Acura NSX Buyer's Guide--Watch Before Buying!

This video is intended as an Acura NSX buyer's guide. I go point-by-point through common, but little-known, issues with the NSX. I gathered this information by researching and purchasing the car and dealing with these concerns firsthand.
Time Markers
0:32 - Bumper
1:50 - Windshield
2:29 - Side mirror
3:10 - NSX websites
3:44 - Antenna
4:07 - Window
4:59 - Air conditioning
5:56 - Radio
6:52 - Owner’s manual
7:53 - ABS
8:45 - Spare tire and took kit
9:15 - Radiator
9:35 - Refrigerant
10:14 - Clutch
11:33 - Timing belt
13:33 - Snap ring
Here is a list from an awesome 20-year NSX owner. Thank you Steven Glover!!!
1) Sun Visors. 90% chance they will be split along a seam. You can get new, but that is one of those "way down on my list" things (I do have a new set in case I ever sell or have a gross failure, but I know they will split as well, given time, so I haven't put them in)
2) Defroster panel (plastic piece between the windshield and dash). If it isn't cracked by the sunlight sensor in the middle now, just wait. It will be eventually. You have to pull the entire interior out to change that piece of plastic, and given the expansion/contraction and how it is mounted, the new one will crack in the same spot. It cracks by the sunlight sensor because that it the thinnest/weakest point
3) Driver's seat bolster wear. Expect wear (and maybe even tear) on the driver's seat bolster on any car that is regularly driven and hasn't had new leather or a repair completed
4) Trim piece fitment. With the cars 15-30 years old, there is a good chance many of the interior trim pieces have been removed and reinstalled. They either have plastic tabs that slip into a clip to hold them in place, a plastic tab where a screw goes to hold them in place, or have a plastic "push pin" type of attachment. The "push pin" is the cheapest and easiest to "refresh" as you replace just the pin. The tabs are harder. The plastic is 15-30 years old if original, and there are only so many cycles to pulling off a piece of trim and putting it back on before the plastic starts to break. On the doors, peel back the weather strip that goes along the edge of the door panel and inspect the plastic tabs where the door panel screws to the door...do it very gently, that weatherstrip is $$$, but you'll probably find a few broken tabs there. The other pieces I look at are the flat rectangle pieces that finish off the door trim (where the gas door mechanism is), the triangle thingees at the front and back of the door just above the door liner/panel, and the a-pillar covers. Make sure they are all tight.
5) The center console/door switch/vent bezel. Unless you have the European market panels (a flat black), there is a good chance you will see some "bubbling" of the finish. It isn't a paint...it is a foil that is a pain to take off (but can be done) and have the trim pieces painted. Also, there is no Honda paint code (as it is a metallic foil and not paint), so you it is a pain to color match
6) The steering column. Make sure it doesn't wobble side-to-side. Often, people use the steering wheel to help egress (fancy word for get out of) the car. As they grab and push off of the wheel, they force it to the side and eventually damage the locking collars in the column allowing movement. (Grab the "A" pillar on the outside and pull yourself up if need be...all you have to do is wipe off some fingerprints/smudges(
I'll look for the Kaz Ukai discussion on this on the NSXCB blog he runs (a treasure trove of pictures and tips...)
One other "motor" thing that I think Richard Graves mentioned is the VVIS butterfly valve set screws...if you search Prime, you'll see plenty of discussions about these screws...
Finally, NSXPrime website has some great "buyer's resources" including a checklist. You can only imagine the moment, after I had my checklist in hand, that I realized the NSX I was looking at (and bought) was the NSXPrime website owner's and he was pretty darn familiar with "the list" so it made easy going as we were able to get through the list and he didn't think what I was doing was "crazy"...
www.nsxprime.com/wiki/Categor...

[@LapoftheWorld]

Love the enthusiasm man. A couple of NSX-specific things to add to the PPI list: Throttle butterfly screws, Harmonic Damper "donut" delamination (or just buy a shield from CFR/SOS and call it a day), age of the tires (rubber has a shelf life and those "original yokohamas" the collector is bragging about are time bombs), Coolant hoses also should be replaced every decade or so, particularly the three in the front of the engine bay and a few around the oil filter/cooler.... and it's been recently brought to light in the club magazine that you should maybe spare a thought for any weird lights on or odd behavior with the gauge cluster as capacitors may have failed and could harm other electronics. The same "mysterious Brian guy" can fix that too. Beyond that just drive and enjoy because these cars will last forever if maintained properly.

[@DriversTherapy]

Lap of the World, thank you so much for taking the time to provide all that additional information. Super awesome. Anyone looking for an NSX is going to have the right data. Thanks again! Have a great day.

[@boldlyaspire5293]

Beautiful background-and car!

[@andrewfranco4826]

I like the excitement and honesty haha, funny my dude. Great points very informative! Thanks

[@DriversTherapy]

Danko Franco Thank you for the kind works and checking out the video. I appreciate it.

[@daveclamor2226]

Really well done video.

[@scottkim8805]

very detailed guide and was helpful in my decision to buy a 1991 NSX. thanks!

[@DriversTherapy]

Thanks, man! I really appreciate your comment. Thank you for watching the video.

[@JennaTols]

The clutch master cylinder is a common issue on these as well. Since most people keep their nsx’s parked for decades, the fluid eats away at the gaskets and the fluid starts to spill into the cabin. Also the trunk tends to have bad gaskets and condensation begins to get trapped in the carpet. It will smell like an unused refrigerator when it happens. The newer nsx-t also tend to leak from the targa. I was unlucky and had to deal with almost all of these super common (and annoying) issues.

[@DriversTherapy]

Hi! Sorry to hear that you had to deal with those issues. Does not sound fun but thanks for sharing them. On the bright side sounds like you replaced those gaskets and not your NSX is good to for a while. Thanks for watching the video! Really appreciate it.

[@EscargotGaming]

Fantastic video! And absolutely gorgeous NSX; congrats

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you and thanks for watching the video!

[@toanduong8204]

Thanks man! Great video describing all the unique things to look for. Superb car, and I'm not in a position to buy one (probably never, lol) but really enjoyed watching

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you and I’m sure you will one day! 🤘🏽😎

[@gregoriomares2705]

Hey brother got to meet you today beautiful car hope to see you around again!!!

[@DriversTherapy]

GREG MARES The pleasure was all mine! Thank you for taking the time to chat and for your service to the community.

[@stevechung3595]

i can't afford one at this moment but I just finished the video loll

[@DriversTherapy]

You can't afford it now but things change. I believe in you and that you will get one in the future. Thanks for watching the video and if you ever have any questions, please let me know!

[@andrewmcintosh9832]

Looks like you did you homework. Enjoy that beauty!

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you Andrew! I appreciate you watching the video and leaving a comment.

[@andrewmcintosh9832]

@Omari Pierce Spammers both of you are reported.

[@ogChiChi]

My dream car right here will own this one day , prices increasing

[@DriversTherapy]

You got this! Stay focused and learn all you can about it. Thank you for watching the video.

[@ogChiChi]

@@DriversTherapy appreciate 🙏🏽

[@nsxfever9513]

Science of Speed are long time NSX and S2000 people. They sell superb NSX parts.

[@DriversTherapy]

Thanks Nimfa for watching the video and commenting. I finally got around to checking out their website and they have so many NSX goodies. I am looking at possibly getting their Endura-Lite exhaust.

[@nsxfever9513]

They have so many goodies hard to choose where to start 😂

[@danreyes3293]

Love it, nice nsx btw

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you Dan! I appreciate the comment and watching the video.

[@stevedekorte]

Good advice. Btw, some aftermarket clutches are noisy (like Giken) but others aren’t (like Comptech or SOS).

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you for that information on the clutches and for watching the video. Have a great day!

[@stevedekorte]

@@DriversTherapy This is also an issue with aftermarket Limited Slip Differentials (I currently have an ATS steel LSD and it stutters on low speed turns). A video on which clutches and LSDs have these issues would be very helpful. I'm guessing a lot of folks end up wasting money buying these parts and running into these issues.

[@DriversTherapy]

@@stevedekorte That is good info. I was not aware of any of that data.

[@ericseven711]

ahaahah thanks for the 6 years timing belt replacement info. on of the last seller I've called told me he didn't changed his timing belt since +20 years, because he thought it wasn't necessary ^^

[@DriversTherapy]

Oh ya, that happens quite often. Most sellers feel since the miles on the timing belt are low, that it still qualifies as "good". The age factor is still a real concern since some NSX sit without being driven for long periods of time. If it was around 6 years with low but consistent miles I might reconsider it but 20 years is way too old. I am glad you asked. If you need any help or have any additional questions please reach out and thank you for watching the video and we always welcome everyone to subscribe if you want to support the channel and watch similar videos in the future. Have a great day!

[@ericseven711]

@@DriversTherapy thank you so much for the infos and all the good video works ! Really appreciated !

[@michaellui74]

Great video. I want a great condition one where do i start looking??????

[@DriversTherapy]

Hi Michael! Thank you for watching the video. You can look at the NSX Prime FB page, Bring a Trailer, eBay, and Cars.com. Those are some good places to start looking at. Good luck!

[@masam00n]

Hey man nice car! How much did you buy the car for?

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you! I picked it up in the mid 40s.

[@kokica777]

Maybe I'll buy 1991 Acura NSX. Owner told me timing belt have to be changed. That's nice from him, but how much approximate cost? Also he told me that AC is weak doesn't work 100%. He told that he doesn't know how to start playing CDs. Hm... 1. Turn signals -sometimes the handle pop out on its own, something I have never experienced in cars,looking like it is very sensitive. Is it ok? While he was driving, he didn't use turn signals. Rear windshield - window was all the time in fog, and he didn't used defoger, so I'm not sure does it work. Clutch is pretty hard to push, he told me that is normal. But is it? I think I have to check once again NSX, so I will take 6 CDs and check radio and changer. Ask about defoger and try to use it. But what about: 1. turn signal hand, 2. timing belt, 3. AC, 4.clutch? Thanks

[@DriversTherapy]

Hello, thank you for watching the video. Unless the NSX you are looking at purchasing is a bargain, walk away. There are to many issues and not enough help from the seller in wanting to fix or provide data about them. The timing belt should have a written record of when it was done and by whom, I am not calling people liars but I prefer documentation. Next, the A/C needs to be inspected and serviced. The clutch should not be very hard. It should have a normal clutch feel unless a aftermarket clutch was installed. There should be paperwork supporting anything the seller states about the car. The defogger is a minor issue in the scheme of things but at this point, I would have a reputation shop look over the entire car and document the results and use for future negotiations.

[@kokica777]

@@DriversTherapy today owner told me CD changer doesnt work, but I still want to check out all speakers, and everything else. Thansk for support. price for nsx is 50 000 €

[@phamscb]

Thank u

[@DriversTherapy]

Thank you for watching the video. I appreciate it.

[@awakenedsoul2638]

Hey bub! Can you give me a helping hand? Where can I buy a 2001 NSX Type S Zero LEFT HAND DRIVE?

[@DriversTherapy]

Hi! I am not very familiar with the Type S versions but I can tell you that any limited NSX variants will be sold typical on sites like Bringatrailer.com and other high-end auction or private fixed priced high end collector car sites. If not, I think it might go via word of mouth or on the forums. I wish I could provide you with more guidance but that is out of my realm of lo

[@awakenedsoul2638]

@@DriversTherapy Hey thanks for answering me! I found out that Type S, Type S Zero was produced in limited pieces just 140 through 1997 - 2001. Then when the NA2 Type R the one with Fixed head lights succeeded the Type S Zero. BAD NEWS ALL OF THESE ARE LEFT HAND DRIVE! I am planning to buy myself 4 units of NSX. 2 NA1, one coupe and one Targa a 2001 Model with 3.2 290HP V-6 with pop up headlights and 2 NA2 one targa and coupe with the same engine but fixed head lights. I am living in a country by left hand drive so if I will import it needs to be left hand.

[@DriversTherapy]

@@awakenedsoul2638 those are some nice models. Those are quite hard to find but I am sure if you are patient and have the right budget, you can make that happen.

[@shawoo]

Does these have an OBD connector ?

[@DriversTherapy]

The later Gen.1 does. Thank you for watching the video.

[@eludethis]

New game. Take a shot every time he’s says “guys” lol!!!

[@DriversTherapy]

eludethis my bad for assuming. You are right though, I do say that to much. Your prelude sounds good by the way. Shifting the way you do takes a lot time to learn.

[@DriversTherapy]

eludethis A prelude was my first car. I loved it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3qVoaapm7h1oqc

[@eludethis]

Driver's Therapy no problem brother! I was just trying to show my friend how fast I could heel toe downshift. However he didn’t believe I did it that fast cause he couldn’t hear the throttle blip plus the audio is shit in that video. So I had to take him for a ride one day. He’s a believer now lol

[@eludethis]

Driver's Therapy I hope to own an NSX one day! Always loved that car. I’ve driven a couple before and they did not disappoint! And I loved your vid as well!

[@DriversTherapy]

eludethis now that is some driving!

[@nathanmilton8955]

Come back to new castle so I can see this beast as well

[@DriversTherapy]

If we come by there I will definitely try to tell you ahead of time. Thanks for watch and don't forget to share the video :D

[@nathanmilton8955]

@@DriversTherapy Do you by chance have an Instagram page that I can follow?

[@DriversTherapy]

@@nathanmilton8955 Yes, Driver's Therapy. :)

[@greddy_v2]

How much of this applies to a JDM car?

[@DriversTherapy]

I would say all of it. Unlike others car, I think they kept the NSX overall the same across the markets with the exception of the SRS system and other safety equipment required by whichever country.

[@greddy_v2]

@@DriversTherapy nice. I hope to be the owner of a red na1 very soon (once I can sell my spirt r)

[@DriversTherapy]

@@greddy_v2 awesome! You will love it. It drives smooth and a lot of fun when you push it. If you have any future question please reach out to me.

[@nathanmilton8955]

I guess the Supra wasn't enough for me

[@DriversTherapy]

hahha more is better right? Thanks for watching the video.

[@ohhnito2705]

I want one :(