Supercars are expensive; buying used is the schlub’s way to get previously unattainable stuff at a reasonable price. Take, for example, the Acura NSX. Prices when new ranged from $60,000 in 1991 to just shy of  $90,000 by the time production stopped in 2005. Now, though, this mid-engined exotic—with the reliability, comfort, and everyday drivability of, well, a Honda—is considerably cheaper. You can pick up a good one for the cost of a new Accord. But be wary—and by all means, get a pre-purchase inspection—because, while it’s no Lamborghini or Ferrari, parts and repairs for an NSX can be expensive.

alloy everywhere
The thing that most distinguished the NSX from its peers was its extensive use of aluminum, which formed the unibody, engine, transaxle housing, suspension, wheels, and even the seat frames. Aluminum body panels were toughened by heat treating, and became thinner in later models. Watch for panel misalignment, waviness, mismatching colors and textures, overspray, and uneven caulk surrounding new glass. Inspect the hood and deck areas carefully.

engine
Still cutting-edge today, the NSX’s aluminum-block V-6 boasts variable-valve timing, titanium connecting rods, and an 8000-rpm redline. Unless sadistically abused or poorly maintained, they’re basically bulletproof. The timing belt and water pump need to be replaced every 90,000 miles or so.
suspension
Early cars chewed through their rear tires in a hurry. Acura’s solution was to change the alignment specifications, something that’s easy for owners to remedy.

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transaxle
Early cars had a five-speed manual; Acura made the switch to a six-speed in 1997. In ’91 and ’92 cars (with transmission numbers ending in 3542 through 5978), make sure the shifter doesn’t move excessively in response to engine load. If an internal groove was cut too wide, a critical snap ring can resonate and break. If it’s going to happen, it happens early, so higher-mileage cars are probably okay. Repairs run $3000 to $4000.

used values*
approximate parts and labor charges

1991–94
$25,000–$33,000

Parts
Labor

1995–96
$29,000–$39,000
Timing belt and water pump
$600
$950

1997–99
$40,000–$44,000
Clutch and release bearing
$1950
$1100

2000–05
$42,000–$58,000
Rubber door seals (2)
$270
varies

*Top condition with average
Windshield
$900
varies

mileage and equipment.
Window regulator (1 door)
$600
$500

Radiator
$500
$300

Catalytic converter (1 side)
$1300
$500

nsx milestones
1990 Goes on sale as a 1991 model. 1995 Targa-top NSX-T becomes standard. Suspension gets slightly softer, and electric power steering becomes standard on manual-equipped cars. 1996 Fixed roof becomes available again. 1997 Engine displacement goes from 3.0 liters to 3.2, horsepower from 270 to 290 (except automatics). Six-speed manual transmission replaces five-speed. 2002 Fixed HID headlights replace pop-ups. Revised suspension, larger wheels and tires. Targa is the only available configuration, remains so through end of production in 2005.


Source: Car & Driver