Nsx values

[bernev]

I've read with interest the dynamic regarding NSX values on this site. It seems as though there is a group of us that want to try and push the value of our cars down or for them at least to stay the same. I don't know why that is given the current economic climate. Perhaps it is those that would prefer a better one - or don't yet have one - and see them slipping out of reach.

Again, I don't understand some statements that only certain NSX are worth having - for driving or investment. They are all rare, particularly in Europe, so, in the eye of the punter all are worth having. The fact is that, even during its production, the NSX was seen as quite special and very different from its other Japanese (300GT/300ZX) competitors even though sometimes it was lumped in with them. Now that nearly 10 years has passed since production ended, people (including investors) are getting wise to the fact that the car is going to be a sure fire A1 classic and that they "need to buy" now as there aren't many good R/H European ones around and that this will get less over time. This why prices are going up - it is now becoming a collector's car - like it or not. This applies to all NSX not just Type-R (not really available here), Type-S (ditto) and facelift models. Moreover, I would argue - having owned both types - that there is no real difference between 3.0 and 3.2 litre pop ups, although I would concede that having a NA2 is, overall, a better investment proposition as there are fewer of them.

So, my argument is that all NSX values are only going to go steadily up, with - over time - the key criteria for investment purposes being condition, condition, condition, coupled with a bit of provenance. That said, there will be a (sometimes big) differential between certain types (ie the last facelifts and Type-R) but all will be expensive - just some more than others. However, some won't be. Those that are in bad shape (overall condition or badly repaired) will continue to limp along at £10,000-15,000 as they are too uneconomical to restore and there are better ones to buy taking into account the cost of restoration. Hence, until we get to DB4/DB5 prices (which we won't), they will end up being scrapped for parts - where they are worth more. Similarly, autos will be slightly less loved but good ones will continue to make good money.

Even though I would prefer that my red/black NA1 manual coupe (the universal NSX?) was a different colour combination to differentiate it a little when we are all together, otherwise, I am very happy to have bought when I did and that there is 10,000 mile looking-like-new NSX in the garage. I say looking-like-new as it is going to Kaz soon for a full refresh (even though the engine has never had the covers off) and he may tell me that it's a pile of poo. However, I hope not and, if he does say that it's fab, then that will help to quell the myth that garage queens are worse buys than daily drivers! On the other hand, perhaps it will. Moreover, I'm glad that I wasn't tempted by a Boxster in 1997 (when I bought my first NSX) as that would be worth precisely zilch.

[TheSebringOne]

Welcome! A rare post regarding an interesting topic thats hot at the moment!

When I was looking, there were 4/5 cars that I was serious about, all potential or current
modern classics now, with one being a 996. So like you, I'm glad I didn't get a Porsche.

Disclaimer, I'm not having a go against the 911 but they were too common & not special enough for me.

[Tokyo-Joe]

Values are heading north across the board on our NSX's which is great but don't forget to use the cars! It would be a crying shame for the new crop of owners to hide them in garages and not use them as they were intended :)

[nobby]

Interesting post for the most part, however your missing the point re the NSX ... The drive! And it's clear you do very little of that which is a real shame for you and you car :(

[Senninha]

Allowing for not having been used the past two winters (it was previously all yr round), and due to a number of reasons its been off the road this year I've still added a healthy 35k miles in 5 1/2 yrs ... I'm in the bought to drive camp.

Had I wanted a garage queen investment I'd have bought the NA1-R that was sitting around when I bought mine ... would have double my money by now but doubt I would have had anywhere near the amount of fun or satisfaction ... to have had both would have been perfect ... and quite common these days!

[bernev]

I admit that my NSX has not been used - hence the garage queen comment at the end. And I agree also that it's a crying shame. It's just that there isn't enough time or money to do everything at the moment. I'm in the fortunate position of having a lot of motorbikes all vying for my attention and, when it comes to car-time, then my LCC Rocket always wins the day over the NSX. HOWEVER, I am very conscious that there is a very talented car in the garage and that not using it is not good for its health. Hence my decision this year to get it MOT'd (they just gasped at it really) and go for occasional longish drives. Indeed, I went out on my favorite route into Wales immediately after doing similarly in the Rocket and found that the times taken for the loop were remarkably similar - and the Rocket is insane. Also, mindful of Nobby's comment that they are meant to be driven, I have booked the car in with Kaz for the "full works" to ensure that, when I do use it properly again, it will be in the best possible health. As, like many others, I didn't buy it as an investment. More as a work of art actually. And I will never sell it so the investment issue is neither here nor there for me unless I HAVE to sell it. And talking of Kaz, I feel privileged to be able to use his services and not worry about having to go to Honda franchises.....Mastery is worth paying for.

Bernev

[WhyOne?]

Of all the reasons not to use an NSX enough, having an LCC Rocket has got to be one of the best.

Wonderful, wonderful cars.

[TheSebringOne]

How rare are these rockets? None for sale & tried to check " how many left "
but the site keeps crashing! Looks like real fun car!

[goldtop]

How rare are these rockets? None for sale & tried to check " how many left "
but the site keeps crashing! Looks like real fun car!

Super rare - less than 50 perhaps?

Manufacturing has been stop-start, and the LCC domain (where IIRC some used cars were sold, too) is now AWOL. :( Would love to try one on the track. More interesting to me than the Xbox/Atom/Mono types. Maybe the Brooke is easier to find and 99 percent as much fun?

[Papalazarou]

Personally, I'm glad that these cars are beginning to occupy the place they deserve in the automotive ranks. I would however, like to give a big thumbs up to those dissenters, who'd have us drive other cars we don't like for the same money. Or who predicted a bubble that would strangely only affect the NSX. To you I giggle like a girl and dance in circles like a child.

Cheers,

[mjames75]

Personally, I'm glad that these cars are beginning to occupy the place they deserve in the automotive ranks. I would however, like to give a big thumbs up to those dissenters, who'd have us drive other cars we don't like for the same money. Or who predicted a bubble that would strangely only affect the NSX. To you I giggle like a girl and dance in circles like a child.

Cheers,

Loving this comment....

[gumball]

He he, bollocks to bubbles!

[bernev]

Yes. Let's giggle with glee! On the Rocket front, I think I'm probably as well qualified to comment on it as anybody as I've written a book on it with the full co-operation of Chris Craft and Gordon Murray, including the latter's personal extensive archive. You couldn't meet more different but top blokes. The book is being designed now and will hopefully be a sister volume to Driving Ambition, the book on the McLaren F1 - also designed by Dr Murray. There are 46 Rockets in the world (well 45 now as David Gilmour's car now in boxes possibly to be put back together again) A lot of them are in Japan. Production started in 1992 and finished in 2011, with massive gaps between them. Mine is one of the last, built by Chris' son Luke. It arrived in 2009. It's tricky to drive but, like the NSX, it's a bespoke work of art. Although often done so, it can't be compared with an Atom. Bit of name dropping here again {sorry) but when I interviewed Jay Leno about his Rocket in comparison to the likes of the Atom his comment was "It's an Audrey Hepburn in a sea of Pamela Andersons" You probably have to be of a certain age but it worked for me!

Bernev

[goldtop]

Audrey Hepburn, you say? Where do I sign? :)

Shame the Rocket disappeared. I presume it's just too hard to develop a channel that allows enough people to make money. Seems the BAC Mono has taken on the ultimate lightweight car mantle. Different kettle of fish, visually, of course.

[TheSebringOne]

Like the comment Papa!

As for the Bac Mono, I wonder how many they have actually sold? Especially when you consider their cost!

[Squirejo]

I admit that my NSX has not been used - hence the garage queen comment at the end. And I agree also that it's a crying shame. It's just that there isn't enough time or money to do everything at the moment. I'm in the fortunate position of having a lot of motorbikes all vying for my attention and, when it comes to car-time, then my LCC Rocket always wins the day over the NSX. HOWEVER, I am very conscious that there is a very talented car in the garage and that not using it is not good for its health. Hence my decision this year to get it MOT'd (they just gasped at it really) and go for occasional longish drives. Indeed, I went out on my favorite route into Wales immediately after doing similarly in the Rocket and found that the times taken for the loop were remarkably similar - and the Rocket is insane. Also, mindful of Nobby's comment that they are meant to be driven, I have booked the car in with Kaz for the "full works" to ensure that, when I do use it properly again, it will be in the best possible health. As, like many others, I didn't buy it as an investment. More as a work of art actually. And I will never sell it so the investment issue is neither here nor there for me unless I HAVE to sell it. And talking of Kaz, I feel privileged to be able to use his services and not worry about having to go to Honda franchises.....Mastery is worth paying for.

Bernev

I completely agree with this and your first post. I bought mine as a store of capital, as I have strong conviction the value will outperform given it's rapidly accelerating modern classic status, senna connection, new model, analogue charms and international appeal.

funnily enough I have also been in touch with kAz to ensure the car is indeed in the excellent mechanical health I believe it to be.

Where the op has bikes I also have other cars soon to include a 911 gt3 cup car for racing (exciting!) some of which are slow and enjoyable for other reasons ('68 Mini Cooper) some faster and more furious than the NSX. To me, 'made to use' need not be demarked by annual mileage. I'd rather focus on an adventure, an epic drive, a European road trip, a country blast that endless mundane journeys. While the car is an 'event' it's too hard for me to enjoy that day to day.

Mine will remain a garage queen, but rest assured when pulled into service it will be driven appropriately.

[havoc]

Yes, the NSX is appreciating (facelift cars especially so), but the whole market has in the last few years (supercars and near-classics, anyway), and the NSX hasn't been exceptional in that regard. That said, it IS now recognised as a classic, so values are unlikely to fall. I'd stop short of calling it an investment though...plenty of better cars to put £20-50k into than this one...

...which I'm glad of, as I'm firmly in the 'drive it' camp - 16k miles in 3.5 years here, but most in the first 2.5 years as we've got a child now, which restricts road-trips for a while. So I'm using her when/where I can - 4 trips to work last month, 1 weekend drive for the hell of it, Silverstone Classic x3 plus a couple of local car meets. The car is so easy to drive, it seems silly NOT to use her just because it might rain, or because it's a mundane journey, or because it's an effort to get her out of the garage.

I understand the 'special' comments...but unless you've a proper very-low-miler you want to keep that way purely AS an investment (shame on you! ;) ), then why waste the opportunities...you never know what might happen in the future.

Overall though, pleasantly surprised that the appreciation in value has probably 80% covered the refurb/maintenance bills I've paid out over these last 3 years. :D

[NoelWatson]

I'd stop short of calling it an investment though...plenty of better cars to put £20-50k into than this one...



Which ones?

[Diesse 19]

Lotus Elan Sprint.

[nobby]

great post mate ... very well put :)


Yes, the NSX is appreciating (facelift cars especially so), but the whole market has in the last few years (supercars and near-classics, anyway), and the NSX hasn't been exceptional in that regard. That said, it IS now recognised as a classic, so values are unlikely to fall. I'd stop short of calling it an investment though...plenty of better cars to put £20-50k into than this one...

...which I'm glad of, as I'm firmly in the 'drive it' camp - 16k miles in 3.5 years here, but most in the first 2.5 years as we've got a child now, which restricts road-trips for a while. So I'm using her when/where I can - 4 trips to work last month, 1 weekend drive for the hell of it, Silverstone Classic x3 plus a couple of local car meets. The car is so easy to drive, it seems silly NOT to use her just because it might rain, or because it's a mundane journey, or because it's an effort to get her out of the garage.

I understand the 'special' comments...but unless you've a proper very-low-miler you want to keep that way purely AS an investment (shame on you! ;) ), then why waste the opportunities...you never know what might happen in the future.

Overall though, pleasantly surprised that the appreciation in value has probably 80% covered the refurb/maintenance bills I've paid out over these last 3 years. :D

[soddy]

drive away at them, you're only here the once. might as well enjoy the car after spending your hard earned cash on it.

[bernev]

I enjoy the banter between the “drive it” and “keep it” fraternities. It’s like the all-weather bikers pouring scorn on the fair weather ones. By the way, I use my bike all the time and I bought my car yonks ago...!

The fact is that, as cars get old, they are used less and less. Alternatively, they are used lots, get worn out, and are then scrapped. I’ve looked after my 13 year old daily driver very well but there’s no doubt that it’s now getting a bit tired. That’s why there aren’t many Ford Cortinas about yet once they were everywhere. This phenomenon will happen to all of our NSX in due course. Yikes!

We were talking values and NSX as an investment. It’s not lost on me that the very low mileage of my car is one of its key appeals to the collector and that I have a conundrum. As such, putting it on the commuter run sort of misses the point even though I did commute in an NSX (70 miles day) for two years in the late nineties. So, I might have done more miles in an NSX than many of the people here – just quite a long time ago!

I disagree that the NSX is no different from other cars going up in value. Compare it to a contemporary TVR Chimera (how do you spell it?), a Porsche 996, a Ferrari 348, DB7, XK8, etc and all of those values have plummeted. Only the rare cars have kept reasonable value (late Tuscans and other mad run-out TVRs etc). You can pick up a 996/DB7/Vantage for next to nothing (okay not really) but in Porsche/AM terms this is true. It’s all to do with supply and demand. Both manufacturers will suffer from being too successful. They are great cars though but not the place to put your money, although I expect that the DB7 will go up again sometime. I don’t see that happening with the 996, although the 993 will appreciate. The idea of putting money into a Lotus Elan Sprint is not comparable. It’s a lovely little car but I expect that it's peaked.

[unclebob]

Lots of interesting opinions, heres mine for what its worth, for those of us who bought the nsx, purely for the fact that we love Honda and Hondas and the pinnacle of the essence of what makes a Honda, for normal people like us at least, is the NSX (not taking into account the f1 beast that powered Honda to so many victories at the hands of you know who sat in the Honda Museum over in Japan), rising values are just of no consequence as I certainly don't intend to ever sell mine and I'm sure many of you out there feel the same. We love it, its history, its engineering, the way it drives, its looks, etc. For those of us who are more governed by our business acumen than our passion, then thats ok for those people as well, after all, its their money and they can spend and invest as they wish although there are relatively quicker ways to make money than buying an NSX as an investment.

[TheSebringOne]

A great write up unclebob! :D

Although I was gasping for a little air with the remark in brackets! ;)

[bernev]

As Uncle bob puts it, and why the collector is going to have a hard time, none of us are going to sell anytime soon! Either because we just love the car or love driving it.

[havoc]

Which ones?

Audi: Original Sport Quattros (if still in the bracket)

BMWs: E30 M3, E46 CSL, Original CSL - first two have outperformed the NSX in the last 4-5 years, last one is probably already outside of the bracket

Ford Escort Mk1/2 - Mexicos and RS's have MASSIVELY outperformed NSX over last 4-5 years. Don't understand it personally, but the market likes them...

Lotus: Elan as mentioned above, plus Elite's with competition history* maybe early mint Esprit or Exige Mk1 too

Junior F-cars pre-360
70s/80s Maseratis with good history

'Special' 964s and 993s have also done rather well (RS/GT series) - I don't see the 996 as a contemporary of the NSX in the current 'classic car' market, even though it was parallel to the NA2...probably because of the number that sold. 996 GT3s have started appreciating though...
(Nor TVRs, which haven't got the m'sport heritage or the badge cachet of true investment-grade classics, but they're unlikely to drop in value now).

...and probably more proper classics that I've not time to think of.



* Hell, ANY classic car with competition history, right now.

[NoelWatson]

Audi: Original Sport Quattros (if still in the bracket)

BMWs: E30 M3, E46 CSL, Original CSL - first two have outperformed the NSX in the last 4-5 years, last one is probably already outside of the bracket

Ford Escort Mk1/2 - Mexicos and RS's have MASSIVELY outperformed NSX over last 4-5 years. Don't understand it personally, but the market likes them...

Lotus: Elan as mentioned above, plus Elite's with competition history* maybe early mint Esprit or Exige Mk1 too

Junior F-cars pre-360
70s/80s Maseratis with good history

'Special' 964s and 993s have also done rather well (RS/GT series) - I don't see the 996 as a contemporary of the NSX in the current 'classic car' market, even though it was parallel to the NA2...probably because of the number that sold. 996 GT3s have started appreciating though...
(Nor TVRs, which haven't got the m'sport heritage or the badge cachet of true investment-grade classics, but they're unlikely to drop in value now).

...and probably more proper classics that I've not time to think of.



* Hell, ANY classic car with competition history, right now.

Is the E46 CSL really going up in value quicker than a late model NSX - I couldn't find any for sale so don't know either way? I would question buying an older Ferrari as an investment as the running costs would eat into the upside - same with Maserati.

[havoc]

Old Italians...possibly...but at north of £1,500 for a clutch change* the NSX isn't buttons to run nowadays...F355 clutch is (apparently) cheaper.

CSLs - 3 on PH - £29k, £34k and POA. Back in 09 when I got the NSX they were low-mid 20s...


* ...and the rest of HUKs prices.

[nobby]

Was it ever buttons to run/take care off?

no surprise there re Ferrari costs ... Sudesh can also depress you re Lamborghini prices compared to our p&j's

:(


the NSX isn't buttons to run nowadays...F355 clutch is (apparently) cheaper.

[Papalazarou]

I think you're half right. Certainly early NSX's haven't made the same gains as late cars. But they are rising respectably. Facelifts on the other hand have lept £20K plus in the last two and a half years. That's a big increase. Arguably better than most. With regard to the cars you mention; the CSL's haven't made massive gains. The low mileage clean cars have been in the thirties for quite a while. It's a very 'mileage' dependent car when it comes to value. Rightly or wrongly, the SMG gearbox certainly hasn't helped it's value. As for the E30's; yes, the sport evo's have made crazy gains in the last few years. But the 'normal' m3's still sit in the teens and low twenties.
The 90's F cars. Having had plenty of experience with Ferrari dealers. These cars can financially cripple if bought in haste. Even if you're careful. Own one long enough and there will be a painful bill along the way. Look at it any way you want. The NSX is, for most an affordable prospect in comparison. Unless you over service of course.
Finally. The one I'm having trouble with at the moment is the 996 GT3. Some of the lower mileage cars are now making close to 997 money. Nothing wrong with the 996, but the 7 is regarded as the aesthetically more attractive and the better car. It's easier to live with and newer without any real loss of 'purity' (I feel sick). It's also less costly to run, judging by some of the bills the 996 owners are getting.
So, in a rational world, wouldn't one choose the later car? I realise that I'm skating very close to those that would have me drive an R8 for the same money. Perhaps I've answered my own question.
I imagine the answers simple. If only I knew some Latin.

Cheers.

[Sudesh]

Was it ever buttons to run/take care off?

no surprise there re Ferrari costs ... Sudesh can also depress you re Lamborghini prices compared to our p&j's



On some parts yes, but there are a bits on the Diablo, that you could buy a whole on the road NSX for lol

But yeah a recent example for me was the purchase of the SE30 steering wheel, when doing some refresh work on the Diablo, I noticed the old wheel was made by Raid, a well know company that makes many wheels for car manufacturers, So I hoped onto eBay to see if I could find one like the SE30, and to my luck, there it was!! It was the only one listed, so I bought it for £40! All I needed was the centre pad and badge to finish the job which I bought new from Lamborghini at around £80, the wheel is like brand new condition! Compare that to say an NSX-R wheel, its actually laughable! Even NEW the SE30 wheel is £300 and that comes complete, and when I say complete I mean everything! BOSS, BOLTS, BADGE, CENTRE PAD and so forth.

SE30 wheel
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/Diablo%20Refresh/DSC_0095_zps8f93780d.jpg

Old one

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/Diablo%20Refresh/SAM_0014_zpsf2e81181.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/Diablo%20Refresh/SAM_0012_zps6972f861.jpg

Just bought all new light for the rear as the old ones were showing signs of condensation, and looking dull on the reverse one, they are made by Cobo, so managed to find a cobo dealer just 3 miles from my house, price, around £17 per light!! Think one NSX tail light is around £350

Couldn't find the OEM front fogs at reasonable money though, about £1000 for the 4, so I bought some on good old ebay that look similar and really liked the look, the price, £5.00 for a set lol

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/Diablo%20Refresh/DSC_0211_zpsdfeb775a.jpg

[nobby]

the wheel is fantastic ... lifts the interior no end!
top job with the fog lights as mentioned previously

[Squirejo]

I think you're half right. Certainly early NSX's haven't made the same gains as late cars. But they are rising respectably. Facelifts on the other hand have lept £20K plus in the last two and a half years. That's a big increase. Arguably better than most. With regard to the cars you mention; the CSL's haven't made massive gains. The low mileage clean cars have been in the thirties for quite a while. It's a very 'mileage' dependent car when it comes to value. Rightly or wrongly, the SMG gearbox certainly hasn't helped it's value. As for the E30's; yes, the sport evo's have made crazy gains in the last few years. But the 'normal' m3's still sit in the teens and low twenties.
The 90's F cars. Having had plenty of experience with Ferrari dealers. These cars can financially cripple if bought in haste. Even if you're careful. Own one long enough and there will be a painful bill along the way. Look at it any way you want. The NSX is, for most an affordable prospect in comparison. Unless you over service of course.
Finally. The one I'm having trouble with at the moment is the 996 GT3. Some of the lower mileage cars are now making close to 997 money. Nothing wrong with the 996, but the 7 is regarded as the aesthetically more attractive and the better car. It's easier to live with and newer without any real loss of 'purity' (I feel sick). It's also less costly to run, judging by some of the bills the 996 owners are getting.
So, in a rational world, wouldn't one choose the later car? I realise that I'm skating very close to those that would have me drive an R8 for the same money. Perhaps I've answered my own question.
I imagine the answers simple. If only I knew some Latin.

Cheers.


i have a 996 gt3 mk2 with 16k miles on it. You raise an interesting conundrum vis 997 b
ut here's the answer as I believe it. The 996 has anti lock brakes. That's it. If you can drive it fast, you're a good driver. The 997 variety takes a step closer to the digital proposition with its traction control and pasm (in most cases). While I believe the words just written, they came from the mouth of Mike Wilds who does a lot of driver training these days.

[NoelWatson]

i have a 996 gt3 mk2 with 16k miles on it. You raise an interesting conundrum vis 997 b
ut here's the answer as I believe it. The 996 has anti lock brakes. That's it. If you can drive it fast, you're a good driver. The 997 variety takes a step closer to the digital proposition with its traction control and pasm (in most cases). While I believe the words just written, they came from the mouth of Mike Wilds who does a lot of driver training these days.

Before I got the NSX I looked at the 996 GT3, but as pointed out above, it requires a good driver to go fast, so that ruled it out for a man of my ability. New EVO just arrived where they test the latest GT3 - off to have a read before the sun goes down.

[TheSebringOne]

On the subject of Evo, there was a recent test of all the GT3s, especially with the new one coming out and
interestingly, the mark 1 was highly rated by all the writers!

[Nick Graves]

...but less so by the owners!

There were a couple of guys on S2K who progressed to GT3s and (despite regular track days) found the car wasn't really much fun and too impractical day-to-day.

Be very sceptical of hacks and their continuous German queero-worshipping propaganda.

[mjames75]

...but less so by the owners!

There were a couple of guys on S2K who progressed to GT3s and (despite regular track days) found the car wasn't really much fun and too impractical day-to-day.

Be very sceptical of hacks and their continuous German queero-worshipping propaganda.

The GT3 is very harsh on the road and although sounds nice from outside is very quiet inside (based on 997 gt3 experience only), Much prefer the NSX for everyday driving.

On another subject, has anyone seen Senna's NSX on ebay? its in portugal, bids are going up......

[Rob_Fenn]

The GT3 is very harsh on the road and although sounds nice from outside is very quiet inside (based on 997 gt3 experience only), Much prefer the NSX for everyday driving.

On another subject, has anyone seen Senna's NSX on ebay? its in portugal, bids are going up......

Think the motoring press generally just bum Porsches. Had a 997 Carrera S and Turbo and as an all-rounder, vastly overrated and lacking in character too. More a status symbol really.

Drove a Mk1 GT3 and was distinctly unimpressed, although it had done a fair mileage. Regardless, it looks like a bar of soap whereas the 997 GT3 is a very good looking car, IMO. Although i love the Gen 2's looks even more, they went a step too far with the harshness. The new 991 GT3 looks like a relative bargain and will surely nick sales from the upcoming Turbo; very tempting.

[TheSebringOne]

Having read the latest Evo, the new 991 GT3 is quicker only just than the Mac around the track
they use & its £80-90K cheaper!

[TheSebringOne]

I know someone has touched on this before, but here's Senna's car on ebay!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181192150042?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[Nick Graves]

Think the motoring press generally just bum Porsches...

:D

That's a good way of putting it!

Heave-ho mag probably rims them too.

They were decidedly lukewarm about the GT86, which is probably why it's such a lovely little car.

[Boomin33]

I read this thread and as many others I do often think...

" Man, what a collection of let's say slightly obsessed owners.. and to be honest I possibly wrongly conclude that getting them together in one niche forum is creating a bit of a classic group think pitfall " as per the continual self interested nudges in prices Northwards.

But then all I have to do is look at myself.. I'm obsessed with Snowboarding all Winter and have now developed an "incredibly healthy" pardon the pun :pleased: obsession with Surfing this summer. Many would look at me or possibly even read this post and think.. This guy is a little off-kilter!

The only conclusion I can draw is that incredibly obsessed type people prossibly find a spill into their business, professional lives and as such have resource, if not just ingenuity to chase their chosen obsessions.

So - along these lines, I'll finally agree that prices on sought after models will continue to go up.
(never thought I'd hear myself say this considering the levels I've seen 'Marketed' this year )

after all... Money won't buy you happiness, But it will buy you freedom to go out and find a bit of happiness

and if happiness happens to be an NSX, and because there aren't many about.. who really cares if it is +/- and extra £10k in the end

my .02 cents

[simonprelude]

The only car to really compare it against is the R8 (IMHO) and if (when) prices start going above those of R8's I'd say the world has gone mad.
The 'final' car is a little different but still just a late model NSX.

The NSX is a great car and helped shape the car world for the likes of Ferrari's that your Granny can drive etc but I can't see it ever reaching full classic status as it's still got the wrong badge. I think prices will level out soon and then it'll only be for the hardcore classic type people as spares simply will not be available.
There'll be so few 'original' cars left that they'll disappear into obscurity like the Renault Alpine (I saw one of those the other day) and Lotus Esprit (available for sub £10k)

I mean (another can of worms) no one would have touched Ary's old car a while ago and I know a lot of hard work has been put into it, but it still is and always will be a repaired Cat C. More and more cars will go down this route, straight original cars will be locked up in heated garages never to be seen again. Perhaps that these days is the definition of a classic?

[Papalazarou]

02+ NSX-R's are already well above new R8 prices. Facelift cars eclipsed and in some cases surpassedused used R8 V8 prices over a year ago. Personally, I think your analogy is a little flawed. I believe we're back to the same old argument of 'why would you buy this, when you can have that?' It's a dead end argument surely? I'm living proof of that. Until reading your post, I'd forgotten the R8 even existed. A great car for sure, but I just don't like them.
As for badge snobbery. Price wise, NSX's continue to outperform all their rivals in the current market with few exceptions.
As for Ary's old car. There are a couple of reasons it wasn't desirable a few years back; partly because cars were still depreciating and because the first repair was apparently not up to standard. We as a buying public continue to have a fear of buying pre-crashed automobiles. It messes with our fragile little minds.
One thing's for sure. Time and non-disclosure mends a lot of evils! I bet there's a really good Latin phrase for that.

Cheers.

[simonprelude]

02+ NSX-R's are already well above new R8 prices. Facelift cars eclipsed and in some cases surpassedused used R8 V8 prices over a year ago. Personally, I think your analogy is a little flawed. I believe we're back to the same old argument of 'why would you buy this, when you can have that?' It's a dead end argument surely? I'm living proof of that. Until reading your post, I'd forgotten the R8 even existed. A great car for sure, but I just don't like them.
As for badge snobbery. Price wise, NSX's continue to outperform all their rivals in the current market with few exceptions.
As for Ary's old car. There are a couple of reasons it wasn't desirable a few years back; partly because cars were still depreciating and because the first repair was apparently not up to standard. We as a buying public continue to have a fear of buying pre-crashed automobiles. It messes with our fragile little minds.
One thing's for sure. Time and non-disclosure mends a lot of evils! I bet there's a really good Latin phrase for that.

Cheers.

Caveat Emptor usually suffices ;)

The R8 certainly isn't as special as an NSX (been there done that) but it also made me decide I'd not go back and buy another NSX.

As for 02+ NSX-R's, well if any leave Japan in the near future I'll be very surprised, the UK car was for sale on and off at around £100k for long enough and stayed that way.

Don't get me wrong, the NSX is still a great car and there are days I think I wish I'd kept mine but never enough to go and buy another one.

[goldtop]

The strength of the NSX's value lies in its unpopularity when new.

Audi has already sold more R8s than the total number of NSXs ever built. And - viz RHD NSX values - the UK takes an awful lot of the R8: over 2300 so far (vs 375 NSXs total and about 340 left). The R8 is about 8x as common. If Audi keeps the model going so successfully, the R8 will never be rare.

So I think the R8's depreciation and future supply/demand situation is going to be the opposite of the NSX's.

(It may be a better car, I've never driven one.)

[Senninha]

Time and documentation will be the real decider with regards to repaired NSX.

Has Rowan quickly sold off his F1 following his accident where the thing was literally broken in two? No. And would it not sell if offered to the market? I dont think finding a new owner would be difficult at all.

I do hope that owners continue to but and use thier NSX, but I do expect that annual mileages will fall, particularly on the harder to find models. How many times do we read of new owners coming to the site when looking for an NSX, that are still here many years later because once they own they simply cant find anything to replace the NSX ... this is in turn driving the market, pure supply and demand.

As for buying a well repaired car, not an issue, particularly if I was buying as a long term ownership proposition.

regards, Paul

[mjames75]

I still don't understand the NSX and R8 comparison at all, is it because they are not Lambo's, Porsche's or Ferrari's?, an 'everyday' supercar maybe?
They are totally different cars, different Drivetrains, different characteristics! Most modern supercars now are infact 'everyday' cars, does anyone on here
actually go shopping in the NSX...didn't think so...

As for not reaching classic status because of a badge! one just sold for 80k at Silverstone Classic??! There are other Honda Classics making great money also.

[nobby]

I have done so numerous times during my time of ownership... The boot can take up to 3 reusable sainsburys bags with decent contents! ;)

Have to be careful where to park though ... Generally the furthest space away ...


does anyone on here actually go shopping in the NSX...didn't think so...

[Dragonlady]

We've done the shopping in ours a few times.....But only Waitrose is good enough for our car! ;)

[DAVEMAT]

Used to shop in mine regular, the boots 500X bigger than the Lambo, lucky to get a pack of tic-tacs in that!

I do miss it.

[britlude]

Most modern supercars now are infact 'everyday' cars, does anyone on here
actually go shopping in the NSX...didn't think so...



i use mine as my daily-driver, all year, all weathers! work, shops, takeaways, shows, everything! the NSX is my boring car!

[nobby]

Lol!

we don't have waitrose stores over here, so Sainsburys will suffice :)


We've done the shopping in ours a few times.....But only Waitrose is good enough for our car! ;)

[lotusolly]

Time and documentation will be the real decider with regards to repaired NSX.

Has Rowan quickly sold off his F1 following his accident where the thing was literally broken in two? No. And would it not sell if offered to the market? I dont think finding a new owner would be difficult at all.

I do hope that owners continue to but and use thier NSX, but I do expect that annual mileages will fall, particularly on the harder to find models. How many times do we read of new owners coming to the site when looking for an NSX, that are still here many years later because once they own they simply cant find anything to replace the NSX ... this is in turn driving the market, pure supply and demand.

As for buying a well repaired car, not an issue, particularly if I was buying as a long term ownership proposition.

regards, Paul

Well put Paul,

I can understand the fears of buying a car that has been written off, a couple of decades ago dodgy dealers would buy salvage cars, carryout poor repairs to maximise profits and sell on death traps!

To put a car back on the road today, you have to have a thorough inspection at a ministry site ( basically a heavy duty M.O.T. and more detailed like a S.V.A. test for imports) which should ensure that the car has been repaired appropriately and is safe.
This just leaves the quality of the repair to consider which would be the same as assessing a car that has been repaired but was not written off.
Having previously worked in a bodyshop for new vehicles being imported into the country, I can verify that buying a brand new car does not mean it has not had major accident damage repaired!

Every car needs to be assessed on it's own merits.

Olly

[Sudesh]

I done shopping in mine too and also in the new motor recently, bigger space in there than most think.

As for Rowan's F1 being repaired, that's simply a whole other subject, and cannot be compared to the way most other cars are repaired. As far as Im aware NO F1 cars are written off, they are all taken back to McLaren and repaired, and the process is basically a full strip down and rebuild from ground up, rumors suggest the rebuild cost on Rowan's car was £800,000+++? So I wouldn't even class that as being a repaired car, more like getting a brand new one back lol

[Senninha]

Fair comment Sudesh and I also read ~£800k to put it back on the road, but the point is that there are an awful lot of high end cars that are being enjoyed today following a significant repair or restoration, the latter of which needs nothing more than a visit to the MOT station to be road worthy after Mr DIY has stripped it and rebuilt it in his garage and halfruads toolkit .... and there in lies a whole new topic I guess ....

[Squirejo]

For a fascinating look at restored/ repaired/ refurbished (what's the difference?) take a cup of tea and a good trawl through the ddk classic Porsche site. Anything can be made as good or better than new, which is another element to the discussion on values!

Supply, demand, globally appealing attributes. I have driven mine from the Cotswolds to london. It attracts quite the crowd parked on the street, photos on the m4, voyerism on Park Lane. All of which is amazing for a 20 year old car.

[WhyOne?]

?......does anyone on here
actually go shopping in the NSX...didn't think so...


Y1 goes to Waitrose and Sainsbury's on a fairly regular basis.

Boot is rubbish for chilled/frozen stuff though.

Practical super-car my arse!

[richmills]

Boot is rubbish for chilled/frozen stuff though.



I cooked some prawns in the boot on the way back from Waitrose once. Went from raw to completely pink in the space of 8 miles.

[markc]

... restored/ repaired/ refurbished (what's the difference?)...

You missed Insurance Recorded a.k.a vcar regsistered a.k.a Written Off. Regardless of the quality of the repair, a car with this history is worth 30-50% less than an exactly equivalent car with a clean history.

Cheers

Mark

[simonprelude]

You missed Insurance Recorded a.k.a vcar regsistered a.k.a Written Off. Regardless of the quality of the repair, a car with this history is worth 30-50% less than an exactly equivalent car with a clean history.

Cheers

Mark

Unless you're a seller of one.....also some insurance companies will hike premiums on a CAT C/D. Greater risk.
Part of the reason I sold P27 was I was never happy with it after Honda worked on it.

[gumball]

How much do Honda dealers generally charge to sell them?

[Problem Child]

I've read with interest the dynamic regarding NSX values on this site. It seems as though there is a group of us that want to try and push the value of our cars down or for them at least to stay the same. I don't know why that is given the current economic climate. Perhaps it is those that would prefer a better one - or don't yet have one - and see them slipping out of reach.

Again, I don't understand some statements that only certain NSX are worth having - for driving or investment. They are all rare, particularly in Europe, so, in the eye of the punter all are worth having. The fact is that, even during its production, the NSX was seen as quite special and very different from its other Japanese (300GT/300ZX) competitors even though sometimes it was lumped in with them. Now that nearly 10 years has passed since production ended, people (including investors) are getting wise to the fact that the car is going to be a sure fire A1 classic and that they "need to buy" now as there aren't many good R/H European ones around and that this will get less over time. This why prices are going up - it is now becoming a collector's car - like it or not. This applies to all NSX not just Type-R (not really available here), Type-S (ditto) and facelift models. Moreover, I would argue - having owned both types - that there is no real difference between 3.0 and 3.2 litre pop ups, although I would concede that having a NA2 is, overall, a better investment proposition as there are fewer of them.

So, my argument is that all NSX values are only going to go steadily up, with - over time - the key criteria for investment purposes being condition, condition, condition, coupled with a bit of provenance. That said, there will be a (sometimes big) differential between certain types (ie the last facelifts and Type-R) but all will be expensive - just some more than others. However, some won't be. Those that are in bad shape (overall condition or badly repaired) will continue to limp along at £10,000-15,000 as they are too uneconomical to restore and there are better ones to buy taking into account the cost of restoration. Hence, until we get to DB4/DB5 prices (which we won't), they will end up being scrapped for parts - where they are worth more. Similarly, autos will be slightly less loved but good ones will continue to make good money.

Even though I would prefer that my red/black NA1 manual coupe (the universal NSX?) was a different colour combination to differentiate it a little when we are all together, otherwise, I am very happy to have bought when I did and that there is 10,000 mile looking-like-new NSX in the garage. I say looking-like-new as it is going to Kaz soon for a full refresh (even though the engine has never had the covers off) and he may tell me that it's a pile of poo. However, I hope not and, if he does say that it's fab, then that will help to quell the myth that garage queens are worse buys than daily drivers! On the other hand, perhaps it will. Moreover, I'm glad that I wasn't tempted by a Boxster in 1997 (when I bought my first NSX) as that would be worth precisely zilch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3Z5adYs_Q
Very interesting discussion on future values of the NSX. Admittedly its a US article but a very balanced view, and covers whether early/ late/ NA1 v NA2 V R V Zanardi is the one to buy

[manisandher]

Yeah, but just bear in mind that when they say the newer cars are heavier, they're referring to all the targas in the US. My understanding is that a coupe facelift is lightest NA1/NA2 variant (apart from the R and S models). Happy to be put right if this is not the case

There's no question in my mind that a facelift coupe is the one to go for if future value is your main concern... How anyone could drive at night with all the extra drag caused by pop-ups is beyond me ;-)

Mani.

[Problem Child]

Yeah, but just bear in mind that when they say the newer cars are heavier, they're referring to all the targas in the US. My understanding is that a coupe facelift is lightest NA1/NA2 variant (apart from the R and S models). Happy to be put right if this is not the case

There's no question in my mind that a facelift coupe is the one to go for if future value is your main concern... How anyone could drive at night with all the extra drag caused by pop-ups is beyond me ;-)

Mani.
I just don't take mine out at night!

[TheSebringOne]

Geoff, good find!

Will be interesting to see how things compare when half of the entire global sales were in the US of approx 9000
and over here in blighty, approx 400-450 were sold?

[unclebob]

I'd rather have the minute amount of extra drag than have to look at those awful bug eyed faired in headlamps No way i'd have paid 80k for a facelift, the front end just looks wrong...now a 2001 pop up with 7000 miles on it i'd def have considered....:)

[NoelWatson]

I'd rather have the minute amount of extra drag than have to look at those awful bug eyed faired in headlamps No way i'd have paid 80k for a facelift, the front end just looks wrong...now a 2001 pop up with 7000 miles on it i'd def have considered....:)

I thought there was a slight weight saving at the front end as well

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Media/magazines/evo2002review.jpg

[Papalazarou]

I'd rather have the minute amount of extra drag than have to look at those awful bug eyed faired in headlamps No way i'd have paid 80k for a facelift, the front end just looks wrong...now a 2001 pop up with 7000 miles on it i'd def have considered....:)

Thanks for sharing. That post really added some badly needed quality. Certainly from a serial facelift owner. I had absolutely no idea my car look so bad. I just want to thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[tapav]

Thanks for sharing. That post really added some badly needed quality. Certainly from a serial facelift owner. I had absolutely no idea my car look so bad. I just want to thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Afraid I'd kinda have to agree with him, I certainly would never buy one just because of the front headlights.. eye of the beholder.. Which brings me back to the original post. Someone even half considering getting a boxster (with boggle eyes front & back) should sell their NSX to someone who loves it and drives it to the shops rather than taking their astra diesel. LCC Rocket.. did you also consider a Chrysler Crossfire??

If you're selling, advertise it for what you think its worth, if its not worth that people will offer less.. easy.

[Senninha]

I'd rather have the minute amount of extra drag than have to look at those awful bug eyed faired in headlamps No way i'd have paid 80k for a facelift, the front end just looks wrong...now a 2001 pop up with 7000 miles on it i'd def have considered....:)

I cant meet your mileage requirements but I could direct you to a superb Kaz maintained pop-up coupe with 34k miles .... :)

[mjames75]

I'd rather have the minute amount of extra drag than have to look at those awful bug eyed faired in headlamps No way i'd have paid 80k for a facelift, the front end just looks wrong...now a 2001 pop up with 7000 miles on it i'd def have considered....:)

I think all NSXs look fab, but then again, I guess I'm a true fan

[Silver Surfer]

I think all NSXs look fab, but then again, I guess I'm a true fan

So true!

SS

[manisandher]

I thought there was a slight weight saving at the front end as well

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Media/magazines/evo2002review.jpg

The link doesn't seem to work, but easy enough to find by doing a search for evo2002review.jpg. Interesting view on how the facelift immediately felt better to drive than the pop-up. No doubt the better rubber contributed to this, but they felt the better aerodynamics and weight-saving both contributed too.

So, if you into clean lines, go for a pre-facelift. But if you want the better driver's car...

(All with a very large pinch of salt.)

Mani.

[goldtop]

I think all NSXs look fab, but then again, I guess I'm a true fan

Hi Mike - thanks to visiting you and buying your silver pop-up, I'd say I agree with this now. I didn't always; I'd never liked the facelift, but had only seen it online and in magazine photos. For me the pop-up design was - and will always be - the original and the most clean and elegant.

But when I got to see your red facelift in the flesh, it's obvious that it's more contemporary, and simply has more road presence. Not aggressive-looking, but just not as polite as the pop-up original. Got to say that Honda's designers did a great job with relatively small changes.

So it's best to have at least one of each, right? :)

[mjames75]

Hi Mike - thanks to visiting you and buying your silver pop-up, I'd say I agree with this now. I didn't always; I'd never liked the facelift, but had only seen it online and in magazine photos. For me the pop-up design was - and will always be - the original and the most clean and elegant.

But when I got to see your red facelift in the flesh, it's obvious that it's more contemporary, and simply has more road presence. Not aggressive-looking, but just not as polite as the pop-up original. Got to say that Honda's designers did a great job with relatively small changes.

So it's best to have at least one of each, right? :)

Cheers Barry,

Have to agree! one of each sounds like a plan or 2 of each?!

[bernev]

I think I need to respond to Tapav. I was considering a Boxster in 1996 when it was new and original. I bought an NSX instead as it was better. I've probably driven more miles in an NSX than you've had hot dinners. The fact that I use my current one sparingly is my choice not yours. Bit more respect please.

[unclebob]

Who cares about a few of kilos weight saving and a fractionally better air flow, i mean really!? We are not formula one drivers, no matter how awesome we think our driving is, so a few extra kilos etc is of no consequence. No offence was intended to any face lift owner Papa, you spend your hard earned on what pleases your heart and mind and eyes! Just expressing a personal opinion, first time i saw a face-lift, first thing that i thought was mitsubishi 3000gt and i felt the same sinking sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that i felt first time i saw the last generation of revamped prelude with the faired in headlamps (definitely killed the Prelude well and good)! No doubt in my mind that if the law hadnt banned pop ups, the nsx would have remained as its designers intended, with pop up headlamps. The back end revision wasn't so bad especially the lower valance and larger exhaust tips were just perfect, but again, having bought and 'worn' the egg yolk back lights i went back to the original smoked lenses, i suppose it shows for me, just how 'right first time' they got it for the basic look. Bigger wheels on both revisions were definitely a much better choice than the originals from a purely aesthetic point of view, but don't forget that it was coz of those 15 inch wheels that the handling was so awesome and why the nsx won the awards for its handling in the first couple of years, awards which it didnt win again once the wheel size was increased and power steering was added, so again the design was right, from the beginning i.e the better drivers car was the original, NOT the facelift. Again no offence is intended, just sick of hearing pop ups being slagged off when we ALL know deep down in our hearts and we just don't want to admit it is that a 2005 pop up, is our dream NSX! :D We need to consider that 80k was paid for a car NOT because it was a facelift as that was the ONLY option available for that year, 80k was paid coz it was the last NSX sold in the UK and it had only 7000 miles on it! The guy (or gal) who paid 80k would have paid 80k regardless of whether it had been a 2005 pop up or a 2005 with fixed lamps. Hypothetically speaking, It would be interesting to see which car would have been bought if two identical 2005 cars were presented one with fixed lamps and one with pop ups or if Honda had offered an option after 2002 of having either fixed or pop up lamps, which type they would sell more of?

[Senninha]

I beleive there was also a reference to the lovely FIAT coupe fixed lights too ;o)

Clearly the only answer here is to have one of each, and whilst the later fixed lights have grown on me over the years, I still have a preference for the 'original' pop-up design despite in my case having updated the rear and sides to the later look as for me personally these updates improve the overall look. For me this is how Honda may have progressed the design had they offered interim facelifts in line with other models ahead of the fixed light conversion.

I also think colour is also key to the different styling ... Imola clearly looks better as 02+, dark colours as pop-ups, yellow and blue work for both ...

regards, Paul

[TheSebringOne]

Each to their own, I like both to be honest. All NSXs have a beautiful, timeless shape & lines!

[mjames75]

Who cares about a few of kilos weight saving and a fractionally better air flow, i mean really!? We are not formula one drivers, no matter how awesome we think our driving is, so a few extra kilos etc is of no consequence. No offence was intended to any face lift owner Papa, you spend your hard earned on what pleases your heart and mind and eyes! Just expressing a personal opinion, first time i saw a face-lift, first thing that i thought was mitsubishi 3000gt and i felt the same sinking sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that i felt first time i saw the last generation of revamped prelude with the faired in headlamps (definitely killed the Prelude well and good)! No doubt in my mind that if the law hadnt banned pop ups, the nsx would have remained as its designers intended, with pop up headlamps. The back end revision wasn't so bad especially the lower valance and larger exhaust tips were just perfect, but again, having bought and 'worn' the egg yolk back lights i went back to the original smoked lenses, i suppose it shows for me, just how 'right first time' they got it for the basic look. Bigger wheels on both revisions were definitely a much better choice than the originals from a purely aesthetic point of view, but don't forget that it was coz of those 15 inch wheels that the handling was so awesome and why the nsx won the awards for its handling in the first couple of years, awards which it didnt win again once the wheel size was increased and power steering was added, so again the design was right, from the beginning i.e the better drivers car was the original, NOT the facelift. Again no offence is intended, just sick of hearing pop ups being slagged off when we ALL know deep down in our hearts and we just don't want to admit it is that a 2005 pop up, is our dream NSX! :D We need to consider that 80k was paid for a car NOT because it was a facelift as that was the ONLY option available for that year, 80k was paid coz it was the last NSX sold in the UK and it had only 7000 miles on it! The guy (or gal) who paid 80k would have paid 80k regardless of whether it had been a 2005 pop up or a 2005 with fixed lamps. Hypothetically speaking, It would be interesting to see which car would have been bought if two identical 2005 cars were presented one with fixed lamps and one with pop ups or if Honda had offered an option after 2002 of having either fixed or pop up lamps, which type they would sell more of?

I think this is getting silly now, whoever bought the facelift for 80k obviously cared what it looked like and 'liked' it so adding that into your 'opinion/argument' seems odd.
Its just like when I'm driving my Corrado G60 and people tell me it would look nicer if VW made the back a little longer?!? Over analysis of a vehicles looks often occurs when you really REALLY like a car but can't get one....no offence meant.

As an an owner of two Facelift coupes and an EX owner of a 1991 Non Power steering model NA1 (10k spent on brand new bushes all round), In my opinion the facelift dominates in the handling department.

Unclebob, you could always do a facelift to pop up conversion!! seen loads of those about :rolleyes:

[Problem Child]

Each to their own, I like both to be honest. All NSXs have a beautiful, timeless shape & lines!
Well said that man!
Each to their own. I like all NSX's irrespective of colour or model. IO might not like some of the mods some people have done or the wheels they have put on but its all down to personal choice. I like mine, and what I have done to it but that's not for everyone. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[britlude]

blimey this thread has created some essays!

i've got the most undesirable model (apparently) so i don't care anyway! :)

values only matter if you're buying or selling! it's irrelevant for owning!

[nobby]

Well said mate!

went from values to discussing pop ups and face lifts ... Who cares ... They are still NSX's and did not change very much in their 15 year run all things considering


values only matter if you're buying or selling! it's irrelevant for owning!

[goldtop]

Well said mate!

went from values to discussing pop ups and face lifts ... Who cares ... They are still NSX's and did not change very much in their 15 year run all things considering

Actually, that's a very good point, and something I was thinking about after the mini-meet in Kent at the weekend. There, 4 out of the 6 owners had two NSXs each. Pretty sure I've also seen quite a few other forumites mention that they have two.

Which set me to thinking... as you say - the cars changed so little during their lifetime, why do we have two of almost the exact same thing? Do Ferrari fans have two 328s or 348s? Or Porsche fans have two 964s or Boxsters? I don't think they do. Some classic car owners have two or more of the same for spares supplies, and for the fun of restoring. But what's our excuse? :)

I don't even think that many of the 2+NSX-Club even have super-different NSXs models Such as an auto NA1 targa and a manual NA2 coupe, for example. We mainly have two very similar manual cars.

Why post yet another mini-essay? Well, because one thing that definitely holds up NSX prices is this hoarding that many of us do. If all of these extra NSXs were on the market, the price would be much lower. Just saying... ;)

[robho]

I've not been on the site for a while (injured in motorcycle accident), and have just read this whole thread in one sitting. Trying to avoid the "essay", by way of intro, I bought my 03 car in 2004 with 1900 miles. I had recently bought a 996 seeking to reduce to one car an M3, XJR, and F328. Obviously competent, but I hated the ride of the 996, which led to a fortuitous intro to the NSX. For me, the point not really addressed in the thread - and the affect it has on these cars value - is the stand out driving experience (as all the owners know). For exmple, I compared a late 993, an F430 and the NSX over the same piece of well-known demanding road. They each have their strengths, yet in terms of sheer driving engagement and chassis refinement the NSX was head and shoulders above the others. For me, ride quality is of primary importance, and here too the NSX excelled. I had driven all three on multiple European road trips... the NSX always being the most rewarding. The others were sold, the NSX is the keeper. As well, it's lower-key image will appeal to many buyers of the more valuable cars (along with the obvious exclusivity).

[TheSebringOne]

Nicely written assessment & comparisons!

I totally concur with how compliant the chassis is & how even these days, it still shines through.

I hope you have fully recovered from your unfortunate biking accident!

[Nick Graves]

Me three...............

[NoelWatson]

Feature in latest EVO on great drivers cars that should also gain money over time. NSX gets a good write up.

[Problem Child]

If its the article I am expecting, its my car that they used on the photoshoot. Spent the day with EVO up at the Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone with some other nice cars including a yellow Lambo Diablo SV, Porsche Boxster Spyder, TVR Sagaris, a Porsche GT3, Subaru Impreza, a Ford GT40 (new), Aston Martin, a BMW. Had no input to the article content, still waiting on my copy and the pictures. If its now on the shelves I'll nip out and buy one tomorrow

[Senninha]

Kept that one quiet .... Or simply 'slow' to reveal?

[TheSebringOne]

I'm not surprised with those collections of sure fired classics, although I'm curious about the Beamer?
CSL? I can't wait for my copy of Evo to see & read!

[Problem Child]

Kept that one quiet .... Or simply 'slow' to reveal?

We were all sworn to secrecy. They asked us all to not post anything anywhere until they had gone to print. I did make a small reference to it in an earlier post a few weeks ago

[havoc]

I'd go with the E46 CSL, possibly E61 M5 - the E30's been done to death, the E92 M3 Competition, or whatever it was, is too new/too £££ for what you get vs the standard one, and they've nothing else which will be a proper classic in the near future.

AM has got to be the V12 Vantage, surely.

Scooby? P1 perhaps, possibly 22B...although both have already started going up, so bit late to the party there. Not sure any of the v.6/7/8/9 limited edition cars are truly worthy, unless you look at import-spec cars - Spec C's, for example?

[Problem Child]

I'm not surprised with those collections of sure fired classics, although I'm curious about the Beamer?
CSL? I can't wait for my copy of Evo to see & read!
Managed to get both the September and October editions but cannot see the article. What pages is it on?

[TheSebringOne]

Just received my copy in the post. Quite a good write up & a fair 3 £ rating.
A couple that I am unsure about is the Scooby WRX STI Spec C at 4 £ and
surprised by the inclusion of the Bentley Conti GT?

[havoc]

Spec-C unlikely to drop much - it's the ultimate 'saloon shape' car, same as the P1 (not quite as focused/developed as the 22B), but I don't rate it a 4£ either.

Conti GT - agreed - there's too many around and I can see the car having big bills in the future as they get older. Not much else on the list I'd disagree with, except for the FN2 CW-edition. Yes it's got a diff and white paint, but so have a few hundred DC2's and DC5s, both of which are better overall steers and (arguably) look better.

I was wrong on the Aston and BMW forecasts...love the Vanquish though, probably my favourite-looking Aston ever.


BTW - the yellow NSX in the 'big list' at the start is my old girl, back before she had the first of her personalised plates. :D