How Much It Cost To Own A Honda NSX - Build Breakdown

Summary

In this video, Clay Wong shares his six-year ownership journey with his 1994 Honda NSX, revealing the challenges and rewards of owning a 90s JDM supercar. From purchasing the car for AUD 62,000 to investing in extensive modifications—including a gearbox rebuild, lightweight flywheel, custom suspension, and a titanium exhaust—Clay dives deep into the costs and experience of maintaining such a rare car. Ultimately, while the car became a 'garage queen,' the emotional connection and pride he feels for the NSX remain strong as he prepares to sell it. A must-watch for car enthusiasts considering similar ownership.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Clay Wong, presents an in-depth review of the ownership costs of his 1994 Honda NSX over six years.
• 😀 The car was purchased in 2016 for 62,000 AUD with a mileage of 105,000 km, but prices for similar cars have since increased significantly.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the significant impact of location, specifically Melbourne, Australia, on car prices and logistics, compared to other markets like the U.S. and Japan.
• 😀 The modifications to the car were extensive and included a custom body kit, lightweight flywheel, upgraded suspension, and more to enhance the driving experience.
• 😀 The original gearbox broke, leading to a rebuild, which was a key point in the speaker's decision to heavily modify the car.
• 😀 Key upgrades included a lightweight flywheel, carbon clutch, titanium exhaust, and a set of Volk Racing wheels, significantly improving both aesthetics and performance.
• 😀 The car was serviced regularly by a trusted mechanic, with each service costing several thousand dollars to keep it running smoothly.
• 😀 The speaker spent considerable money on rare, high-performance parts like a titanium exhaust and StopTech big brake kit, raising the car's overall value and appeal.
• 😀 Despite enjoying the car initially, the speaker mentions that the NSX eventually became more of a 'garage queen' due to its lowered stance and increased value.
• 😀 Ultimately, the speaker is selling the car, reflecting on how ownership evolved from enjoying the car as a driver’s vehicle to cherishing it as a collectible.
• 😀 The video serves as both an informative guide on the true costs of owning a JDM supercar and a personal reflection on the emotional and financial journey of modifying and owning a dream car.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this video?

The purpose of the video is to provide an in-depth overview of the costs and experience of owning a 1994 Honda NSX for six years. It aims to be informative and educational for viewers interested in understanding the financial and ownership aspects of having a JDM supercar.

How much did the owner pay for the Honda NSX when he purchased it?

The owner purchased the Honda NSX in 2016 for 62,000 Australian dollars. This was the cost of the car itself, excluding additional costs such as transport fees and registration.

What is the current market price for a similar NSX in Australia?

Currently, the price for a similar 1994 Honda NSX in Australia is around 160,000 Australian dollars, depending on the condition and modifications. If the car is an automatic, it might be around 10-20% cheaper.

Why did the owner choose the Brooklyn's Green Pearl color for the NSX?

The owner chose Brooklyn's Green Pearl because it is unique, stands out, and has a striking appearance due to its two-tone finish, with a black roof and green body. The owner wanted a distinct look, unlike the more common red, black, or silver NSX colors.

What modifications did the owner make to the NSX's body?

The owner installed a body kit from Downforce, including 2002 side skirts, a rear valance, and a carbon fiber NSXR wing. Additionally, a polyurethane Wings West front lip was added to complete the OEM-plus styling.

What issues did the owner encounter with the NSX's gearbox?

The gearbox failed when the owner was unable to engage first gear while driving. The mechanic diagnosed it as a broken gearbox, likely with damaged synchros, which led to a rebuild of the gearbox in 2017.

How much did the gearbox rebuild cost?

The gearbox rebuild, including labor and parts from Neat Gearboxes, cost 2,821 Australian dollars.

What performance upgrades were made to the NSX after the gearbox rebuild?

After the gearbox rebuild, the owner installed a lightweight flywheel and an ATS carbon clutch for better rev response. They also upgraded the final drive to a 4.44 ratio, similar to the NSXR, which greatly improved the car's performance.

How much did the suspension and wheels cost?

The owner upgraded to KW Club Sport coilovers for 4,600 Australian dollars and also purchased a set of Volk Racing T37 wheels for 3,200 Australian dollars. Additionally, a set of Dunlop Star Spec Z2 tires was added for 1,200 Australian dollars.

What are some of the key factors that made the owner stop driving the NSX regularly?

The owner stopped driving the NSX regularly as the car became more of a 'garage queen' due to its low stance, making it difficult to drive in certain conditions. The car also became more valuable over time, leading the owner to enjoy it more as a showpiece than a daily driver.

What were some of the additional costs the owner incurred during ownership?

Some additional costs included regular servicing, a car alignment, and a full detail job. The owner also replaced various parts, such as the Momo steering wheel, Recaro seats, and StopTech brakes, and spent money on rare parts like a titanium Cat-Back exhaust.

Why did the owner decide to sell the NSX after six years?

After six years of ownership, the owner decided to sell the NSX because it had become a very rare and valuable car. They no longer found the need to modify it further or drive it regularly, as they were already satisfied with the car's performance and appearance.