PH buying guide: Honda NSX
Honda's finally committed to a new NSX but we still rather like the old one - here's how to score a good'n
NSX benefitted from typical Honda thoroughness
Definitely not up for debate is the thorough engineering of the NSX. Honda had been developing the car since 1984 and was determined to make it as usable as possible. To this end, its cabin had a large glass area, it was easy to get in and out of, and the 3.0-litre V6 engine was as docile in traffic as it was powerful on the open road. Though with 274hp quoted as the official power output the NSX was not the most potent car in its class, even by 1990 standards.
Search for Honda NSXs here
This aside the only real disappointment with the NSX at launch was the interior. Honda had made it a shade too user-friendly and borrowed switchgear from its contemporary mainstream models. The upside to this is it's very reliable and soundly put together, so even early NSXs can still be used everyday without worry.
2002-on facelifted cars got fixed lights
The automatic transmission NSX stuck with the 3.0-litre engine till production ended in 2005.
A facelift in 2002 introduced the NA2 with fixed headlights to replace the pop-up originals, while a Type R version was offered in Japan but not the rest of the world. This NSX-R had 280hp and weighed 1,270kg thanks to carbon fibre for some body panels and the rear wing.
JDM only Type R the peak of NSX evolution
Finding any NSX for sale in the UK takes time and patience, as few are ever on the market at the same time. Owners tend to keep their cars for long periods, which has shored up used values. Even an early, high miles NSX will make £10,000, while a 3.2-litre manual NA2 with low miles and perfect history will pull in £25,000.
Buying guide contents
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling chassis
Body
Interior
Search for Honda NSXs here
Would apear that finding these cars is still hard. I even made enquiries into importing one from Japan, But they dont like to let them go either, it would seem.
Saw this review last week and have been trawling autotrader since then http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlaWp4bCl1A
The vid is gorgeously shot (its not TG or FG or autocar - its in Hungarian w/ English subtitles)
The first being I've only just turned 30, so only been driving 13 years and therefore missed the opportunity to be able to buy and insure a brand new car.
Also, now these cars are modern classics, i fear that the chances of buying one without paying an unreasonable price is quite slim.
As the article said, the owners tend to keep them for long period of time, and that is certainly the case of a family friend who has owned 2 NSX's.
Both of these cars were bought brand new, the first in '95 and the 2nd in 2003.
The first car was part exchanged for the 2nd which he still owns and drives every day.
I've been lucky enough to drive both his cars, and 2 owned by other people too, and have come to the conclusion that NSX's take on thier own unique characters after while. Some being ropey wannabe supercars, feeling let down that they never could match up in the power stakes. Others gently waft around town like elegant ninja's, knowing that although delicate and classy they'll bite your f***ing head off given the chance.
My advice if going to buy one is to take it on a drive around as many different environments as possible, and get to know it's "personality".
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3687828.htm
If only I had no need for four seats......
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3687828.htm
If only I had no need for four seats......
Still have always wanted one since mates dad had a red one new in 1992, even if that was an auto
NSX remains best car I've ever owned and only one I've ever missed.
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