Used Acura NSX: Buyer Guidelines

The Acura NSX is considered the first and only super car to ever be produced by the Honda Motor Company, and a used Acura NSX can be a great value. It was released and sold in the United States in 1991. Its targeted competition: Ferrari.

This mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, factory race car was built from 1991 to 2005 through 2 generations of styling. Original pricing exceeded the $50,000 dollar range (the highest of any Honda sports car) but that price tag got you a 3.0 liter V-6 VTEC engine with 270 horses (that revved to 8,000 rpms), an aluminum double-wishbone suspension, a revolutionary aluminum chassis and lightweight-forged racing wheels. All standard equipment on any modern race car.

Finding a used NSX these days is quite simple, if you are willing to spend the money. Pricing starts at $27,000 for a used 1991 model and can skyrocket to $64,000, if you prefer the styling of the second gen models (2002-2005). Variations between these years include the NSX-T, which added a targa roof to the NSX in 1997, and all NSXs built after 2002 came with various performance upgrades (lightweight body materials, brakes, wheels and a more powerful 3.2 liter engine). Also, the 2002-2005 versions featured a face lift (Xenon HID head lights), and a new 4-speed automatic transmission (with a manual mode) became available.

If you have the money and crave the revolutionary performance of an NSX, here are a few guidelines to consider before you buy:

1. Do not compulsively buy the first Internet special you come across. These supercars enter and leave the market every year, and finding one at the right price can be as easy as waiting for the perfect NSX to find you. Do some research and always test drive before you buy.
2. Avoid a faulty suspension and braking system. During your test drive, listen for clunks, rattles and squeaks. Try to lock up the brakes a few time to ensure the ABS system is still working. Also, be sure to visually inspect each brake, wheel and all hydraulic brake parts under the hood (master cylinder, vacuum booster) for leaks or defects.
3. If you are interested in a 1991 or 1992 NSX, be sure to fully test the transmission. Make sure it shifts correctly, listen for growling or grinding and be sure to test the clutch for slipping and proper engagement. These model years are known for a faulty transmission and owning a supercar with a lowsy transmission can be...well lowsy.
4. Check the body panels and paint condition of your NSX for imperfections or damage. Since the entire car is aluminum, it will not be easy or cheap to replace. Inspect the car in different lighted areas (sunlight, fluorescent, etc...) to ensure any exterior repairs have been done correctly. Aluminum is a difficult metal to paint match.
5. Do not let a high mileage NSX deter you from consideration. Honda/Acura vehicles have always been famous for their durability and reliability. The NSX model is no different. Although, OEM replacement parts do not come cheap, so be careful.

By following these steps and using your car-buying common sense, your dream NSX is definitely within reach. Instead of spending your  $20,000 on a newer sports car, you could become one of the few NSX enthusiasts in the U.S.