NSX- Most Fun for 25k?
08-26-2008, 09:47 AM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
NSX- Most Fun for 25k?
1991–94 Acura NSX
Most Fun for $25,000: The $25,000 Question: Inexpensive? Reliable? An oxymoronic mid-engined exotic.
Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...sx+page-3.html
As a testament to just how far Honda pushed the envelope with its 1991 Acura NSX, compare it with the most sophisticated machinery of today. That first NSX’s 3.0-liter V-6 made 270 horsepower and revved gloriously to its 8000-rpm redline. Almost 18 years later, BMW’s direct-injection 3.0-liter (in the Euro-only 330i) makes 268 horsepower.
The NSX’s lightweight aluminum sheetmetal surrounds a fascinating 3000-pound wedge that still looks fresh today (if you don’t count the tiny 15- and 16-inch wheels). Combined with first-rate comfort and ergonomics, and a docile, aluminum-intensive unequal-length control-arm suspension, it’s easy to see how the NSX quickly won our hearts as well as a distinguished victory over a Porsche 911, a Corvette ZR-1, and a Ferrari 348ts in a 1990 comparison test.
Having purchased this Formula Red example new in December 1990, it’s safe to say Ken Sax (which he amusingly writes “keN SaX”) of Evanston, Illinois, is quite familiar with his 78,000-mile car as he’s exercised it to the tune of 13,000 on-track miles. The car has held up well, mostly needing replacement of such predictable items as worn brake pads (25 front sets, 16 rears thus far) and chewed-up tires, although his NSX suffered a rare catastrophic engine failure caused by a broken harmonic-balancer pulley that led to a jump of the timing belt. Sax replaced the engine with a $4500 used one, which was the cheapest fix.
We all were impressed at how solid and modern his NSX felt. Sure, there were a few squeaks and rattles, but it rides forgivingly, is quiet, and still feels structurally sound. Sax’s car does have some minor scuffs in the interior and noticeable wear on the seat bolsters, which is common.
The manual steering is just as alive as we remembered, its on-track poise is phenomenal, and the five-speed manual’s short, precise throws are still a benchmark. Sure, a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.2 seconds doesn’t qualify as blazing anymore, but the flexible engine absolutely wails above 6000 rpm. We nominate it as the best-sounding V-6 ever.
From 1991 until it was discontinued in 2005, the NSX’s price ballooned from $60,600 to $89,765, even though it evolved very little. A targa model was added for ’95; a 290-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a six-speed manual were new for ’97; and the NSX got a fixed-headlight face lift for 2002. The ’97-and-newer cars still fetch $40,000 to $50,000, while the ’91–94 models have held steady in the range of $25,000 to $35,000 for almost 10 years.
By exotic-car standards, NSX ownership is painless, but there are a number of known problem areas—a faulty transmission snap ring and fragile power-window regulators on ’91 and ’92 models, as well as a history of rapid tire wear. So do your homework first. Be especially wary of the service history, as many lower-mile examples haven’t kept up with recommended maintenance such as timing-belt replacement.
The NSX was truly an exotic turned everyday friendly. It’s no wonder owners of these inexpensive, high-mileage cars are so enthusiastic. —Dave VanderWerp
__________________________________________________ __
QUOTES FROM THE PAST: The NSX
“The first mid-engined supercar that doesn’t act like a parole violator.” —Patrick Bedard, August 1990
“The rich guys in Bev Hills will be buying NSXs for their floozies. Lucky floozies.” —Patrick Bedard, September 1990
Most Fun for $25,000: The $25,000 Question: Inexpensive? Reliable? An oxymoronic mid-engined exotic.
Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...sx+page-3.html
As a testament to just how far Honda pushed the envelope with its 1991 Acura NSX, compare it with the most sophisticated machinery of today. That first NSX’s 3.0-liter V-6 made 270 horsepower and revved gloriously to its 8000-rpm redline. Almost 18 years later, BMW’s direct-injection 3.0-liter (in the Euro-only 330i) makes 268 horsepower.
The NSX’s lightweight aluminum sheetmetal surrounds a fascinating 3000-pound wedge that still looks fresh today (if you don’t count the tiny 15- and 16-inch wheels). Combined with first-rate comfort and ergonomics, and a docile, aluminum-intensive unequal-length control-arm suspension, it’s easy to see how the NSX quickly won our hearts as well as a distinguished victory over a Porsche 911, a Corvette ZR-1, and a Ferrari 348ts in a 1990 comparison test.
Having purchased this Formula Red example new in December 1990, it’s safe to say Ken Sax (which he amusingly writes “keN SaX”) of Evanston, Illinois, is quite familiar with his 78,000-mile car as he’s exercised it to the tune of 13,000 on-track miles. The car has held up well, mostly needing replacement of such predictable items as worn brake pads (25 front sets, 16 rears thus far) and chewed-up tires, although his NSX suffered a rare catastrophic engine failure caused by a broken harmonic-balancer pulley that led to a jump of the timing belt. Sax replaced the engine with a $4500 used one, which was the cheapest fix.
We all were impressed at how solid and modern his NSX felt. Sure, there were a few squeaks and rattles, but it rides forgivingly, is quiet, and still feels structurally sound. Sax’s car does have some minor scuffs in the interior and noticeable wear on the seat bolsters, which is common.
The manual steering is just as alive as we remembered, its on-track poise is phenomenal, and the five-speed manual’s short, precise throws are still a benchmark. Sure, a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.2 seconds doesn’t qualify as blazing anymore, but the flexible engine absolutely wails above 6000 rpm. We nominate it as the best-sounding V-6 ever.
From 1991 until it was discontinued in 2005, the NSX’s price ballooned from $60,600 to $89,765, even though it evolved very little. A targa model was added for ’95; a 290-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a six-speed manual were new for ’97; and the NSX got a fixed-headlight face lift for 2002. The ’97-and-newer cars still fetch $40,000 to $50,000, while the ’91–94 models have held steady in the range of $25,000 to $35,000 for almost 10 years.
By exotic-car standards, NSX ownership is painless, but there are a number of known problem areas—a faulty transmission snap ring and fragile power-window regulators on ’91 and ’92 models, as well as a history of rapid tire wear. So do your homework first. Be especially wary of the service history, as many lower-mile examples haven’t kept up with recommended maintenance such as timing-belt replacement.
The NSX was truly an exotic turned everyday friendly. It’s no wonder owners of these inexpensive, high-mileage cars are so enthusiastic. —Dave VanderWerp
__________________________________________________ __
QUOTES FROM THE PAST: The NSX
“The first mid-engined supercar that doesn’t act like a parole violator.” —Patrick Bedard, August 1990
“The rich guys in Bev Hills will be buying NSXs for their floozies. Lucky floozies.” —Patrick Bedard, September 1990
08-26-2008, 01:46 PM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Austin TX
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Good stuff. In my opinion, the NSX could of easily be priced at 100k or even 150k if Honda distributed/marketed the car under a different emblem since not many consumers back in the early 90s believed they should be paying more than 100k or even at 60k for a Japanese car (I guess it would be a similar aspect if Hyundai produced a supercar for 100k today). But as a Honda enthusiast, I would of thought that Honda would be very shameful not to produce it with a Honda emblem. The engineering aspect of the car especially the suspension is phenominal for more than a decade ago. Now, they (car enthusiasts) say that the Mclaren F1 was essentially an overpriced NSX but with a rather larger displacement engine and extreme weight reduction.
09-07-2008, 03:56 PM
#7
Senior Moderator
Yesterday i jumped into the NSX for a short drive. Well that short drive ended up being a 150 mile cruise. 
Best $30k i ever spent! Seriously... first time ever that i have zero urge to trade it in for something. I mean really...what else is there that offers so much for the price.
Best $30k i ever spent! Seriously... first time ever that i have zero urge to trade it in for something. I mean really...what else is there that offers so much for the price.
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09-07-2008, 04:38 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
I read that article a few days ago. I can't find anything but 150k mile 1991 NSXs for $25k in my area, though.
I'll own one, eventually, maybe when I get tired of my S2000.
I'll own one, eventually, maybe when I get tired of my S2000.
09-07-2008, 07:50 PM
#9
Fahrvergnügen'd
Pulling up to a Ferrari meet in a FD is like showing up in shorts to play Bushwood. Just ain't cricket.
The NSX on the other hand, definitely.
09-10-2008, 04:59 PM
#11
luvs redheads!
Since i have to build my credit up etc, and want to consolidate my debt. I have been looking for an NSX. I have been a long time avid fan of the car but seriously thinking of buying on since its my dream car. Plus its an "investment". lol
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