FlewByU352

Well I have decided it is in my blood to stay with Honda forever and always. My next car I am thinking of picking up would be a 1st gen NSX. What are things to look for when purchasing one? I know a decent amount about the C30 and C32 but not really any problems. Does Honda's supercar still have that couple hundred thousand mile reliability? Basically looking for common problems.

Top Ramen

There is a really good guide on NSXPrime. Lists common issues (like the snap ring problem) and is pretty thorough.

HondaSurgeon

definitely see if you are gonna need a new clutch. Or at least how healthy the clutch is becase when you ahve to change it out, its gona cost you a bit. Another thing is to jus tmake sure all the tires match(brand). thats a good tell tell sign that the owner took care of the car. Hopefully they have service records of the car also.

94mugenintegra

Tires can be different because they is usually one size difference between the front and rear. Check the window, if they roll up slow they are most likely getting ready to go. There is a fix for this, check nsxprime.com.

Timing belt records are another key item to check into. Get a PPI or have a local prime member check the car out for you, most are more than willing to help.

The car is solid and does not have any major problems other than the snap ring, which I would assume has been taken care of in most of the early models.

Good luck, you will love the car... I sure do!

Meeyatch1

I personally like to look for a car with things like seats, an engine, and even doors if I am feeling frisky. Little things like that go a long way for me.

Seriously....my 1994 just turned 175,000 miles today. It is just like any car, proof of maintenance is key. I am still on the original clutch too. Go figure.

Trey

Snap ring info: http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubles...ansmission.htm

OMG WTF

Snap Ring (google it)
Coolant Hoses (all 23 of them, $1000 job at mechanic)
Water Pump/Timing Belt/Harmonic Balancer ($3000+)

t65Supra

^What they said. Clutch, timing belt, windows that are slow to roll up, tires, snap ring (If it's any early NA1 91-93), etc.

anynsx

clutch
hoses
water pump/ timing belt
tires
snap ring
climate control
sound system


those are the big problems to check other then normal things when buying a used car
thats why i went with a mint 05

DChan415

I have a red 92 NSX with a new clutch, hoses, timing belt, tires, snap ring, climate control and sound system for sale. Email me if interested. 107k miles and 1 owner.

civic402lx

Go register on nsxprime there are many x for sale over there. Plenty of info on it. Anything from 93+ u dont have snap ring issue. Radio issue, climate control issue are common on ALL nsx, due to age.

Ponyboy

Couple hundred thousand mile reliability, indeed. Snap ring, coolant hoses, TB/WP are the biggest issues, IMHO. Clutch isn't really a "problem" item just needs replacing like every wear item.

cwood1388

To the OP:

This may be one of the best articles I've actually seen documenting everything. Pictures, Locations. Enjoy and happy hunting!

http://www.hondatuningmagazine.com/i...ide/index.html

Ponyboy

What??!! cwood is back to HT?

That's a good link. I think Aaron Bonk did the majority of that article. He's an owner and good guy but not a honda forum (in general) fan.

NSXTCY

Check the FAQ section, of NSXprime, and use there checklist as a reference. If you're not mechanically "savy". Look into getting a PPI done, prior to purchasing. It's a good investment.

T_22*

I always wondered about the snap ring that is good info as I am in the market for an nsx

95ttht

iTrader: (1)

Snapring is less of an issue these days than it was 10 years ago when people were freaking out about it. Back in they day, a failed NSX trans meant the only option was a $6K new unit and $2K in labour. Now used early transmissions can be had now for $1000-1500 even if it does blow up (which isn't as common as people are lead to believe).

Just sayin' don't rule out a clean car that might be in snapring range.

20vmr2

i think you'd simply look for what you look for in every car

FlewByU352

All great info here, thanks guys! I know that labor on these cars is crazy for just about every job, I think I could conquer all the mechanics that need attention on my own. Radio is the least of my worries as stereo stuff is just about the easiest thing to replace on a car. How hard is it to work on these things? Being mid engine is it one of those drop the motor to really work on? Or not so much?

bluensx

Aside from what has already been said, look for a 1 or 2 previous owners with real good maintenance records. Most NSX owners are ****. That's a good thing.

Good luck.

nsxxtreme

The NSX doesn't lend itself well to aftermarket radios. I have seen some that look decent but most look like they don't belong/

You can do some things with the motor in, but if you have the ability to drop the motor my understanding is its much easier to work on.

I'll be doing the 90k Mile service on mine this weekend or next just depends on when the parts arrive. My 94 has 52k miles I spent about $600 on all the parts from Dali.

Ponyboy

Tell that a$$hole he still owes me over a grand. Hope you get your parts.