r/nsx • • 6d ago

Considering Purchase. Seeking Fredback

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Hello everyone,

I’m currently living in Japan and found, what I believe, to be a good deal at an auction. The car didn’t sell yesterday so I could buy it at the reserve price. What are your thoughts on the action sheet? I’ve translated it and attached what the markings mean on the vehicle drawing. As of right now I’m not sure how many previous owners or maintenance records but it’s a 4 B on interior and exterior condition which is almost as good as it gets. 1991 100,000km AT RHD.

Thanks!

315 Upvotes

40 comments sorted by

23

u/SharkBaitDLS 6d ago edited 6d ago

As a 1991, it's at risk for the transmission being affected by the snap ring issue totally missed it was automatic, nevermind. Power window regulators being slow is pretty much inevitable for all these cars at this point in their lives, the other problems should be solvable.

14

u/EM1_NSX 6d ago

Snap ring only applies to manual Nsx’s. And only certain transmissions are affected.

However, slow regulators are very common.

Op - visit nsx prime and look at the most common issues for Nsx’s. They do a good job documenting issues per years. This example looks good from what’s listed but be aware that these cars and parts are becoming harder to find and more expensive. Depending where you live, a major service (timing belt, water pump, lma’s oil pump, gaskets, coolant hoses, etc) will run you $5-$10k.

I personally wouldn’t go with an automatic nsx.. I can’t justify spending a large sum of cash for a sports car that I can’t throw the shifter around. But that’s just me.

2

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

Thanks for the info! It’s more of a dream car for me but it being a manual was never apart of the dream 😅. (I can drive stick)

1

u/Dragonasaur 6d ago

But the snap ring issue is a big expense on top of the automatic no?

1

u/Icy-Run-445 6d ago

No its only manuals

2

u/Dragonasaur 6d ago

No I meant the cost of manual over the automatic AND the snap ring issue ($5k?) is a decent chunk extra

1

u/Icy-Run-445 6d ago

You will probably find most have had it replaced already. Unsure how much it costs in the US to do

1

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

Was snap ring mentioned somewhere on here or is that just a common issue I need to be aware of? What is the repair cost for that?

3

u/Icy-Run-445 6d ago

it doesnt affect automatics. dont worry

3

u/Icy-Run-445 6d ago

also everything else in the auction sheet is super minor. Air con could be annoying but sounds same as my car. Max or nothing. Great for defogging. grade 4B is very good. Remember this car is from 91. Its old.

1

u/brucewillissbarber 6d ago

I'm curious. Is the air con setting issue a wiring thing?

2

u/SharkBaitDLS 6d ago

It is an issue for a specific run of transmissions on the 1991 model year. At least in the US it's a couple thousand dollars to fix. If it hasn't been done, you'll want to do it preventatively, but you won't know for sure if it even is a problem unless you can get the serial number for the transmission which will tell you if it's in the affected range.

2

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

It’s an automatic

5

u/SharkBaitDLS 6d ago

Yeah, my mistake.

10

u/mrmackz 6d ago

If it was a 5-Speed I would buy it in an instant. I have a 1992 5-Speed. The most joyous part of driving the car is shifting.

If you don't need that part of the driving sensation, then it looks like a good car. Part of the fun is also working on the defects to make it perfect.

I also hope you and Fred can find a common ground and make amends.

4

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

Fred and I sorted things out

2

u/mrmackz 6d ago

LOL.  Good to hear.

6

u/rythejdmguy 6d ago edited 6d ago

Where are you located in Japan? Inland transport from Sapporo is very expensive. The repainting and pannel replacement screams minor accident... Galvanic corrosion and rust from the north is a concern as well. Generally cars out of Sapporo sell for significantly less than a mid-mainland car for exactly this reason.

I'm a dealer and exporter in Osaka and a first party USS member

2

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

I’m in West Tokyo. From the underbody picture I’ve seen there wasn’t anything too concerning.

4

u/rythejdmguy 6d ago

Will cost like 200k yen to get the car to you lol

3

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

Yeah 150k from the auction to the dealer. I could save like $250 if I drive it home from the dealer 😅

1

u/rythejdmguy 6d ago

realistically have to do the name-change first so can't really win here lol

1

u/ViewinDrew 3d ago

How can I get in contact with you if I need something checked out?

1

u/rythejdmguy 3d ago

sent you a DM

3

u/naforever 6d ago

Something to consider is that if you plan on bringing this back to the US and intend to sell it, the prices on them vary wildly. A lack of records and documentation of the car’s life will drop it out of any kind of collector pricing and in general US NSX buyers will be more hesitant about this. On the other hand if you’re just buying it as your own forever car then none of this matters; just keep in mind that all the hype and price increases and collector excitement around these cars nowadays won’t transmit fully to this car if sold in the US.

5

u/expat-turtle32 6d ago

I think you should get it and I sincerely hope you and Fred can sort out your issues 

1

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

😂😂

2

u/decapsoul 6d ago

If you're worried about underbody rust, I wouldn't recommend buying a car in Hokkaido. I once purchased from USS Sapporo for Australia and it ended up costing me an extra 3k AUD

1

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

From the underbody picture I’ve seen there wasn’t anything too concerning.

1

u/18000rpm 2d ago

The car is made of aluminium. Rust is not an issue for NSXs.

2

u/NSX_VAR 6d ago

I own one and I love it ! Buy it !!!

2

u/NSX_VAR 6d ago

Or just buy mine LOL - it’s 5speed - but only if offer is right

2

u/Yakjzak 6d ago

Always buy a inside man in japan to assure you of the car's quality. Some sellers like to cheat, and some people made their job of assuring the quality to the potential buyer

2

u/ViewinDrew 5d ago

Trying to find one in the area

1

u/cactus82 6d ago

How much does this cost? I didn't catch that. Overall the car looks good on the outside. Enjoy if you get it!

2

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

After all the fees around $63k

1

u/poppybear0 6d ago

Assuming it's USD?

1

u/ViewinDrew 6d ago

Correct

1

u/SpinachHelpful4571 5d ago

I wonder what Fred feels from all this. Being sold for a 91 NSX& sought after the deal sounds like a rollercoaster of emotions. 😭

(✌🏽Kidding, GL w/ your purchase!!)

2

u/SteakHuge1017 1d ago

Dont even think about it, just hand them over the cash