The Honda NSX is a famous sports car loved by car fans for many years. This guide will help you understand what makes the NSX special and what to know before buying one, whether you’re new to supercars or have owned many.
Key Points
- Iconic mid-engine sports car with two generations: 1990-2005 and 2016-2022
- First-generation features all-aluminum body and VTEC engine technology
- Second-generation offers hybrid powertrain with 573 horsepower
- Developed with input from Formula One champion Ayrton Senna
- Median price for second-generation models: £107,395
The Legacy of the Honda NSX
The Honda NSX, also called Acura NSX in some places, first came out in 1990. It changed the sports car world by being the first production car with an all-aluminum body. The first version, made from 1990 to 2005, was known for being light and having a powerful VTEC engine. This new way of making supercars set a new standard for how well they worked and how reliable they were.
An interesting fact about the NSX is that famous Formula One driver Ayrton Senna helped make it. He helped Honda make the car handle and perform better, making it great for drivers. Senna’s help made the NSX even more special and famous. This buyer’s guide tells you more about the NSX’s history and how it was made, including how Senna helped and how the car changed the car world.
The second version of the NSX, which came out in 2016, was different. It used hybrid technology, mixing a twin-turbo V6 engine with three electric motors. This new NSX is very fast and shows how Honda keeps using new technology in their best sports car.
Honda NSX Average Price Trends (USD)
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Why the Honda NSX is a Must-Have Supercar
The Honda NSX is special for many reasons. It’s very fast – the newest ones can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. This is as quick as much more expensive supercars. But it’s not just fast in a straight line – the NSX is also great at turning and feels very balanced when you drive it.
What makes the NSX different from other supercars is that you can use it every day. Many fancy cars are hard to drive daily, but the NSX is comfortable inside, easy to see out of, and rides smoothly. You could even drive it to work every day if you wanted to. Not many supercars are both very fast and easy to use every day, which shows how good Honda is at making cars.
When you compare the old NSX to the new one, they’re both great in different ways. The first NSX feels more connected to the road and looks classic. The new NSX has the latest technology and is as fast as much more expensive supercars. It uses both gas and electric power, which makes it very quick and uses less fuel. Your choice might depend on whether you like classic cars or new technology, but both types of NSX are fun to drive.
| Generation | Production Years | Engine | Power Output | 0-60 mph | Status |
| First Generation | 1990-2005 | 3.0L V6 VTEC | 270-290 hp | 5.5 seconds | Classic |
| Second Generation | 2016-2022 | 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo Hybrid | 573 hp | 2.9 seconds | Modern |
| NSX Type S | 2022 | 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo Hybrid | 600 hp | 2.7 seconds | Limited Edition |
Key Considerations When Buying a Used Honda NSX
When looking at a Honda NSX for sale, there are several important things to think about:
Condition and Mileage
Check how good the car looks inside and out, and look at the engine too. Look for signs of wear, crashes, or bad repairs. Cars with low miles are good, but a well-cared-for car with more miles can be okay too. Cars that have been used regularly often do better than ones that have been sitting for a long time.
Service History
It’s really important to see records of the car’s maintenance. The NSX is a complex car, so it needs to be taken care of properly. Look for records of oil changes, timing belt replacements (for older models), and other regular maintenance. For newer NSXs, pay attention to how the hybrid system has been maintained. Good maintenance records can make the car worth more and give you peace of mind.
Common Issues
For older NSXs, watch out for: – Worn suspension parts – Electrical problems, especially with the headlights and windows – Worn clutch on manual cars – Rust on very old models – Problems with the VTEC system – Air conditioning issues
For newer NSXs, be aware of: – Software issues with the hybrid system – Worn brakes, especially if the car has been raced – Expensive brake replacements – Possible transmission problems – Worn tires – Paint chips from driving low to the ground
Price Negotiation
Research how much NSXs usually cost before you try to buy one. Prices can be very different based on the car’s condition, miles, and year. Use websites like Kelley Blue Book to find out fair prices. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but be ready to pay more for a car that’s been well taken care of. Remember that rare or special versions might cost a lot more. Think about things like the car’s color, extra features, and history when deciding if the price is fair.
“The NSX was a groundbreaking supercar that proved high performance and reliability could coexist. It changed the sports car landscape forever.”
— Automotive Historian
Where to Find the Best Honda NSX Listings
When looking for a Honda NSX, here are some good places to check:
1. Carsnip: This website has lots of NSX listings from different sellers. It’s easy to use and lets you compare different models and prices.
2. Special Car Dealers: Some dealers focus on sports and fancy cars. They often know a lot about the NSX and might sell cars that have been checked carefully. These dealers might also offer warranties or help after you buy the car.
3. Fan Websites: Sites like NSXPrime or NSX Club can be great places to look. Many owners like to sell to other fans who will really appreciate the car. These websites often have sections where people list their cars for sale. People on these sites can also give you good advice about specific cars.
4. Auction Houses: For rare or very valuable NSXs, places like RM Sotheby’s or Barrett-Jackson sometimes sell these cars. These auctions can be good places to find NSXs with very low miles or rare versions like the NSX-R. But be ready for high prices and lots of competition.
When using these places to look for an NSX, always check things carefully. Ask for lots of pictures, ask about maintenance records, and if you can, have a mechanic check the car before you buy it. It’s really important to check the car’s history, including any crashes or big repairs. Having a mechanic who knows NSXs well check the car before you buy it can save you from expensive surprises later.
All-Aluminum Body
Lightweight construction for improved performance
VTEC Engine
Variable valve timing for optimal power and efficiency
Mid-Engine Layout
Balanced weight distribution for superior handling
Hybrid Powertrain
Advanced technology in second-generation models
Honda NSX Price Trends & Investment Potential
The Honda NSX has shown interesting price changes over time:
First-Generation NSX (1990-2005)
These older NSXs have gone up in value a lot, especially ones that are in great condition with low miles. Prices can be from about $50,000 for cars with more miles to over $100,000 for ones in perfect condition with few miles. Rare versions like the NSX-R can cost even more, sometimes over $200,000. These cars are worth more now because they’re important in car history, not many were made, and more people see them as classic cars now.
Second-Generation NSX (2016-present)
The newer NSX hasn’t gone up in value as much as the old one yet, but it has kept its value well. New ones start at about $160,000, and used ones can cost between $120,000 and $150,000 depending on how good they are and how many miles they have. Because not many of these new NSXs were made, especially special versions like the Type S, they might be worth more in the future.
Investment Potential
The first-generation NSX, especially early models and special versions, could be a good investment. It’s important in car history, not many were made, and it’s getting harder to find good ones. Things that make it a good investment include: – It was Honda’s first supercar – Famous race car driver Ayrton Senna helped make it – It changed how other supercars were made – People are starting to feel nostalgic for 1990s sports cars
For the second-generation NSX, it’s too early to know if it will be a good investment, but because not many were made and it has special hybrid technology, collectors might want it in the future. Things that could make it valuable later include: – It was one of the first hybrid supercars – Not many were made, especially special versions – It has very advanced technology and performs really well – In the future, there might be rules against non-hybrid sports cars
If you’re thinking about buying an NSX as an investment, remember to think about how much it will cost to store, maintain, and insure. Like with any car investment, how good the condition is and its history are really important for its value. Keeping records of the car’s history, taking good care of it, and keeping it original can all help it be worth more in the future.
Conclusion: Is the Honda NSX Right for You?
The Honda NSX, whether you choose the old version or the new hybrid one, is a special car that’s both very fast and reliable – something that’s rare for supercars. It’s great for driving fast on racetracks or curvy roads, but it’s also comfortable enough to use every day. The NSX shows how Honda can make exciting sports cars that are also well-engineered and reliable.
Before you buy an NSX, remember these important points:
- Research the specific year of NSX you want, because they made changes and improvements over time
- Always check the car’s history and maintenance records, especially for big repairs or any crashes
- Think about having a mechanic who knows NSXs check the car before you buy it, especially for older or high-mileage cars
- Think about how you’ll use the car – for weekend fun, track days, or daily driving – because this will help you decide which version is best for you
- Remember that maintaining a high-performance car like the NSX can be expensive, especially as the car gets older
- Think about long-term costs like insurance, storage, and whether the car might go up or down in value
Whether you like the pure driving feel of the old NSX or the high-tech performance of the new one, owning an NSX can be really fun for anyone who loves cars. It offers a mix of supercar speed, everyday usability, and Honda reliability that you can’t find in many other cars. Ready to start looking? Check out the latest Honda NSX for sale listings on Carsnip and find your dream supercar today!
