16 Aug 01
Honda NSX
Prices: £10,000-£55,000
Engines: 3.0 - 2977 cc, 274 bhp, V6; 3.0 F-Matic auto - 2977 cc, 256 bhp, V6; 3.2 - 3179 cc, 280 bhp, V6
Check for: Full service history (don't accept anything less), suspension damage, correctly functioning electronics, accident damage, full ownership history and paperwork, especially if it's an import
OK, this isn't a cheap choice, but as an alternative supercar it's an excellent buy and almost a practical choice for commuting and everyday use. More tractable in traffic and stop-start driving than a temperamental Italian of equivalent power - if silly society girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson could drive one (Honda lent her one for promotional purposes) anyone can. If such a 'celebrity' endorsement hasn't put you off, you'll find you might be able to pick up an early car from around £10,000 trade. Late-production cars are still as much as £50,000, though, and with no replacement model in sight until at least 2008, theyre unlikely to get much cheaper in the near future.
An unintimidating entry into supercar ownership, the rear-wheel-drive NSX is beautifully made and should be as reliable as any other lesser Honda, although it does contain complex electronics. It is also a heavy consumer of tyres - the rear ones can wear through in as little as 5000 miles, and they're expensive. Otherwise, the NSX makes for a hassle-free ownership experience, as well as being a docile drive when all you want to do is potter from A to B. This doesn't compromise its sporting abilities, either - like any good Honda, it can rev and rev, and turn into a totally different animal as you get close to the red line. Its balance and grip are superb, its chassis excellent, and the only real criticism is that the steering doesn't give quite enough feedback.
There is a small choice of models: the 3.0 V6 manual or four-speed automatic with electrically-assisted power steering (early models until July 1995), the F1-style F-Matic semi-auto transmission model with paddle shifts (from July 1995), the NSX-T with removable targa roof panels, and the latest uprated manual 3.2 V6 models (from January 1998). The lightweight Type-R version was not officially imported. Standard specification on all includes leather upholstery, climate control, alloy wheels, twin oval exhaust tailpipes and cruise control. The 3.2 V6 models also have a six-speed manual gearbox, and received revised brakes and steering plus a restyled front spoiler.
An unusual choice in this area of the market, the NSX is one for the discerning driver who doesn't fancy a flash Ferrari. Remember, Honda has a lot of motorsport heritage too.
