The Honda NSX is an iconic supercar that offers thrilling performance and everyday reliability. It’s a great way to experience world-class engineering without breaking the bank. The NSX, which stands for New Sportscar eXperimental, has been turning heads since 1990. It combines performance, technology, and Japanese precision in a unique package. Let’s look at what makes this Japanese supercar special and why you might want to add one to your garage.
Key Takeaways:
- The Honda NSX offers supercar performance with everyday usability
- Available in two generations: the classic 1990-2005 model and the modern hybrid 2016-present version
- Known for exceptional handling, innovative engineering, and reliability
- Potential for appreciation, especially for well-maintained first-generation models
- Lower running costs compared to many exotic car competitors
- Represents a unique entry point into supercar ownership
A Brief History of the Honda NSX
Honda created the NSX to compete with the best European supercars while keeping their famous reliability. The first NSX, launched in 1990, changed the car world. It had a light aluminum body, a V6 engine in the middle, and handling improved by Formula One champion Ayrton Senna. This mix of advanced materials, precise engineering, and racing expertise made a car that could challenge Ferrari and Porsche but was as dependable as a Honda.
In 2016, Honda brought back the NSX with a new design. This second-generation NSX uses hybrid technology to make a modern supercar. It has a twin-turbo V6 engine and three electric motors. This new system gives instant power and smooth acceleration, showing how Honda keeps pushing car technology forward. The new NSX also uses advanced materials like carbon fiber to make it perform even better.
Why Buy a Honda NSX?
The Honda NSX is special in the supercar world. Here’s why you might want one:
Supercar Performance
0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, top speed of 191 mph
Honda Reliability
Legendary dependability, less time in the shop
Advanced Engineering
Cutting-edge tech like hybrid powertrain
Investment Potential
Classic models show significant appreciation
Supercar Performance: Both old and new NSX models can keep up with much pricier cars. The newest NSX can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and reach 191 mph. This puts it in the same league as exotic supercars that cost a lot more. The first NSX might not be as fast by today’s standards, but it’s still really fun to drive with its high-revving V6 engine and precise handling.
Honda Reliability: Unlike some fancy cars that spend more time being fixed than driven, the NSX is built to last. This means you can enjoy your supercar without worrying about it breaking down all the time. The NSX was made to be driven often, so it’s good for people who want to use their supercar regularly, not just on weekends. This reliability also means it costs less to own over time compared to other supercars.
Advanced Engineering: From its all-aluminum body in the 1990s to its hybrid engine today, the NSX has always used cutting-edge technology. Owning an NSX means you have a piece of engineering history. The first NSX introduced many firsts for a production car, like an all-aluminum body and titanium connecting rods. The new NSX continues this tradition with its hybrid all-wheel drive system, which helps it turn corners better.
Investment Potential: Old NSX models have been going up in value lately. While we can’t promise future value, the NSX’s special place in car history makes it interesting for collectors. Well-kept first-generation NSXs, especially rare versions like the NSX-R, have kept their value well and even increased in price. The limited number of new NSXs made might also make them valuable in the future.
What to Check When Buying a Used Honda NSX
If you’re looking to buy a used Honda NSX, here are some important things to check:
| Component | What to Check | Importance |
| Engine | VTEC system, oil leaks | Critical |
| Transmission | Synchros, shifting smoothness | High |
| Chassis | Accident history, alignment | Critical |
| Suspension | Bushings, dampers | High |
| Electrical | Climate control, windows | Medium |
| Interior | Leather condition | Medium |
| Service History | Completeness, regularity | High |
| Modifications | Type, quality, documentation | Medium |
Engine and Transmission: The VTEC system in old NSXs is usually strong, but check for weird noises or performance issues. For new NSXs, pay attention to the complex hybrid system. In both cases, look for oil leaks and make sure the transmission shifts smoothly. The engines in the first NSX are known to last long, but changing the timing belt is very important. For the new NSX, the twin-turbo V6 and electric motors should be checked by an expert.
Chassis and Suspension: The NSX’s aluminum body was very advanced for its time but can be expensive to fix if damaged. Check for signs of crashes or misalignment. The suspension parts, especially bushings and dampers, should be checked for wear. Pay extra attention to the compliance pivots on old NSXs, as these can wear out over time. For the new NSX, test the adaptive magnetic ride suspension in all modes to make sure it works properly.
Electrical and Interior: Early NSXs can have problems with their air conditioning and power windows. In newer models, check that all the advanced electronics work correctly. The interior, especially the leather seats, can show wear, so look at these areas carefully. For new NSXs, make sure all driver assistance features and the infotainment system work properly. The digital dashboard should show clear graphics without any dead spots or glitches.
Service History and Modifications: A full service history is very important for any used supercar. For the NSX, regular maintenance is key to making it last. Be careful with heavily modified cars unless the work was done well and is well-documented. Original, unmodified engines in old NSXs are often more desirable. For the new NSX, any aftermarket tuning should be approached carefully, as it might affect the complex hybrid system’s reliability and warranty.
Where to Find a Honda NSX for Sale
When looking for a Honda NSX for sale, you have several options:
- Specialist Dealerships: Many high-end car dealerships focus on performance and exotic vehicles. They often have NSXs and can give you detailed history and condition reports. These dealerships might also offer warranties and after-sales support, which can be valuable for such a special car.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like AutoTrader, CarGurus, and CarSnip often have NSXs listed. These sites let you search across a wide area and compare prices easily. They usually have detailed filters to help you find specific model years, mileages, and features.
- Enthusiast Forums: NSX-specific forums can be great places to find cars for sale from knowledgeable owners. You might find some rare or well-maintained examples here. These forums often have special sections for classified ads and can be full of information about the cars’ history and maintenance.
- Auction Houses: For particularly rare or valuable NSX models, keep an eye on specialist car auctions. Auction houses like RM Sotheby’s or Bonhams sometimes feature pristine or historically important NSX models. These can be excellent sources for collector-grade vehicles.
Wherever you choose to look, always check the seller’s credibility and, if possible, get a professional inspection before buying. For old NSXs, consider joining owner’s clubs or forums to tap into the community’s knowledge. For new NSXs, authorized Honda dealerships might be the best source for low-mileage, well-maintained examples still under warranty.
Running Costs and Maintenance
Owning a supercar doesn’t have to empty your bank account, but it’s important to understand the costs involved:
Estimated Annual Running Costs: First-gen vs. Second-gen NSX
Insurance
Insurance
Maintenance
Maintenance
Fuel
Fuel
Road Tax
Road Tax
Insurance: NSX insurance costs can vary a lot depending on where you live, your driving history, and which model you have. Expect to pay between £1,500 to £3,000 each year. Old NSXs might be a bit cheaper to insure because they’re worth less, but this can change depending on the car’s condition and how rare it is. New NSXs usually cost more to insure because of their advanced technology and higher replacement costs. It’s a good idea to shop around and look for insurance companies that understand these special cars.
Maintenance: Regular servicing is very important to keep your NSX in good shape. Plan to spend around £500 for a yearly service on an old NSX, and maybe more for the new hybrid model. The new NSX’s hybrid system is complicated and needs special knowledge, which can make services cost more. For old NSXs, changing the timing belt (which should be done every 60,000 miles or 6 years) can cost about £1,000. New NSXs don’t have a timing belt, which is good, but their complex systems might need more frequent software updates and adjustments.
Repairs: While NSXs are generally reliable, when things do break, they can be expensive to fix because of special parts and labor. For example, replacing a clutch on an old NSX can cost more than £2,000. On the new NSX, parts like the hybrid battery or electric motors could be very expensive to replace if they’re not covered by warranty. However, Honda’s reputation for reliability means that big problems are pretty rare if the car has been well taken care of.
Fuel Efficiency: The NSX is pretty fuel-efficient for a supercar, but it still uses more fuel than everyday cars. Expect around 20-25 mpg for old models and a bit better for the new hybrid version, depending on how you drive. The new NSX’s hybrid system lets it drive short distances on just electricity, which can help save fuel in cities. But if you drive it hard, it will use a lot more fuel.
Road Tax: In the UK, road tax for an NSX can vary. Older models might qualify as classic cars, which could make them cheaper to tax, while newer models are taxed based on how much CO2 they produce. Old NSXs registered before 2001 might only cost £170 per year to tax if they’re considered classic cars. New NSXs, even though they’re hybrids, still fall into a high tax bracket because of their performance and emissions, with yearly costs potentially over £500.
Conclusion: Is the Honda NSX Right for You?
The Honda NSX offers a special mix of supercar performance, everyday usability, and potential to increase in value. Whether you like the pure driving experience of the original or the cutting-edge technology of the new model, there’s an NSX out there for you. The old NSX gives you a raw, analog driving experience that’s becoming rare in modern supercars. It’s light and has a naturally aspirated engine that makes you feel connected to the road. The new NSX represents the future of fast cars, with its advanced hybrid engine giving instant acceleration and impressive efficiency for a supercar.
Remember, buying any high-performance car needs careful thinking and research. Take your time, do your homework, and if you can, test drive both old and new NSXs to see which you like best. Think about how you’ll use the car, how much you can spend to buy and maintain it, and what kind of driving experience you want. If you take good care of an NSX, it can give you years of exciting drives and make people stop and stare wherever you go. Its mix of performance, reliability, and uniqueness makes it a great choice for people who want to own a supercar without the usual problems of exotic car ownership. Ready to start looking? Check out the Honda NSX listings on Carsnip to find your dream supercar today! Whether you want a perfect example of the original NSX or the latest hybrid technology of the new generation, CarSnip’s big list of cars can help you find the perfect NSX for what you want and how much you can spend.
Article Last Updated: March 26, 2025.
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