"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
05/01/2015 at 12:30 • Filed to: None
60
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"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
05/01/2015 at 12:30 • Filed to: None | 60
| 100 |
Back in 2004 I was driving a turbocharged Acura Integra GSR. That was before it was nearly impounded by Fairfax County one fateful night, but that’s a story for another time. My forum of choice in those years was Honda-Tech and during the seemingly endless nights at the office I’d come across a beautiful NSX in the member’s gallery forum. The Honda NSX was to the Honda community world what the R34 GTR was to the Nissan community. When it came to the respective brands, it didn’t get any better. This is the story of the day I purchased my Acura NSX. My daily driven super car.
Click Here for Original Story on RightFootDown.com
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
The thing I need to remember while writing this is that even though it feels like just yesterday, I purchased and sold my NSX nearly ten years ago. There are quite a few details I hope will be jogged as I write this series. Here goes.
Shopping for an Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is one of those cars that’s value has followed similar suit of the Toyota Supra Turbo. Prices can be all over the place. Higher mileage, early model year cars in relatively stock condition were typically selling for $30k or more in the mid 2000’s. That was slightly out of budget. Frustratingly, any NSX that I found with a mid to high $20’s ask price happened to be in California. I needed to find something local.
One evening when browsing the… shit, I forgot where I was browsing. It may have been Autotrader. Or was it NSX Prime? In any case, I found a guy in Maryland who claimed to own multiple NSX’s and was selling a clean 1991 to make space at his townhouse in Laurel. The NSX was a red on ivory, 5-speed manual, without much service history but it was clean and only had 70k miles or so. I don’t remember the exact mileage, but it was low for the year. The factory wheels were gone and instead came fitted with a set of 17 Blitz wheels. The interior was just about mint though the center console’s plastic paneling was replaced with a carbon fiber sheet. So for the most part it was free of modification. After a few phone calls back and forth with the seller we agreed on $25,000 and arranged to pick it up the coming Saturday morning.
Would I be able to daily drive an NSX year round? They say it can be done. The NSX is called the Everyday Supercar, right? This could be a terrible decision...
I was beyond giddy and don’t think I worked a single moment the rest of the week. All I could think about was the NSX and if it wasn’t for my midnight work schedule I would have driven up to get the car that same day. On Friday night I stayed at a buddy’s house. He agreed to drive me to Laurel in morning to get the car. It took forever to get to sleep. I woke up to the sound of pitter patter on the windows. Of course it would be raining today.
Test Drive and Purchase
A little rain didn’t stop us. We made it to the seller’s house in about an hour. I want to say it was around 10 AM when we arrived. The rain had lightened up slightly. Enough to walk around the car for a closer look. The owner tells me a little bit about how he had another NSX at another house down south and didn’t see a need for two. Much of this I swear went in one ear and straight out the other. All I wanted to do was take this NSX home.
In the interest of time, and wanting to seal this deal, our test drive was to the nearest bank to transfer the funds and sign the title. The drive to the bank is also much a blur though I remember being thoroughly impressed with the driving position and visibility in the rain. The hood is short and raked so much and the dash is so low that outward visibility was about the best I’ve ever experienced. It reminded me of a the WW2 bomber planes where the gunner sat at the nose.
Then there was the sound of the engine. You can read all the magazines and watch all of the YouTube videos you want but nothing prepares you for the glorious sound of VTEC behind your head screaming to 8,000 RPMs. By the way, you can wind 2nd gear out to about 80 MPH. First gear was so short and second so tall that the engine can easily drop out of VTEC if it isn’t a perfectly timed shift. No idea why Honda designed the transmission like they did. Honestly, it wasn’t that big of a deal because I really enjoyed hearing the activation. Oh, that glorious wail!
Click Here for Original Story on RightFootDown.com
The Drive Home
Driving home was perfect. By perfect I mean it was raining cats and dogs. And there I was, in a new-to-me “super car” cruising around the 495 Beltway with the windshield wipers on full tilt. I was so excited to own an Acura NSX but this rain sobered me quick. Truth be told, I was terrified of something going wrong on the way home. The roads were beyond wet and I recall psyching myself out. “This car handles way different than your turbo GS-R or mild 3-series”, I heard in my head. Last thing I needed was to hydroplane and spin out. Or worse. Don’t be that guy who totals and NSX on the way home!
The car was insured, but still. Speaking of insurance, I’m sure you’re curious what it cost for my 23 year old ass to own an NSX. I was with Geico, had a reckless ticket on my record at the time and it cost me $1,600 a year with full coverage and a $500 deductible.
Aftermath
In the end I made it home. It may have taken me two hours on the drive back but I was home safe and sound Saturday afternoon. Just in time to not make it to the DMV. So that meant I couldn’t get the car tagged until Monday. The following day was beautiful and I had a gorgeous NSX. It would have been a crime not to drive it, right? I’ll just keep the Bill of Sale on me and drive around with no tags.
Well, it only took a few hours until the blue lights were flashing in my rear view mirror. I showed the officer the Bill of Sale and off I went, instructed not to drive the car again until it was tagged. Okay, officer!
When I got back home I wanted to share the experience of owning an Acura NSX so I invited most of my friends to drive the car to experience the same thrill. The memories made during my next year of NSX ownership are some of the best that I’ll never forget. I trolled Corvette owners, took teen drivers out on a wet skidpad, competed at the Redline Time Attack, had late-night run-ins with Ferraris and a wild trip to New York City! God, I miss that car. The stories are gonna get good so stick around!
//Follow Josh on Twitter @JoshTaylorUSA
WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 12:42 |
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Here in Western MD, I remember seeing, maybe 6 or 7 years ago, a bright red NSX. I’ve only seen two others, and all three were the same color. I just loved them. I’d love the chance to drive one. That’s awesome.
BeaterGT
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 12:47 |
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All variables considered, I feel like you got a pretty good insurance quote. There’s a red NSX by my house, I pass it all the time. It just sits and I just wonder..
William Byrd
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:12 |
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One of my all time favorite cars. There was a point, upon finding out that it wasn’t ridiculously fast, that my want subsided a bit. But over time it has grown even higher than when I first saw an NSX. I think it has do to with partially how it looks, but also the concept of a “reliable supercar” is just so damn intriguing. You don’t see many on the road, and not many for sale either (unfortunately). And those that are out there are advertised for at least the $25K you paid or more. Unfortunately I don’t see that market subsiding at all, they should hold their value well.
Looking forward to the discussion about owning and daily driving an NSX, always wondered what that is like.
B_dol
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:21 |
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I NEED it. The only thing stopping me is the worry that the NSX is an older, all too similar version of the reliable FR-S I have in my garage.
For those who have driven both, please elaborate!
Dsscats
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:24 |
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I got to sit in a 1991 (IIRC) at a car show recently. Not only is the visibility comment spot on, but the seats are insanely comfortable
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RightFootDown
> B_dol
05/01/2015 at 13:27 |
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Having driven both, the NSX feels twice as powerful as the FRS. Not even remotely close to the same thrill level. I’d take a 100k, no 200k mile NSX over a new BRZ/FRS 8 days out of the week.
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B_dol
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:44 |
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You’re not helping this issue. Checking out a buddy’s “new” used NSX sometime this month, half hoping its a meet your heroes moment and I don’t start browsing Autotrader, NSXPrime and Craiglists like an addict.
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RightFootDown
> Dsscats
05/01/2015 at 13:44 |
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And if you’re tall you can shave the bottom padding to gain more headroom.
JGrabowMSt
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:44 |
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That’s about what I’d expect from insurance. My SL600 Sport costs me roughly the same, similar age range, but I only have a single speeding ticket.
Having a “sensible” DD somehow makes insurance think you’re responsible and prevents them from practically mugging you twice a year.
Ryan
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:47 |
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Let’s hear it for Fairfax county though.. Probably the worst spot in the country to get a traffic offense. Love it.
cluelessk
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:49 |
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There’s a got local to me that Winter drives his Nsx. Even when it's -40.
heeltoehero
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:50 |
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You had me at daily driven. Can’t wait for more in this series.
Shaggy
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:52 |
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By a long shot, the best-looking car Honda has EVER made.
rofltrain
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:53 |
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That’s my biggest worry; at 6’3” I don’t fit in most cars I want without modifying/replacing seats. It’s also dangerous because if I do fit in an NSX I will likely buy it right there. That’s how I ended up with an MR2 instead of a Miata
factsonly1
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:53 |
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For a post with the word "Remembering" in the title, you sure don't remember much.
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William Byrd
> factsonly1
05/01/2015 at 13:55 |
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Got you there Josh! lol
Douglas Sonders
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:58 |
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FAIRFAX REPRESENT. I was born and raised there
NotLawReview
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:58 |
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I’ve wanted an NSX for as long as I can remember, but now I’m reaching the point where I have questions about financing such a car... Does anyone have experience getting an auto loan for a car that’s 20 years old and would be your daily driver? I know some banks refused to give me a quote when i got my 04 z06 2 years ago and that car would have only been 9 years old at that point... but 20?
MonkeePuzzle
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:59 |
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Back in 2004 I was driving a turbocharged Acura Integra GSR
go on, I’m listening
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NotLawReview
> rofltrain
05/01/2015 at 13:59 |
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I’m 6’5” and found it roomier than the S2000 that I DD’ed for 2 years...
Vizzini
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 13:59 |
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I had to laugh at your description of how terrifying it was to drive the new-to-you supercar home. I went through a very similar set of “what have I done/please don’t screw this up” a couple of years ago when I flew across the country to buy a 911. The “test drive” was from the airport to the seller’s bank. Half an hour later, with poor weather closing in, I was alone in the driver’s seat facing a cross-country trip just praying that I had neither made a horrible mistake nor was about to do something stupid to ruin the car. Joyful and immensely stressful at the same time.
Beautiful NSX, btw. Like everyone else, I always loved those. Cool that you had good times with it.
AP1M
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 14:01 |
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I swear the GSR is a like a gate way drug into sport compact addiction
SennNSX
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 14:02 |
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I have a red 91 5 speed with black interior. Mine was a restoration as it was neglected for a number of years outstide. I am so happy I have brought it back to life. They are easy to work on. There are tons of resources out their to help -NSX prime is a great wealth of knowledge. It has been relatively maintenance free. I know the numbers don’t line up to super cars now adays but I drive on the street......where am I going to use 500hp? It does 120 - 140 no problem though :) It handles like it breaks the laws of adhesion. It really is one of the best cars/experiences you can buy for the money. I understand that the age is scary....but the older ones are some of the funnest. No power steering. most likely the radio and climate control won’t work. It’s just you and the car.........live the dream!
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William Byrd
> MonkeePuzzle
05/01/2015 at 14:02 |
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I’ll make him tell that story, don’t worry. There’s a great story about a Fairfax county cop measuring how far various parts of the GSR were from the ground. This may be the night he’s referring to, can’t recall.
Ladymopar
> cluelessk
05/01/2015 at 14:04 |
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Good for him, cars are to be driven! -75 one year here and the only car that was reliable was my 71 :)
delongedoug
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 14:04 |
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Why only one year of ownership?
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William Byrd
> NotLawReview
05/01/2015 at 14:07 |
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Maybe. Depends on the price. The NPOCP on the FP this morning is for sale just South of me in Richmond, VA. $25K for 161K miles on a 1994. KBB value is $17K-$23K so that’s pretty close. Banks will loan based on estimates like that, but the next cheapest one is $40K and that’s searching across the entire US!
BMWcrazy
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 14:18 |
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I would love a chance to own one. It is one of the few cars (Porsche 968, Toyota Supra, Z4) with the sexy black exterior and tan interior available in manual.
Keith Moon
> B_dol
05/01/2015 at 14:18 |
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Just a warning, most of the NSXs listed for sale these days have had the crap beaten out of them. I looked at older NSXs and S2000s before buying the FR-S. A bird in hand is worth two in the garage ;)
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NotLawReview
> William Byrd
05/01/2015 at 14:25 |
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Yeah that’s what I figured the issue would be... Most banks rely too heavily on the various book values that they find on the net and they are never even CLOSE to reflecting what the market price is for rare/special/etc. cars like the NSX.
I’ll admit that I haven’t really done any research at all, but I’d figure that there would have to be a bank/credit union out there that makes loans for “special” cars just like there are specialist insurance companies for exotics and classics. However, I’d also figure that this type of lender (if it does indeed exist) is probably more conducive to the buyer that is purchasing their 3rd or 4th car as opposed to their DD.
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rofltrain
> NotLawReview
05/01/2015 at 14:30 |
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Noooo you can’t just tell me that!
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William Byrd
> NotLawReview
05/01/2015 at 14:33 |
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If you find a car you like, can’t hurt to toss in an application for a loan. Well it shows up on you credit report that you applied, but other than that. I feel like I used capital one for a 944 Turbo and a Miata quite a few years ago and they gave me a good rate and a quick reply online. Check was in the mail the same day.
Sadly, for the NSX I really doubt they would finance anything other than that $25K 1994 I mentioned, at least with regard to what’s on cars.com. Other sites may have better options!
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NotLawReview
> rofltrain
05/01/2015 at 14:34 |
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OK, fine. I can also add that it was easier to get into/out of than the S2000 as well. Better?
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William Byrd
> rofltrain
05/01/2015 at 14:36 |
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33 for sale nationwide on cars.com
Make us proud.
Spaze
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 14:49 |
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Ahh, I remember that car well. I also remember how much of a unicorn it was after it blew a coolant hose at Beaverrun... err Pitt motorsports park, or whatever its name is now. It took over an hour to locate a dealer with that hose, and that very dealer 6+ hours away. So 3 runs to autozone, some cutting, tweaking and PRESTO a makeshift hose. Granted that was the only occasion it was unreliable, but parts are not easy to come by.
For the cost, they are far from great bangs for the buck, but they are an icon of that generation. They are amazing cars for what they are, the noise they make is amazing, and the feel of the manual steering is divine at speed. I sure hope the new one comes close to matching the old ones.
Thomas Earle Moore
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 14:49 |
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About that same epoch I was headed from DC to Maine driving solo in a new red Sebring convertible, thinking of swooping up the Merritt Parkway for a bit of fun. As I merged onto the Merritt, a red NSX came zooming up the Hutchinson R. Parkway from downtown. I’d never seen one close up so I gave chase and for the next 20-30 miles kept up with the Acura, though the Sebring was hanging on for deal life. Luckily our two red cars did not attract any law enforcement, and the sound of that thing was a real pleasure to hear.
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William Byrd
> Spaze
05/01/2015 at 14:54 |
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Spoiler Alert. C’mon we’re trying to tell a series of interesting stories here! haha
Just kidding, that’ll be a good teaser. Plus it’ll help Josh remember exactly what happened. lol
HI Ed McDunnough Jr
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:12 |
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In honor of the 21st anniversary of Aryton Senna’s passing.
GruvDesign
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:15 |
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How does a 23 year old afford a 25k sports car?
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thatoneguy247
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:15 |
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You were exactly what I am right now. I’m 23 and I daily a 95 Berlina Black NSX. Seeing the rise in values do you ever wish you kept it?
DanPadge
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:19 |
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Since Japan hasn’t run out of Skyline GTRs yet the market for 25yr old NSXs is fairly small, meaning you can get a lot for $25k. Add in $3k to get it stateside and on the road and you’ve got yourself a better (and way more fun) investment than any 401k.
http://jdm-expo.com/home/124-honda… - 106k km, $25,250
http://jdm-expo.com/home/164-impor… - 74k km, $25,300
http://jdm-expo.com/home/123-honda…
- 74k km, $40,500 (pictured)
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William Byrd
> DanPadge
05/01/2015 at 15:28 |
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Holy crap, I hadn’t even thought of that. 1990 Honda NSXs can be imported now. Whoa.
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Admiral Picard
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:30 |
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Speaking of insurance, I’m sure you’re curious what it cost for my 23 year old ass to own an NSX. I was with Geico, had a reckless ticket on my record at the time and it cost me $1,600 a year with full coverage and a $500 deductible.
That sound you just heard was me vomiting on the floor. I pay more than that now for a 2009 Mazda 3 hatch, as a 40+ year old with a spotless record, and another car and homeowners on the same policy. Thanks, New Jersey!
e holder
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:30 |
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So why don’t you still have it?
EddieS
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:30 |
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There goes 30 minutes of my life going down the rabbit hole of auto trader. Luckily there were only 2 local samples :)
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e holder
> Keith Moon
05/01/2015 at 15:32 |
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Have you looked at most of them, or did you see one that had?
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RightFootDown
> e holder
05/01/2015 at 15:35 |
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You’ll have to wait and see.
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RightFootDown
> EddieS
05/01/2015 at 15:37 |
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Unless the NSX was in an accident, flooded or modified way out of factory spec, there’s no such thing as a bad example.
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Owmanthathurt
> NotLawReview
05/01/2015 at 15:45 |
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Do S2ks have telescopic steering wheels? I’m 6’5” as well and when I sat in the driver’s seat of an s2k, my knees banged the steering wheel, something a telescopic steering wheel would have fixed. However I didn’t notice one when is at in it.
Zero
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 15:48 |
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Any chance you can throw an S2000 into that comparison? I own an S and have driven a few BRZ. Never driven an NSX though
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Spaze
> William Byrd
05/01/2015 at 15:49 |
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Whoops! Sorry about that! But I do hope hope he posts the picture of us bent over that car furiously trying to get that hose to fit before the next session started!
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Zero
> NotLawReview
05/01/2015 at 15:50 |
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Go through a credit union. Regular banks usually won't touch old vehicles.
BarryDanger
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 16:00 |
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The car was insured, but still. Speaking of insurance, I’m sure you’re curious what it cost for my 23 year old ass to own an NSX. I was with Geico, had a reckless ticket on my record at the time and it cost me $1,600 a year with full coverage and a $500 deductible.
Wow. I pay more for my 2006 Tundra. Insurance makes no sense sometimes.
Anywho, great read! I love stories about the chase, purchase and first drive of a new car. I know you have the 535 but is there an NSX in your future perhaps?
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NotLawReview
> Owmanthathurt
05/01/2015 at 16:04 |
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I don’t believe any of them did. I had an ‘05 and mine most certainly did not; it only adjusted up and down IIRC. You’re definitely right that the S2k is more forgiving for people who are torso tall as opposed to leg tall (I’m the latter) but aside from maneuvering your knees around the wheel while getting in I did not find the driving position to be awkward to the point of distraction.
24kt Silver
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 16:08 |
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In the mid 90s my parents had a Christmas party and one of their friends came in his new black NSX. I was 17 at the time. He asked me if I wanted to drive it, and threw me the keys. He told me don’t be long, and I left, by myself. A 17 year old in an NSX.
The resulting voyage was almost like a Ferris Bueller scene.
Drove to my buddy’s house in the hood and picked him up. Convinced him it was my Christmas present! All the hood-folk came out from all the houses and literally swarmed the car. But it was Christmas and everyone was in a great mood so no one hassled me. Rolled by a girlfriends house, then down to serious business. Took the car where there was no traffic and great roads, and I proceeded to hoon that NSX to the best of my abilities.
Came back an hour later, sweating, short of breath and with a perma-grin. The owner was a bit freaked out but happy to know neither his car nor I had any scratches.
That experience is a main reason why I am such a big gear head today.
Long live the NSX. It is still a truly fantastic car.
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Keith Moon
> e holder
05/01/2015 at 16:15 |
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I looked at upwards of 10, mostly out of state, in the range of $35,000 to $45,000. The really good ones were upwards of $60,000 and that is way above my league. For the S2000 I have lost count. I looked at several before I bought the FR-S, and then looked again for several months before I bought a second car. I badly wanted to own one, practicality be damned, but no dice. I ended up with an RSX Type S, which is okay but no comparison to the two cars I really wanted.
Of course this doesn’t make it most of the cars for sale in the US, but by comparison, I could find several good examples of the E30 and the E46 when I was looking for one three years ago.
M42
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 16:15 |
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Nice story! I bought my 1995 NSX-T from a nice lady who’s husband had died and the car sat in the garage for 2 years. This was back in 2000. Six years later I sold her but it was one of the finest sports cars I’ve owned. Not the fastest or best handling or most practical but somehow still the best. I miss her...
Maximum-Trevor
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 16:39 |
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Diggin’ the story so far. Also, screw you for buying an NSX at 23. When I was 23, all I could afford was a beat-up-ass Datsun haha!
BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast.
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 16:45 |
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You, too can own a car like this... for the low price of ~1$...
this is coming out very soon, and might already be.
Biggest bonus... NO insurance needed. ;-)
360ad
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 17:11 |
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Sigh. Honda, what happened to you?
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DanPadge
> William Byrd
05/01/2015 at 17:13 |
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Indeed they can! I’ve seen automatics listed for as little as $17k!
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RightFootDown
> DanPadge
05/01/2015 at 17:28 |
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Automatic models can be steals since you can convert on to manual for less than the typical price gap for a used factory equipped manual car.
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RightFootDown
> BarryDanger
05/01/2015 at 17:32 |
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If life throws me the opportunity to own another two-seat sports car the NSX will be top of my list.
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Chan
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 17:46 |
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This reminded me of the day last summer when I bought one of my childhood dream cars, a 1998 355 F1 Berlinetta.
The car was at the [yes, specialist] mechanic’s house, and it was raining in the Californian summer. That happens about twice a year, just the lucky day for my first test drive from the house back to the shop. Alone.
One of my most self-conscious and nervous drives, ever.
Do I look like a total douche, 1) driving a bright red exotic car, 2) on a weekday morning, 3) on the congested highway, 4) in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it’s politically incorrect to drive nice cars, dress up for work or even say “Best Regards” at the end of an email?
Is the interior going to flood with rainwater?
Is the engine going to flood with rainwater?
Am I going to spin out with those 8-year-old rear tires?
Are the turn signals really working?
Are the wipers scratching up the windscreen?
What if my mother (or, heaven forbid, one of her friends) sees me?
etc.
OP, why did you sell the NSX? Mint examples are probably worth around the same coin as F355s now.
Color-Commentary
> Vizzini
05/01/2015 at 17:49 |
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Similar experience here: My first truly fast / truly fancy car was a 10-year old 944 Turbo. The p.o. had put a boost chip and a couple other goodies in it, then abandoned it at his mechanics’ shop. I rescued it from under a pile of boxes and a mechanics’ lien.
The mechanic didn’t have it ready until about 7PM and I had to be at a meeting the next day at 9AM. Problem: The car and I were in Chicago; the meeting was in Boston.
I definitely remember the joy/stress of getting my new-to-me and very complicated German U-boat out of Chicago at the tail end of rush hour traffic. But if you absolutely, positively have to drive 1000 miles in one all-night blast, a turbo Porsche is a fantastic tool. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the 4000 RPM thrum of that big 4-cylinder and the hunkered-down feeling of the suspension as the rear spoilers settled the car at high speeds.
Nor will I forget the first time the engine cut out during acceleration at 5000 RPM in 4th, bucking the car onto its front suspension as if I’d hit something. Or the horrible noise that the left rear wheel bearing was making as I got close to Boston. The sheer terror of realizing I had spent every liquid dime I had to buy the car and that it was going to need vast quantities of work is a particular emotion known only to young car guys ballin’ on a budget.
Almost 20 years later, I’ve gotten better at choosing used Porsches, but I’ll never forget my first.
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Chan
> SennNSX
05/01/2015 at 17:50 |
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Numbers don’t matter when you drive an icon.
How can you match the street presence of a low-slung, wide, RED!!!!, mid-engined car?
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Chan
> DanPadge
05/01/2015 at 17:54 |
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This is interesting, but IMO the prospect of driving a RHD car in a LHD country, when there are already LHD cars for sale , will turn most buyers off.
I’ve never understood why Japanese enthusiasts specifically seek out LHD Euro cars when the RHD versions are much easier and safer to drive in their country.
John
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 18:13 |
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I remember that afternoon in 2006 when I strolled into the dealership in Spokane Valley — saw the Rio Yellow paint & matching interior — and then bought what was the very last production marked VIN (241) NSX ever to be made.
Dream moment, dream car, dream to drive.. Nuff said.
Gunter
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 18:20 |
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I have had a red 92, with 115k on it for about a year now, and it runs great, looks great minus a few minor things. Completely stock 5 speed red/blk interior. After 22 years of wanting one, I finally found one, and I couldn’t be happier. Was previous owners daily driver, and I drive it at least 3-4x a week, and that is mostly in the beautiful mountains of W. NC, SC, GA with lots of curves.
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Vizzini
> Color-Commentary
05/01/2015 at 18:28 |
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That’s hitting so close to home. I did end up having some mechanical issues on my trip, so I’ve stewed in that same terror and self-recrimination. You haven’t really lived if you haven’t experienced your newly-purchased car suffer a near breakdown of unknown origins ... in the middle of Nebraska (i.e., hundreds of miles from anything resembling even a mid-sized town) ... on a Sunday evening ... with an almost dead cell phone.
Hey, we’re all older and wiser now, right? No, probably not.
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DanPadge
> Chan
05/01/2015 at 18:30 |
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Yes, there are already LHD cars for sale, but you’re not going to find a excellent condition LHD manual NSX with 45,000 miles on it for $25,000 in the US. Just look at how many NP votes this 161,000 MILE example got with a $25,000 price!
http://jalopnik.com/for-25-000-is-…
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DanPadge
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 18:32 |
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You probably could, but I wouldn’t want to have to be the 1 to convert a mid-engine rare JDM car from auto to manual. Between parts and labor, it’d be a nightmare.
Sketch
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 19:45 |
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You’ll also end up with a less powerful (250hp) car with an un-Honda like 7000rpm redline.
Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 20:02 |
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God damnit I want an NSX badly and I’m scared that I might accidentally buy one once I have the funds. Jalopnik has not been helping with this today.
Really looking forward to the rest of your stories, and thanks so much for deciding to do this.
Matthew Vandermay
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 20:18 |
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only $1600 for insurance on an NSX? I live in BC and I pay over $3000 to drive a Mini Cooper S and I have clean driving record!
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Jean Girard
> B_dol
05/01/2015 at 21:11 |
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I’ve driven both (albeit the BRZ I drove was supercharged, among other mods), my NSX around town and at VIR and some autocross, and the aforementioned BRZ around town and at an autocross. They look a bit similar on paper, both low, with attention given to where weight is placed, neither really fast in the American sense but with enough grunt to have fun. They drive completely differently though, IMO. The NSX feels like an extension of your brain and the BRZ just doesn’t. I could be biased, as I drove a modded BRZ that I didn’t own, but where the NSX feels like you’re a part of the machine, the BRZ feels like you’re just sitting atop the machine, not in it. Though for the price difference, the Toyobaru gets incredibly close and I’d probably have one if the NSX, Miata, and Elise didn’t exist.
xInfantry
> William Byrd
05/01/2015 at 21:42 |
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Just thought the same thing. Large work bonus coming on 01 July? Yessir.
Flavien Vidal
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 21:43 |
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I didn’t like it that much. I was hoping for a lot more from it and in the end, I got into something that was a bit less powerful than my Corvette and that was ô so tricky to stabilize when the rear was going out. The lack of LSD is terrible for such a car. Sure, one can be added later but really, what were they thinking??? No LSD!!
Anyway, I’d gladly own one, but with a LSD and therefore without the snap oversteer that just kind of ruined the awesome “fun potential” of the car :)
You can read about my experience in it here:
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/fun2drive-fun-…
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TK317
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 21:48 |
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I have a ‘93 black on black auto that I bought in May 0f ‘98 with 58K miles. It’s been my only car since and now has 265K miles. Best purchase I ever made.
SonorousSpeedJoe
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 21:49 |
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Out of curiosity, was the video filmed in Fairfax?
I know you didn’t see it, but I’m still curious to know what color that other NSX was - I’ve occasionally seen a modded yellow NSX out and about in the town you bought yours in, and I think I know who it might belong to.
Also, great write-up!
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HerrProfDrIng
> rofltrain
05/01/2015 at 21:58 |
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My brother has a black ‘91 that he got used years and years ago, had the engine modded out in LA (shipped it out there, IIRC) to about 400hp... he’s 6’3”, also did something with the seat (maybe it was the padding, lowered it somehow) and fits just fine. Amazing visibility out that windshield, and he wrenches on it all the time. Not sure how many miles - er, sorry, km, he has on it - he moved it along with himself to Europe, has taken it up to 180+ on the Autobahn (have to turn off traction control to get it to override the speed limiter apparently?). Nice car in any case. So no fears, rofltrain, it’s calling you. ;)
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RightFootDown
> SonorousSpeedJoe
05/01/2015 at 22:12 |
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The NSX in this article’s header image is mine.
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Cadi-Lackadaisical
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 22:15 |
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It’s no where near as interesting or rare as the NSX, but this is exactly how I felt when at the age of 24 I finally got my 95 Trans Am.. I’ve owned many cars, including a 94 Supra turbo, a 98 Jag XJR, 95 Mustang GT and everything in between including Jeeps, a 96 911, and a bunch of full size GMs (Caprice, Roadmasters, my two current Fleetwoods, etc).
Despite its shoddy build quality, Fisher Price interior, and general pain in the ass to work on, the *only* car I regret getting rid of because it’s the only car I had that same visceral experience you seem to have had with your NSX, with was that Trans Am.
Now if only I had the room for a TA, the 2 Fleetwoods, and a winter beater..
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RightFootDown
> TK317
05/01/2015 at 22:20 |
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YOU SIR. That’s it. I’m out of words! Please take a photo of the odometer for us!
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RightFootDown
> Chan
05/01/2015 at 22:24 |
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I can’t give it all away just yet. And yeah, I’m kicking myself.
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RightFootDown
> Zero
05/01/2015 at 22:31 |
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I’ve driven a few S2000’s but never in a spirited manner, unfortunately. Maybe this is something I need to do.
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SonorousSpeedJoe
> RightFootDown
05/01/2015 at 22:41 |
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I know - it’s the other NSX that I’m curious about, but I know you wouldn’t know anything about it if you didn’t see it. Sorry for the confusion.
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r1teway
> Chan
05/01/2015 at 23:03 |
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>in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it’s politically incorrect to drive nice cars..
My Mom went to San Franciso and all I received was a photo of a freaking gorgeous deep blue Countach,with wing. I was still a teen but that’s the best vacation photos she’s ever taken. The car was heading up one of S.F.’s typical steep hills.
Finetales
> RightFootDown
05/02/2015 at 00:10 |
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I’ve always wanted to own one. I saw one of this exact specification driving down Little River Turnpike (right in the heart of Fairfax County) past my house once a few years ago and it’ll take a long time for me to forget it.
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SgtFury42
> RightFootDown
05/02/2015 at 01:11 |
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I can back up the daily driver claim. I bought my 1995 NSX 15 years ago (with ~45K on it), and it’s been my daily driver ever since, with a number of long road trips on it too. With 230K miles on it now, it’s still running great. It’s still completely stock aside from some new wheels and HID’s. I take my 4 year old to school in it every day before heading to work. The connection between driver and the road is impeccable. What a fantastic car.
Trailbroken
> RightFootDown
05/02/2015 at 03:06 |
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Ever since the first time I started playing Gran Turismo, I’d always fantasized about getting an NSX. At first, me being pretty young at the time, just seeing it in the game made me think how awesome that car is. Every time I saw a YouTube video about one, or read an article about how amazing they actually are, it only made me lust after one more and more.
Seeing how much they have increased in price has kinda made me disappointed, but I still haven’t given up. I’m getting closer to finishing up my engineering degree, and as soon as I get a job and settle down, an NSX will be the first thing on my sights. You can’t put a price on fulfilling a childhood dream you still have in your mind. In fact, it’s turning out to be really good motivation. :)
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The Guy who Drives ( A Aw11 Named Inari)
> RightFootDown
05/02/2015 at 13:46 |
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Kudos to you good sir,
On purchasing the car, How was the financing for your age at the time?
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Plantonation
> BarryDanger
05/02/2015 at 16:51 |
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That actually sounds about right. I have 1 accident and a few tickets but my insurance is slightly less than that.
Kyree S. Williams
> RightFootDown
05/02/2015 at 18:07 |
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The Honda NSX was to the Honda community world what the R34 GTR was to the Nissan community.
The difference being that you could actually get an NSX without a whole lot of trouble and jumping through import-law hoops.
AzN_devil
> Chan
05/02/2015 at 22:22 |
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some cars are designed to be lhd to begin with
eg...e36...the car tilts to the right side even in rhd versions...
Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
> John
05/03/2015 at 00:48 |
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Spokane Valley? As in between post falls and spokane?
The last NSX ever sold came from a dealer in spokane valley? That seems like an odd place.
(I live south of spokane valley in moscow ID :)
Ben404
> NotLawReview
05/03/2015 at 01:17 |
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Try with PenFed or USAA. Guys on NSX Prime get awesome loans from them at insanely low interest rates. Got my ‘98 financed full value, with tags.
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Ben404
> William Byrd
05/03/2015 at 01:18 |
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Bought mine with a supercharger in it, couldn’t imagine it without one :D
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Color-Commentary
> Vizzini
05/03/2015 at 13:21 |
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I’m about to pick up a very exotic car from a very dubious dealer and drive it from LA to SF. But being older and wiser, I’m buying a floor jack, a basic toolkit, and a fire extinguisher before I leave LA. Also doing the drive on a weekday, in daylight, with a AAA membership up-to-date.
Being a car guy is not dissimilar to being a functional alcoholic. It’s not like I don’t still have a problem - I just have harm-reduction tools.
Just Joshing
> rofltrain
05/03/2015 at 13:55 |
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How much more space is in the MR2, would you say? I recently tested an S2000, which has similar space to a Miata, and the only thing stopping me was that my legs were hitting the steering wheel when I shifted. Is the space difference that noticeable?