Hi prospective new owner,
I know I’ll be regretting my decision - up for sale is my clean title, 1991 Acura NSX, 5 speed manual (NA1); Formula Red paint over Ivory leather; all original mileage with of 176,400kmi (I rounded to the nearest hundredth).
This NSX does NOT fall under the snap ring range (Transmission #: J4A4-1003130). See photos for reference.
I know this posting is rather lengthy and all this might seem like a dissertation lol, but I want to be as straight forward as possible so there are no surprises. I also hope this detailed posting will answer some of the common questions for anyone looking to buy an NSX (either 1st time buyer or a previous owner of one), but if you have any questions regarding some info that I might have missed, feel free to message me.
Apologies if the quality of the pics aren't clear or professional (I used my iPhone to take most of the pics). I'm limited to 24 photos here, so if you need specific shots, just send me a message and I'll provide them. I also took the pics at the North American Honda Head Quarters in Torrance, CA (figured it be a nice place to showcase the NSX). I’ve also annotated the pics to reflect any flaws or imperfections by circling and noting the flaws. I'll be straight up; due to the imperfections/flaws, this NSX is not a show room condition car; it can get there though, just will take patience, commitment, money, and time. However, if you're looking for a driver's car or even a daily driver, then this is where this NSX shines. Regardless the imperfections/flaws, you have to see this thing in person to truly appreciate it for what it is and at a holistic point of view.
This NSX has been very well maintained by the previous owner and throughout the duration of my ownership. I believe I’m the 6th or 7th owner. I've owned it for about a little over a year now. From my knowledge, it mainly has been a CA car since new. It's been garage kept with car cover under my ownership.
I know for some of you enthusiasts, compression numbers are highly wanted. Just a few weeks ago, I had the compression with leak down test performed by HQ Engineering and the results were outstanding.
COMPRESSION TEST WITH LEAK DOWN RESULTS:
Bank 1 - 235 psi/1% leak down
Bank 2 - 238 psi/1% leak down
Bank 3 - 225 psi/3% leak down
Bank 4 - 225 psi/3% leak down
Bank 5 - 220 psi/4% leak down
Bank 6 - 230 psi/2% leak down
The car had 176,300kmi on it upon doing the compression/leak down test. I was pretty darn amazed at the results. There are some NSXs out there with >120,000kmi that don’t even put down these kind of figures. So, rest assured this NSX will reliably perform for the next owner. It's pretty much dialed in for a cross country trip.
REASON FOR SELLING:
I know I’ll regret selling this NSX in the long run (as I regrettably did when I sold my 91 CRX a few years ago), but sadly I need to do the same and let the NSX go, as I’ll be using the money from the sale as a down payment for property. I also no longer have the time to fully baby and pamper the NSX as much as I’d like to, so I hope it goes to the right hands to keep its beauty alive, while maintaining its soul by driving it as its meant to be driven, and not letting it sit to collect dust (which I’m guilty of doing as I no longer use it as my DD). Within roughly a year of ownership, I added approx 9,100kmi, as I mainly used it as my DD to commute to work (thankfully my work has a parking garage and is generally safe). Over the last 6 months, I slowly found myself no longer using the NSX as my DD, as I began to DD my family wagon. I still would cruise the NSX at least once a week to avoid any issues of it just remaining stationary.
MODs:
Although my general taste in cars are OEM, there have been a tasteful of mods added:
*Pride exhaust (cost of $1,300 parts with labor).
*DC headers (cost of $900 parts with labor).
*RDX injectors (cost of $749 parts with labor).
*LoveFab Twin Chamber Aluminum Coolant Reservoir (cost of $450 parts with labor).
*Oil pan baffle (cost of $60 parts with labor).
*K&N air filter (cost of $110 parts with labor).
*Downforce side air intake snorkel (cost of $260 parts with labor).
*BC coil overs (cost of $1,400 parts with labor).
*SOS Stainless braided brake lines (cost of $200 parts with labor).
*SOS sport 350 clutch (cost of $3,200 parts with labor).
*High flow cats (forgot the price).
*Type R shift boot (cost of $95 parts with labor).
*Type R pedals (cost of $120 parts with labor).
*Type R front and under reinforcement brace (cost of $160 parts with labor).
*Type R steering wheel with NRG Hub (cost of $1,200 parts with labor).
*Type R rear tail lights (cost of $900 parts with labor).
*A/C retrofitted with R134a (cost of $300 parts with labor).
*HID headlights (forgot the price).
*Powder coated OEM Rims from a 1994 NSX (cost of $2,000); previous owner of this NSX had MF10s on them, but I sold them to get the 1994 rims as I wanted that OEM look.
*Element Fire Extinguisher installed inside passenger glovebox with custom bracket installed by Nemo NSX Motors.
*Front lift system installed by Nemo NSX motors.
PAINT/EXTERIOR:
If you want a showroom ready NSX, this NSX might not be for you lol. There are a few imperfections from the paint (i.e., rock chips, scuffs, small chips, and other things from DD and exposure to the elements), but aside from this, without nitpicking and hawkeyeing the little imperfections, the overall exterior looks clean. Chassis is straight. No major body damage like dents or crazy scratches. Driver side front wheel well has chipped paint due to previous owner having the wheels slammed (upon my ownership, I highered the ride height an inch higher to stop the front wheel from scrapping the wheel well). Maybe that’s why he had gotten a lift system installed lol (as many other NSX owners have). The front lift system is a game changer, as it has helped avoid damages from potholes and such. For the most part, the paint is 70% original, with exceptions to a few sections. The previous owner reported that were sections that have been repainted:
*Front bumper repainted.
*Rear bumper repainted.
*Passenger-side Rear quarter panel repainted.
OVERALL:
I'm pretty harsh when it comes to rating my own things, but I’d rate the exterior of this NSX a 6.5 out of 10. It’s not going to win car shows or trophies, but for once being my DD, it’s all good. I still get a lot of people taking pics of it (I don’t really like the attention, but hey, I’d do the same if I saw a clean NSX lol). I've gotten comments from people to post on social media like Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, etc, but I don't have any of those lol. I believe the exterior and paint is in overall decent condition and remains presentable.
INTERIOR:
The interior shows a bit of aging (i.e., scuffing on a few plastic pieces pieces; the very common NSX NA1 issue of bubbling mainly from door trim near window button controls area; inside door panel leather shows its age; inside door handle shows its age; center glove box shows its age; carpet flooring shows its age. Center console overall in good condition; ash tray is not functional (does not open). However, despite all this, there are no rips or tears on the leather seats. Dashboard and leather is in good condition. Floor mats in good condition.
OVERALL:
Again, being a harsh critique myself and based on the things I just mentioned, I’d rate the overall interior a 7.2 out of 10.
MECHANICALLY:
At the time of purchasing this NSX, the previous owner told me that this NSX was pretty much dialed in…and I believed him. Since then and throughout my ownership, I’ve put 9,100kmi. Throughout all the 9,100kmi driven, I've had no issues and has always been reliable as my DD. V-TEC just kicked in yo engages as it should at approx 5,800 rpm; no leaks; never overheating; no check engine light. So rest assured, you will be getting a well-maintained and dialed-in NSX upon purchase.
OVERALL:
Again, I’m pretty harsh with my own rating of things, but given that this NSX is pretty much dialed in, I’d rate the overall mechanics a 9.3 out 10.
MAINTENANCE:
Major service work (approx $5k worth) was done in late 2020. At the time of this posting, there are no known current mechanical issues…at least none that I’m able to notice or know of. Most of the major maintenance was done by HQ Engineering (in my opinion, the best and well-respected place for all NSX services in California along with other respected shops like Niguel Motors).
*Oil changes:
I usually do oil changes religiously (around every 4kmi). I know people will say oil is oil, but this video from Project Farm convinced me to think otherwise (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TWuKvnCq1js).
With that, although Pennzoil Ultra Platinum has more anti wear additives than Amsoil, according to Project Farm’s testing, he shows that Amsoil outperformed Pennzoil by wear loss difference of 0.16mm. Small number, but overtime, that translates 0.16mm will increase, thus having higher of metal shards present during oil interval changes…that alone says a lot regarding engine wear. Ever since Project Farm’s test, I’ve been running 10w30 Amsoil Signature Series. Also another way to test oils is by doing an oil analysis done by Blackstone Labs, but let’s be honest, how many of us will take the time and money to do an oil analysis every oil change?
I usually do my own oil changes, but given the limited time I have, I had HQ engineering do the recent oil change. I wanted to prep the NSX ready for the next owner, so the most recent oil change (completed @ 176kmi) was completed by HQ engineering just a few weeks ago. I decided to have them use their premium 10w30 Purol Full Synthetic oil. Tuner guru - Bisimotto uses Purol Full Synthetic oil and HQ uses it for its top of the line oil service. I know there are gear heads out there that believe oil is oil, but to each his own. I guess I’m one of those that believe not all oils are created equal.
MAJOR SERVICE (completed 11/14/2020 @ approx 168kmi by HQ Engineering) (see pic of receipts for reference):
*Timing belt.
*Water pump.
*NGK Platinum Spark Plugs.
*Fuel Filter.
*Thermostat & Gasket.
*AC Pulley Bearings.
*AC Belt.
*Alternator Belt.
*Belt Tensioner.
*Cam Seals.
*Crank Seal.
*Cam Seal Plugs.
*VTEC Upper Gasket.
*VTEC Lower Gaskets.
*Valve Cover Gaskets.
*Cam Cap oil rings.
*Oil Ring Orifice.
*Dip stick O-Ring.
*Valve Adjustment.
*Lower Butterfly valve check.
*Engine degreased.
*Brake & Clutch fluids flushed and refilled.
*OEM Honda Tranny Fluid.
*Lost Motion Assembly.
*Upper Radiator.
*Lower Radiator.
*Engine Heater Hose.
*LMAs installed.
*SOS Oil Pan Baffle Plate Welded and painted.
OTHER MAINTENANCE:
*Ceramic coated @ approx 163kmi by previous owner.
*O Rings replaced @ 175kmi by HQ Engineering.
*SOS Sport Clutch 350 replaced approx @ 165kmi
*Trunk struts replaced @ 176kmi by Nemo NSX Motors.
*Brake pads/slotted rotors replaced @ approx 167kmi; approx life is 80%.
*Tires replaced at approx 167kmi with Falken Azenis RT615K+ (17 rears/16 fronts); current thread life is approx 80%.
PROS:
*Pretty much dialed in (no known mechanical issues).
*No known leaks.
*No overheating.
*No check engine light.
*All lights (front, high beams, rear, turn signal, emergency, inside, etc) works as it should.
*Cluster and gauges work as it should.
*Tranny shifts smoothly and gear changes is solid.
*Alignment is good.
*Suspension is tight.
*A/C blows cold from all air vents and works as it should (aside the climate setting being stuck on the max fan speed).
*Heater works as it should.
*Locking/unlocking works as it should.
*Factory alarm works as it should.
*Power seats works as it should.
*Brakes work as it should.
*Power windows work as it should (aside passenger window going up slowly; common issue with NA1 NSX).
CONS/FLAWS:
*A/C fan speed cannot be controlled (only setting is max; common issue with NA1 NSX).
*Various paint flaws (see pics that are circled indicating flaws).
*Driver side fender/rear well chipped paint (see pic circled indicting flaw).
*Passenger window goes up slow (common issue with NA1 NSX).
*Inside door panel area showing it’s age (bubbling on door trim, leather panel aging, etc) (see pic circled indicating flaws).
*Missing plastic flap to change time (but have piece) (see pic circled indicating flaws).
*Center ash tray non-functional.
*OEM radio does not work; previous owner had a touchscreen installed and during that time, the radio and speakers worked and sounded good, but removed it since then and replaced it with a non-working OEM head unit, as I was really going for that OEM look.
*Original spare tire not included.
Please, serious inquiries only (no tire kickers). If you’ve read everything up to this point, congrats lol, as I know this was like reading a college essay, lol. I know all this is very lengthy, but I hope it goes to show that I’m a straight up kind of person and I want you to know what to expect beforehand, as I know it’s a big purchase for many. I also did all that I could with my given time to make this NSX ready to go and to be driven with peace of mind, for its new ownership. This NSX is truly ready for the next owner and to be driven tastefully, driven for long miles (cross country), and to enjoy the great engineering from Honda, timeless design from Pininfarina, inspiration and spirit from Senna.
Sadly, I had a potential buyer a few weeks ago, but they ghosted me and just wasted my time with a lot of going back and forth with all talk, but no action or any sort of deposit…a bit disappointing and frustrating to be brutally honest. But you’ll get those kind of people from time to time. We all know we don’t like wasting people’s time and ask of you, please respect each other’s time. I tried to be as detailed as possible with this posting, as I don’t want you to have any surprises upon the sale. Because of my previous tire-kicker experience from a prospective buyer, I will not hold the NSX for you nor go on joy rides. However, test drives are welcome to serious buyers and if you’re willing to meet me at Torrance, CA, I’m open to doing a test drive with a refundable $200 deposit. Also, if anything unforeseen happens or end up crashing (hopefully not), it will be your responsibility to cover all damages. If you want to hold the car (no more than 7 days), it will require a non-refundable $500 deposit.
Given the overall perspective of this NSX, I’m asking $60k OBO. I do remain flexible and price is negotiable…if the price is right. So, if you have an offer already in mind, feel free to contact me and we'll schedule a time to see and test drive the car, and if all is good on your end, we can negotiate. My asking price offsets lower mileage NSXs due to the given amount of tasteful mods (over $13k worth of parts with labor) and recent major/important NSX services and maintenance (over $5k parts with labor). So, although mileage is high on this NSX, you have to consider and calculate the amount of major maintenance and mods that have been spent throughout the past year or so.
Sorry, no trades. No international shipping. Domestic shipping is available once sale is closed and finalized. Buyer is responsible for all shipping cost and logistics.
I’m still a bit hesitant to sell this NSX. So, in the event I decide to no longer sell it, I will delete this listing.
You won’t regret buying this NSX, but I sure will regret selling it lol. Close buddies tell me “why you selling it; big mistake; don’t sell it. My humble thoughts is that this NSX presents very well, almost like an 80kmi NSX (despite it having currently 176,400kmi). I’m not much of a bragger, just expressing this NSX for what it truly is. A true gem to appreciate aesthetically and mechanically in person. Keep the dream going. The Power of Dreams.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me here or text.
Thanks for viewing.
Drive tastefully.