Never got to own one, but drove several of them back in the mid-late 90's when I was working as a valet at a fancy restaurant. They were pretty new then. I loved them. Easy to drive as an Accord, very comfortable, wicked fast...at least that's the rumor.
poopshovel wrote: Sigh. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/2864291609.html
That's a purdy car... and definitely tempting at that price. 
My only NSX story is from 1993 and I was helping my mother shop for a new car. We stoped at the Acura dealer and while they didn't have anything she was interested in, it was a slow night so the sales guy humored me by letting me sit in the NSX they had on the floor. What I remember most was the really good outward visibility compared to most sports cars and none of the "cave" feeling.
And I built a Tamiya model of one... 
I'm surprised none of the regular forums members own or have owned one that have spoken up so far. There are a lot of people on here that have the means, but so far no actual ownership experience and these cars have been available in the 20k range for a while now. Personally, I'm just not a big fan of Honda other than the powersports division, but I know a lot of forum members are, so am surprised by the lack of ownership.
That being said...this thread did remind me of my desire to own an MKIV TT Supra.
In reply to Cotton:
Honestly, I think that's the microcosm problem with the NSX. We all like it, but when the time comes to actually plop down the $$$, nobody does. The wealth of what else is out there at the NSX's price point is just too good...
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/1991-acura-nsx/
Inside Line's NSX BTW. (It's newest post first, so go to the end and start).
Their backlog of used cars is an awesome way to waste a Friday BTW. Ferrari 308, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, Corvette Z06 (C5), Turbo-Look 911, Supercharged NA Miata, and a modded EVO, etc, etc.
Javelin wrote: In reply to Cotton: Honestly, I think that's the microcosm problem with the NSX. We all like it, but when the time comes to actually plop down the $$$, nobody does. The wealth of what else is out there at the NSX's price point is just too good...
I don't have the means... if I had that cash to spend on a sports/fun car it would be that or a 240Z with a bunch of ls1 added or MAYBE a 911 SC.
tuna55 wrote: In reply to ProDarwin: I'll bet that difference would switch the other way on a open roadcourse rather than an autocross.
Probably, or maybe just more even. Note the sweeper advantage of the S2K.
The NSX style points would totally make up for it though.
Javelin wrote: In reply to Cotton: Honestly, I think that's the microcosm problem with the NSX. We all like it, but when the time comes to actually plop down the $$$, nobody does. The wealth of what else is out there at the NSX's price point is just too good...
Exactly. Which is the main reason it never sold all that well when new.
There is at least 1 GRMer who owns one (e_pie), as he chimed in on the last NSX thread (last NSX thread here). His car is bad ass.
Here it is:
Javelin wrote: In reply to Cotton: Honestly, I think that's the microcosm problem with the NSX. We all like it, but when the time comes to actually plop down the $$$, nobody does. The wealth of what else is out there at the NSX's price point is just too good...
Exactly. I plopped down my cash on an Evo IX MR. Easier/cheaper to mod at every level from minor to ridiculous, excellent reliability, 4 doors, big trunk, Jesus handling, so-on-and-so-forth.
I've always been a fan of the NSX. And it held the top spot on my must-drive-someday list. When that day arrived it was a Comptech super-charged targa model with 375 whp according to the owner. And it was a track day. Sometimes the heavens smile on each one of us. 
My impressions? Good looks and nice interior were as expected. With a helmet on and the roof on the car was basically undriveable, both for me (5' 9") and the owner who was less than average height. That's a real detractor for me; fortunately for that day we just took the top off but I prefer a roof over my head on track. Heel-and-toe was difficult. It had good power at the end of the straight but didn't have exceptional punch out of the corners. My biggest disappointment was the understeer. While it was very stable under trail-braking, and good through an 80 MPH sweeper, in lower speed corners it had substantial understeer both at neutral throttle and under power. How much understeer? Even with that much power down the straights, I was so slow at the apex and out of the corner I had to watch out I wasn't holding up traffic.
I talked to another driver who time trials his NSX and he confirmed the understeer. So I don't think it was a tire or setup issue. Also, I watched the video of Senna thrashing one and it also seemed to understeer. I'm sooo glad I finally got to drive one, and drive it fairly hard, but the halo was off after that. I still like them but the lottery wouldn't prompt me to buy one.
Other posters have mentioned the replacement cost of suspension parts, which I have heard elsewhere. But the aluminum body doubles or even quadruples body repair costs. That's a little scary, too, similar to an Elise.
I'm not doggin' on the NSX. But I feel there are other, better options for my wish-money.
David
Great information from all. Much appreciated. My only ride in one was when I was 18. I worked at a car-wash. As the only guy there with two brian-cells to rub together, the owner trusted me to hand-wash pricey cars when they came in. I did lots of cars for UF football players (SUUUUUURE they don't get paid.)
Anyway, there was a guy with an NSX. Funny that Ian didn't get the "cave" effect - as that was the first thing I noticed "HOLY berkeley, HOW DO YOU DRIVE THIS THING!?!?"
Dude didn't hand over the keys, but took me for a spin. Not the fastest thing on the block, but goddamn it oozes cool.
I've driven a few while looking to buy. Most were stock, some lightly modified and one was supercharged and had major suspension work. All were early model hard tops-I don't want a targa.
Honestly, I don't care what out performs it. It's an NSX. They are close to appreciating and will soon be one of those cars that you wished you had bought when you could have. The NSX is the pinnacle of my car lust and has the right combination of driveability, affordability and serviceability. Yes, I can buy a Ferrari, or Porsche or Lotus instead but none of them push my buttons like an NSX does.
You are correct about the cockpit, they are a tight fit for me at 6'0" without a helmet. No idea how I'd fit with one on for a lapping day or autocross. I'd worry about that later, probably a modified stock seat or an aftermarket bucket only for those times. The black interiors are bleak, like a stock Miata. The ivory ones are more interesting and enjoyable (to me anyway, I had a tan interior in my Miata FWIW).
A stock NSX drives very benignly around town. Aside from all the stopped traffics, pointing and picture taking, it's like driving an Accord and it could easily be your daily driver. Modified ones can be rough riding and twitchy or just a bit harsher than stock. It depends on how hardcore they are set up. I'd suggest some mild upgrades to the shocks, springs and bars just to freshen the car and firm things up. You probably don't want to drop the car much or you'll never be able to navigate most speed bumps, curb cuts or the like.
Can't vouch for how complicated the NSX suspension is or how much after market parts cost but I know that most stock maintenance parts are still available from Acura at a fraction of Ferrari/Lotus/Porsche prices. Honestly, I'll let the dealer service my NSX when I get one.
Prices are all over the map. I found almost the perfect one for me last summer. Silver '91, ivory interior, totally stock (still had the car phone installed), low miles, most records with a good service history and priced right. But, it had some minor paint work that didn't quite match and the transmission was notchy-probably bad synchros, not in snap range. At just north of $30k I probably should have bought it but decided to wait until I finish with grad school, refi my student loans and see where my financials fall. I graduate in just over a month so I'll be back in the market soon and will let you know what happens.
I thought the stock 1st gen NSX was a mid-low 13 second car. Stock S2k doesn't see 13's does it?
I prefer to think in trap speeds here.. AFAIK a stock NSX traps 105-110 depending on year, whereas the s2k is more like 98-100. So the NSX is noticeably faster.
http://nsxftw.blogspot.com/ From ^that guy on another forum...
I autox'd alongside that guy last weekend. He and another local guy who's racing an s2k CR have a fun little bet going. That weekend the NSX owner (Vivek) was ahead by a couple of tenths.
I was driving an XP crx i'd never driven before. It was kicking my ass. I ran about 2 seconds slower than those guys with the s2k and nsx.
I've always loved them. Will never own one I don't think for various reasons. While not a Honda fan-boi, the NSX makes me all misty and think about what Honda USED to be...Before they lost their way so miserably.
In my mind Honda has gone off course further than any other maker.
jimbob_racing wrote: Can't vouch for how complicated the NSX suspension is or how much after market parts cost but I know that most stock maintenance parts are still available from Acura at a fraction of Ferrari/Lotus/Porsche prices.
This is a pretty broad generalization. Most of the Porsche parts I buy (Carrera 3.2 and 944 Turbo) aren't that bad.
poopshovel wrote: Sigh. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/2864291609.html
I'm not even on the right continent to be able to buy that, but I have to admit I just saved all the pics.
Black on black leather with a hard top... So perfect.
poopshovel wrote: I'm just daydreaming...but daydreaming of something wicked, fun to drive, and not a bank-breaker when it comes to parts. While I realize a Z06 can be had for similar money, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't rather have a little of the weird/head-turner quality in a poor-man's supercar. There are a couple on CL right now that start with that seductive and magical number "2." Thoughts? Pitfalls?
Do the other Hongs know of your "life decision"
Your Canadian Overlords.....
Uber Wayne and the Gang
Pretty sure "normal" Wayne would be okay with it. I never actually met Uber-Wayne, but am, inexplicably gay for him.
I Knows Canucks has raced my share of same, Touche as the French say. CouldNt afford an nsx unless one showed up as salvage, then I would fix it and flog it.
1991 acura nsx supercharged NEEDS WORK sale/trade
http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/2891986890.html
poopshovel wrote: 1991 acura nsx supercharged NEEDS WORK sale/trade http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/2891986890.html + LSx = your chariot awaits!!!
So when are you picking it up?
tuna55 wrote:poopshovel wrote: 1991 acura nsx supercharged NEEDS WORK sale/trade http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/2891986890.html + LSx = your chariot awaits!!!So when are you picking it up?
If $6k is really the number...or maybe even $5k, I'm thiking I'm a dumbass if I don't.
I swear to god, on my life, as I was typing that, a red NSX drove by the shop. I think I'm on a mission from God.
I really didn't need to see that....
Snag it!
*EDIT...Hell, you could sell the Comptech and get some money back....I'd keep the wheels...but if you sold those as well....
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