NSX or NSX-T ?

[BabyNSX]

Finally about to buy a NSX after years of dreaming. But not sure whether to get a targa or not. I know the coupe is more rigid, but is it noticable? Any other factors I should consider? thanks

[Welshman]

I had a T to start with and now have a Coupe. T is less rigid than a coupe but still handled well. T top gives a bit more wind noise at speed but has the advantage of being removable on sunny days.

Drive examples of both and see which one you prefer.

[jaytip]

what sort of money are you looking to spend?.if you are going to go for a targa get the 3.2 if your budget allows because the performance will be slightly blunted on the 3.0 because of the extra weight. if performance is important to you then avoid the 3.0 auto targa becauce there is a big drop in performance over the 3.0 manual coupe,but as Welshman says drive a few and you will get an idea.

Ivor

[BabyNSX]

I'm looking for a 3.0 manual, up to £30k

[Welshman]

I'm looking for a 3.0 manual, up to £30k

You should be able to get a tidy car for that sort of money - maybe P or even R reg with 40k - 50k on the clock.

[BrownBear]

Hi,

I'd follow Welshman's advice and drive both.

There's a few purists for whom nothing but a coupe will do (as that's how it was originally conceived), but as the former owner of a non-PAS 3.0 coupe and now owner of a 3.0 T, I think that the differences - on the road - are minimal.

In my case, the obvious difference was the switch from non-PAS to PAS - didn't like it at first, getting used to it now...(oh and some very dodgy tyres, which made the T seem much worse than it is - now fixed)

The coupe is a better car - I'll agree with everyone on that - but for normal road driving , the T is adequate for me - but you need to drive both to see if it's adequate for you. If you want a track car, though, go for a coupe.

Hope this helps,
Cheers
Joe

[BabyNSX]

OK narrowed it down to a coupe - what about this choice then - high mileage '99 3.2 or low mileage '96 3.0 ??

[Welshman]

OK narrowed it down to a coupe - what about this choice then - high mileage '99 3.2 or low mileage '96 3.0 ??

What do you mean by high and low - how many miles to the nearest thousand? How much mileage do you expect to be doing annually?

[BabyNSX]

96 with c55k and a 99 with c75k - both similar money at around the 25k mark
i'll 7k miles a year max in it

[Welshman]

Assuming the 75k car has a full Honda service history including cambelt change I'd go for that one - I'd always have a preference for the newer car.

[BabyNSX]

checked it out today with my mechanic - it does have fHsh and cambelt but the engine didn't sound healthy at all and it had been repainted in several areas. looks like it will be the 3.0

[Welshman]

I'd assumed that condition wise both were identical. Seems the more recent car both sounds and looks rough so go with the earlier one. Post some pics when you've bought it.

[Kevin]

checked it out today with my mechanic - it does have fHsh and cambelt but the engine didn't sound healthy at all and it had been repainted in several areas. looks like it will be the 3.0

I just want to check with you....how many NSX engines have you heard? Did you start this one up from cold, and was surprised by the pistons slapping and rattling?

If this is what you heard its quite normal. If there was more, then maybe something is wrong. The engine vibration at around 1500 rpm in the cabin is quite unnerving at first, but again is normal. Also some clunking in the drivetrain at low speed.

NSX engines aren't without some 'character'. They aren't as smooth as a Civic as some journos will have you believe.

[BabyNSX]

I've looked at about 5 NSXs in my search for one. Each time I took my pal who's an experienced mechanic and Japanese car specialist. He is the one that noticed some noises which didn't sound good, and although he said the engine was sound he predicted that some big bills could be around the corner. His opinion is the one I respect above all others because I know his level of expertise.
We both agreed that the 3.0 we saw purred, and the 3.2 rattled more than purred. I guess it had a hard 76k miles. Add that to the several areas of resprayed paintwork, and it was a no. I'm looking for a good NSX not a dog.

[Kevin]

That's cool. I was concerned about the noises my car made at start up etc, until I heard some more which are the same. I did actually buy the first car I saw.

Of course, no amount of examination is going to guarantee your car won't blow up!

It's a shame that people can have a car like a NSX and let it go to the dogs. Nearly all the NSXCB member cars I have seen are in tip top shape. I guess over the various meetings I've seen over 30.

[BabyNSX]

this particular car had a last owner who did about 40k miles in 2 years. i don't think it was looked after that well, especially considering he happily took a paltry trade-in price for his new m3.
anyway i'm not too bothered, i'm buying the best one i saw from 5 so i'm happy.