The advantage to using the Acura dealership is that I can do a trade. I'll be driving my S2000 to trade it in. Plan is to drive to NJ next weekend and complete the transaction.
I did not offer asking price.
Last edited by neuronbob; 10-31-2015 at 12:58 PM.
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10-31-2015, 01:03 PM
#42
Team Owner
I've never actually looked into it, however, I've heard the engine has to be dropped to replace the timing belt. An old friend of mine, a certified Honda/Acura mechanic, has said that isn't the case, however, I don't think he's ever replaced the T belt on an NSX. I could see that raising the price by over $1000 if it is indeed true.
10-31-2015, 01:06 PM
#43
Team Owner
Personally, I love the 97-00 NSX the best. You still get to keep the bad ass pop up headlights, while getting the upgraded engine and transmission. Yes, please.
What kind of trade are you getting on your s2000? Those jackasses will turn it around and sell it for double, or very close to.
What kind of trade are you getting on your s2000? Those jackasses will turn it around and sell it for double, or very close to.
10-31-2015, 01:25 PM
#44
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
^^^^
Dunno yet. Dealer and I will be swapping pics in the next few days so I should have a good idea shortly.
Dunno yet. Dealer and I will be swapping pics in the next few days so I should have a good idea shortly.
11-01-2015, 10:46 PM
#45
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
OK, another 1999 Kaiser Silver/Onyx in Columbus, only 32k miles, just popped up on my search. Carfax says oil leak, though, and pics indicate a much more beaten up side bolster than in the NJ car.
My feeble Google-fu says that most oil leaks on a NSX are easy to solve, so decision is keep deposit at NJ dealer on car with 59k miles, or immediately get PPI on car much closer to me with far fewer miles on it using oil change and lack of timing belt change as negotiating tactic.
Again.....we shall see.....
My feeble Google-fu says that most oil leaks on a NSX are easy to solve, so decision is keep deposit at NJ dealer on car with 59k miles, or immediately get PPI on car much closer to me with far fewer miles on it using oil change and lack of timing belt change as negotiating tactic.
Again.....we shall see.....
11-04-2015, 02:00 PM
#51
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
^^^
YES! If you could please?
Update: The car down in Columbus had been sold by the time I called to ask about it. So the one in NJ is the one. The salesman sent me a couple more pics as it's going through some work still:
Timing belt
water pump
Hoses replaced
Valve adjustment
Paint detailing
So basically, based on my conversation with my local dealer, about $3-4k + of work. Given that their asking price is above market, it appears they are working to make the purchase worth my while. It'll also save me time after pickup. The driver's side seat bolster looks a little beaten up, but that doesn't deter me. I'll just order a set from leatherseats.com and redo the seats.
The current plan is to drive out Friday afternoon and I hope to arrive there before close of business to inspect and complete the deed. If I can't make it, it'll be Saturday AM. So Kamlung, maybe we can meet for breakfast if time allows.
YES! If you could please?
Update: The car down in Columbus had been sold by the time I called to ask about it. So the one in NJ is the one. The salesman sent me a couple more pics as it's going through some work still:
Timing belt
water pump
Hoses replaced
Valve adjustment
Paint detailing
So basically, based on my conversation with my local dealer, about $3-4k + of work. Given that their asking price is above market, it appears they are working to make the purchase worth my while. It'll also save me time after pickup. The driver's side seat bolster looks a little beaten up, but that doesn't deter me. I'll just order a set from leatherseats.com and redo the seats.
The current plan is to drive out Friday afternoon and I hope to arrive there before close of business to inspect and complete the deed. If I can't make it, it'll be Saturday AM. So Kamlung, maybe we can meet for breakfast if time allows.
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CLtotheTL32 (11-04-2015)
11-04-2015, 02:43 PM
#53
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
At least at 59k miles I don't have to feel guilty about driving the car. It WILL be driven, especially after the winter ends.
A couple of teeny pics from the salesman.
A couple of teeny pics from the salesman.
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00TL-P3.2 (11-05-2015)
11-04-2015, 03:15 PM
#54
^^^
YES! If you could please?
Update: The car down in Columbus had been sold by the time I called to ask about it. So the one in NJ is the one. The salesman sent me a couple more pics as it's going through some work still:
Timing belt
water pump
Hoses replaced
Valve adjustment
Paint detailing
So basically, based on my conversation with my local dealer, about $3-4k + of work. Given that their asking price is above market, it appears they are working to make the purchase worth my while. It'll also save me time after pickup. The driver's side seat bolster looks a little beaten up, but that doesn't deter me. I'll just order a set from leatherseats.com and redo the seats.
The current plan is to drive out Friday afternoon and I hope to arrive there before close of business to inspect and complete the deed. If I can't make it, it'll be Saturday AM. So Kamlung, maybe we can meet for breakfast if time allows.
YES! If you could please?
Update: The car down in Columbus had been sold by the time I called to ask about it. So the one in NJ is the one. The salesman sent me a couple more pics as it's going through some work still:
Timing belt
water pump
Hoses replaced
Valve adjustment
Paint detailing
So basically, based on my conversation with my local dealer, about $3-4k + of work. Given that their asking price is above market, it appears they are working to make the purchase worth my while. It'll also save me time after pickup. The driver's side seat bolster looks a little beaten up, but that doesn't deter me. I'll just order a set from leatherseats.com and redo the seats.
The current plan is to drive out Friday afternoon and I hope to arrive there before close of business to inspect and complete the deed. If I can't make it, it'll be Saturday AM. So Kamlung, maybe we can meet for breakfast if time allows.
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neuronbob (11-05-2015)
11-05-2015, 03:00 PM
#56
Moderator
Usually don't venture into this section much. Silver/black (don't know the official NSX color names) would be my #1 choice. Count me in the early NA2 camp as well. Like the pop-up look better than the later NA2.
11-05-2015, 03:05 PM
#57
Team Owner
I just wish they had the colors of the later NA2s available for the early NA2s... Imola orange NSX with pop up headlights would be a dream...
11-08-2015, 07:05 AM
#59
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
tl;dr : OK, guys, the deed is done, scroll down for pics and video.
First, off, I want to thank Kamlung, who was really helpful. He inspected the car for me the day before I went to the dealership and verified its condition. He was there when I test drove the car at the dealership. He showed me great New Jersey hospitality and exemplifies what our forum is all about--collegiality and sharing of that love of cars. I simply cannot thank you enough, and I love your MR2.
I also want to thank Kevin Gilbertson, the used car manager at DCH Montclair Acura, he was awesome to deal with, even allowing Kamlung to come by at my request to look at the car. Kevin didn't even drive the car....and I kept ribbing him about it, and offered. He did drive my S2000, though, and had a blast in it!
So yesterday was a long day. I'd driven six hours from Cleveland to New Jersey the night before, giving my S2000 VTEC so often that it was giving my wife a headache. I got in at about 10:30 Friday night. I could barely sleep, it was like being a kid at Christmas!
My S2000
Bright and early the next morning, it was off to DCH Montclair Acura for the final inspection and a brief test drive. Kamlung showed just before the used car part of their lot opened up. Salesman, Kamlung, and I walked over just as they were backing the car out. I have to say, they did a great job prepping it.
It's in really great shape other than that the seat bolster has minor scuffing (and it's really minor, I don't think I'm going to touch it for now) and the seal of the rear lights is warped, allowing water into the trunk. Fret not, NSX fans, this is a common issue on the NSX and is very simple to correct; it was neither a deal-breaker nor indicative of prior body damage. It has small paint dings typical of a nearly 60k mile car, and the passenger side mirror has a red mark on it where the prior owner likely had some sort of garage mishap. There was a tiny dent on the front panel that was fixed by an aluminum specialist, then paint blended in that area. I can't even tell anything was done.
The test drive went well, and I am now the owner of a 1999 Kaiser Silver/Onyx NSX-T.
The story of the car is that though CarFax thinks it's a two owner car, it appears to have been one owner going back and forth between New Jersey and Florida. Prior owner was getting on in age, apparently was in his 80's The car was in storage for two years and it was pulled out in preparation for sale, along with a number of other of this gentleman's vehicles.
No service records, but the Carfax indicates regular service and I plan to call the dealerships in Florida and New Jersey the prior owner used to verify service just to complete the records.
When it was found, there were NO keys, none at all. The dealer had to make a "red" key, a programming key, which he gave to me in case the brand new keys he cut stopped working. Thankfully, they work fine. Unfortunately, I snapped up the car so fast that the dealer didn't have a chance to source new key fobs. I'll take care of that this week at my local Acura dealer.
In addition, the prior owner had just put on new rear tires.....but both of them were LEFT rear tires. The dealer, therefore, sourced a new RIGHT rear tire and had it installed. They also replaced the spare tire rubber; it arrived Friday night was was installed yesterday morning immediately before my arrival!
In all, the car is a "2-" or strong "3" on Hagerty's scale. My offering price was basically for a "2" car plus much of, but not all, of the work they did. I'm sure they made a tidy profit off this car, but that's America and at least I didn't get soaked paying $60-90k for a 1991 NSX.
So you don't give a $hit about all this, you want pics and a video, right? I'll get more pics today, and Kamlung can post his pics if he wants.
NSX swag and the "red" key from the dealer:
Leaving the hotel:
This turned into a nice fall leaves drive for the wife. PS the visibility is AMAZING in this car.
An aside: you know your car is low to the ground when you're looking UP at a Chevy Malibu. The seating position is much lower than in the S2000.
At the Delaware Water Gap
I took this video right after the picture above using my Google Glass. This video is especially for Kamlung! Just a brief acceleration burst in the exit lane before we took a quick meal break.
The popups work! Damn I love the popup lights. While I also like the 2002-05 frog-eyes look, the popups are just freaking AWESOME
I finished the day with a speech in downtown Cleveland honoring a colleague. That's why I didn't respond much yesterday. Here's a view on Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland from the helm of my Sport Hybrid (note the HUD):
Since I drove the S2000 and the NSX back-to-back, a wanted to make a few comparative comments.
The NSX is noticeably longer than the S2000--it fills up the garage bay that the S2000 fit in with no problem.
The NSX has an 8k max rpm, so in moving from my AP1 S2000 I'm not missing that much when I want to rev up.
The NSX clearly has a suspension tuned for its role as a Grand Tourer. It has much more understeer and slower steering than the S2000. Of course, the S2000 is a track-tuned car from stock. If I turn the steering wheel in the S2000 slightly, the car turns immediately. It takes more of a turn in the steering wheel of the NSX to achieve the same amount of movement of the car.
Despite the steering and understeer, this car handles very well in the tight mountain turns, at high speed. The car is very stable at high speed. Took a very short time to adjust to the car and before long, I was able to drive at my usual cruising speed of 80-85 mph.
The NSX's seats are much more comfortable than the S2000, and the trunk is larger. While I can easily tolerate the S2000's snug interior for long distances, I won't deny that the trip back to Cleveland was much more comfortable than the drive to New Jersey.
The clutch is trickier than the S2000, definitely not as buttery smooth, though the throws are decently short. The takeup point seems to be a little lower than the S2000 and it really requires adding some gas to make the 1st gear and reverse shifts smooth.
Last, this car attracts attention like none other. It attracts even more attention than the crazy blue on my CTS-V wagon. On I-80, I ran into a guy with an obviously modified BRZ. I passed him up as he was going slower, but he sped up and stayed behind me. I guess they wanted a listen to the exhaust, so I obliged a few times. Wow, that C32B engine can sing.
What a car. i hope to enjoy it for a few years. The only mods I plan for now are a) upgrade the radio for Bluetooth using a stock-looking solution ( Acura NSXÂ - Items For Sale ), b) maybe wheels.
Bucket list item checked off.
First, off, I want to thank Kamlung, who was really helpful. He inspected the car for me the day before I went to the dealership and verified its condition. He was there when I test drove the car at the dealership. He showed me great New Jersey hospitality and exemplifies what our forum is all about--collegiality and sharing of that love of cars. I simply cannot thank you enough, and I love your MR2.
I also want to thank Kevin Gilbertson, the used car manager at DCH Montclair Acura, he was awesome to deal with, even allowing Kamlung to come by at my request to look at the car. Kevin didn't even drive the car....and I kept ribbing him about it, and offered. He did drive my S2000, though, and had a blast in it!
So yesterday was a long day. I'd driven six hours from Cleveland to New Jersey the night before, giving my S2000 VTEC so often that it was giving my wife a headache. I got in at about 10:30 Friday night. I could barely sleep, it was like being a kid at Christmas!
My S2000
Bright and early the next morning, it was off to DCH Montclair Acura for the final inspection and a brief test drive. Kamlung showed just before the used car part of their lot opened up. Salesman, Kamlung, and I walked over just as they were backing the car out. I have to say, they did a great job prepping it.
It's in really great shape other than that the seat bolster has minor scuffing (and it's really minor, I don't think I'm going to touch it for now) and the seal of the rear lights is warped, allowing water into the trunk. Fret not, NSX fans, this is a common issue on the NSX and is very simple to correct; it was neither a deal-breaker nor indicative of prior body damage. It has small paint dings typical of a nearly 60k mile car, and the passenger side mirror has a red mark on it where the prior owner likely had some sort of garage mishap. There was a tiny dent on the front panel that was fixed by an aluminum specialist, then paint blended in that area. I can't even tell anything was done.
The test drive went well, and I am now the owner of a 1999 Kaiser Silver/Onyx NSX-T.
The story of the car is that though CarFax thinks it's a two owner car, it appears to have been one owner going back and forth between New Jersey and Florida. Prior owner was getting on in age, apparently was in his 80's The car was in storage for two years and it was pulled out in preparation for sale, along with a number of other of this gentleman's vehicles.
No service records, but the Carfax indicates regular service and I plan to call the dealerships in Florida and New Jersey the prior owner used to verify service just to complete the records.
When it was found, there were NO keys, none at all. The dealer had to make a "red" key, a programming key, which he gave to me in case the brand new keys he cut stopped working. Thankfully, they work fine. Unfortunately, I snapped up the car so fast that the dealer didn't have a chance to source new key fobs. I'll take care of that this week at my local Acura dealer.
In addition, the prior owner had just put on new rear tires.....but both of them were LEFT rear tires. The dealer, therefore, sourced a new RIGHT rear tire and had it installed. They also replaced the spare tire rubber; it arrived Friday night was was installed yesterday morning immediately before my arrival!
In all, the car is a "2-" or strong "3" on Hagerty's scale. My offering price was basically for a "2" car plus much of, but not all, of the work they did. I'm sure they made a tidy profit off this car, but that's America and at least I didn't get soaked paying $60-90k for a 1991 NSX.
So you don't give a $hit about all this, you want pics and a video, right? I'll get more pics today, and Kamlung can post his pics if he wants.
NSX swag and the "red" key from the dealer:
Leaving the hotel:
This turned into a nice fall leaves drive for the wife. PS the visibility is AMAZING in this car.
An aside: you know your car is low to the ground when you're looking UP at a Chevy Malibu. The seating position is much lower than in the S2000.
At the Delaware Water Gap
I took this video right after the picture above using my Google Glass. This video is especially for Kamlung! Just a brief acceleration burst in the exit lane before we took a quick meal break.
The popups work! Damn I love the popup lights. While I also like the 2002-05 frog-eyes look, the popups are just freaking AWESOME
I finished the day with a speech in downtown Cleveland honoring a colleague. That's why I didn't respond much yesterday. Here's a view on Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland from the helm of my Sport Hybrid (note the HUD):
Since I drove the S2000 and the NSX back-to-back, a wanted to make a few comparative comments.
The NSX is noticeably longer than the S2000--it fills up the garage bay that the S2000 fit in with no problem.
The NSX has an 8k max rpm, so in moving from my AP1 S2000 I'm not missing that much when I want to rev up.
The NSX clearly has a suspension tuned for its role as a Grand Tourer. It has much more understeer and slower steering than the S2000. Of course, the S2000 is a track-tuned car from stock. If I turn the steering wheel in the S2000 slightly, the car turns immediately. It takes more of a turn in the steering wheel of the NSX to achieve the same amount of movement of the car.
Despite the steering and understeer, this car handles very well in the tight mountain turns, at high speed. The car is very stable at high speed. Took a very short time to adjust to the car and before long, I was able to drive at my usual cruising speed of 80-85 mph.
The NSX's seats are much more comfortable than the S2000, and the trunk is larger. While I can easily tolerate the S2000's snug interior for long distances, I won't deny that the trip back to Cleveland was much more comfortable than the drive to New Jersey.
The clutch is trickier than the S2000, definitely not as buttery smooth, though the throws are decently short. The takeup point seems to be a little lower than the S2000 and it really requires adding some gas to make the 1st gear and reverse shifts smooth.
Last, this car attracts attention like none other. It attracts even more attention than the crazy blue on my CTS-V wagon. On I-80, I ran into a guy with an obviously modified BRZ. I passed him up as he was going slower, but he sped up and stayed behind me. I guess they wanted a listen to the exhaust, so I obliged a few times. Wow, that C32B engine can sing.
What a car. i hope to enjoy it for a few years. The only mods I plan for now are a) upgrade the radio for Bluetooth using a stock-looking solution ( Acura NSXÂ - Items For Sale ), b) maybe wheels.
Bucket list item checked off.
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11-08-2015, 10:35 AM
#61
Senior Moderator
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your purchase story along with the photos and video. I can totally relate to the "day before" feeling and having it be a lot like waiting for Christmas. Glad to see the NSX go to a good home. 
See you at NSXPO 2016? (location still TBD)
See you at NSXPO 2016? (location still TBD)
11-08-2015, 10:49 AM
#63
Senior Moderator
congratulations bob!!
11-08-2015, 10:52 AM
#64
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Delaware Water Gap
Bunkmates
Old Acura, new Acura
MOAR....
Red poking through the silver paint on the passenger mirror. May just cover it with touch-up paint.
Still moarrrr....
Bunkmates
Old Acura, new Acura
MOAR....
Red poking through the silver paint on the passenger mirror. May just cover it with touch-up paint.
Still moarrrr....
Last edited by neuronbob; 11-08-2015 at 11:14 AM.
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11-08-2015, 10:53 AM
#65
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Dirty H-Town, Amerikkka
Posts: 28,432
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Wow! Love that grey.
Nice pickup Bob. I'm almost jealous.
Nice pickup Bob. I'm almost jealous.
11-08-2015, 01:05 PM
#66
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
What a write-up! Congratulations Bob 
11-08-2015, 01:12 PM
#67
Team Owner
Great.. Now you have THREE of some of the rarest cars on your driveway. 
Congrats!!
Congrats!!
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ttribe (01-16-2016)
11-08-2015, 04:33 PM
#70
Team Owner
Bob, you now have to clean up that garage and make it suitable for the gems you're storing inside.
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neuronbob (11-08-2015)
11-08-2015, 04:46 PM
#71
I know this isn't a fair question but how would you compare the acceleration of this 16 year old car with you Sport Hybrid?
Congrats for being the first to own both a Sport Hybrid and a NSX. Pretty rarified air!!!!
Congrats for being the first to own both a Sport Hybrid and a NSX. Pretty rarified air!!!!
11-08-2015, 07:15 PM
#72
First, off, I want to thank Kamlung, who was really helpful. He inspected the car for me the day before I went to the dealership and verified its condition. He was there when I test drove the car at the dealership. He showed me great New Jersey hospitality and exemplifies what our forum is all about--collegiality and sharing of that love of cars. I simply cannot thank you enough, and I love your MR2.
I also want to thank Kevin Gilbertson, the used car manager at DCH Montclair Acura, he was awesome to deal with
Bucket list item checked off.
I also want to thank Kevin Gilbertson, the used car manager at DCH Montclair Acura, he was awesome to deal with
Bucket list item checked off.
I'd also like to give a shout out to Ruben Arcila at DCH... He is the General Sales Manager there and when i went to see the vehicle the first night, he was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the Honda/Acura brand... I stood there for almost an hour just talking about cars... The team at DCH Montclair is top notch and i wouldn't hesitate recommending anyone to them...
i'll post two pictures... (i'll caption them as "First" and "Last")
"First" is the picture that i took as i was walking into the garage the evening i went to see the car for Bob...
when i got there, they were 3 hrs into detailing the car, i was there another 2 hrs and i'm sure they put in another 4 hrs after i left just prepping the car. 
"Last" is possibly the last photo of the S2000 under Bob's ownership... Next to my Charlotte
11-08-2015, 07:56 PM
#73
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Just kidding. The acceleration feels faster in the NSX, but then again, it's a very light car, there's more noise, and you're closer to the ground and the sense of "faster" is more there. However, the NA2 NSX is only a tick faster than the Sport Hybrid. If we believe our friend "RLX Sport Hybrid"'s number of 4.9 seconds 0-60, that's the same as the NSX.
But again, the experience is different, as you know. The NSX looks and sounds every bit the exotic car when accelerating, and the Sport Hybrid, as much as I like the sound that the J-engine makes in Sport Mode, cannot even compare.
Bob, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and Mrs. Neuronbob... I'm glad you were able to achieve dream car status... i hope one day i am also able to acquire an NSX as clean as yours... if for ANY reason you feel inclined to sell this beautiful vehicle in the future, please just do me the favor and give me first dibs!!!
....
*pics*
....
*pics*
11-08-2015, 09:04 PM
#75
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
The most urgent need is an audio upgrade. I'm upgrading the radio with the Willman electronics stock-looking system. That way, I use the stock Bose amps and gain BT for handsfree/music streaming, and the potential for XM radio, though I can always just use the XM app on my iPhone and stream it.
Acura NSX - Items For Sale
I could add a more modern head unit, but that'd require cutting into the stock center console, or sourcing a replacement from SOS. Not interested.
Maybe I'll get wheels eventually. I'm really happy with the look right now, honestly.
That's really about it. The engine sound is so wonderful I don't think there's a need for exhaust, and I like the power output as is, so no NA mods or supercharger. When I feel like I need more power, there's always the V wagon.
Acura NSX - Items For Sale
I could add a more modern head unit, but that'd require cutting into the stock center console, or sourcing a replacement from SOS. Not interested.
Maybe I'll get wheels eventually. I'm really happy with the look right now, honestly.
That's really about it. The engine sound is so wonderful I don't think there's a need for exhaust, and I like the power output as is, so no NA mods or supercharger. When I feel like I need more power, there's always the V wagon.
I said the same thing, but then it became too quiet for me. Bought my exhaust looking for sound rather than power and couldn't be happier. It's a sports car, it needs to sound like one.
11-08-2015, 09:53 PM
#77
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Bob's not modding anything unless it's the wheels. Otherwise he'd buy a molested NSX for less coin.
11-08-2015, 10:26 PM
#80
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Did you guys buy molested NSXs? 
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rockstar143 (12-22-2015)