Healthy History: 1996 Acura NSX-T – Sold?

November 4, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

There’s a point where you know you should sell every other car you own to buy the one. The ultimate sports car that will always appreciate while still being completely great at its assigned task. The Acura NSX, like the Porsche 911, is one of these cars, along with the Lotus Esprit and the FD Mazda RX7. However, the NSX and the RX7 stand out for still being attainable for under $100,000. The 911 is increasingly becoming difficult to find for much under that price threshold, and a decent, late-model Esprit will set you back closer to the six-figure threshold than we’d care to admit. This 1996 Acura NSX-T originally listed in September 2022 on Craigslist, shows higher mileage but is also said to be very well-maintained, with an asking price of $89,900. The Classic.com model guide shows us that the seller is asking for slightly more than the going rate, with an average sale price of $73,576.

Even with the recent rise in pricing that seems almost speculative for high-performance models, the NSX still remains within reach if you find a driver-quality early model. The later you go in the production cycle, the higher the price climbs. The seller’s car skews towards the later end of production but retains the pop-up headlights of the earlier models. It also features the removable targa-style roof, hence the “T” designation on the nameplate. Perhaps the greatest advantage to an NSX is the fact that it’s built like any other Honda or Acura product which is to say very well. This is likely one of the most affordable supercars you can own on the market today when you factor in the very reasonable annual maintenance costs. Compared to some of the competing models we mentioned earlier, they don’t hold a candle to the NSX when it comes to recommended annual servicing.

The Merlin Auto Group YouTube Channel provides this buyer’s guide on what to look for when considering the purchase of an Acura NSX:

The seller claims to be a connoisseur in NSXs, and the listing photos indicate he has had a few. Though the listing is from Florida, the seller is actually in Connecticut, which explains the lack of palm trees in the background. With just over 80,000 miles on the clock, the NSX has been used, but the paintwork tells a far different story, given how clean it is. There are some modifications that I could do without; these include a variety of ground effects and stereo system enhancements. I am pretty certain if this NSX was taken back to stock condition, the seller could get his asking price, but the alterations combined with the above-market ask don’t help. However, the maintenance does: the seller has tackled the must-do timing belt job along with the water pump, spark plugs, thermostat, a valve adjustment, and much more. Overall, the NSX will not get any cheaper, but there may still be time to find an earlier model for less than the ask here.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1996 Acura NSX-T 5 Speed Red/Black All Major Service Done Pristine Condition! Serious buyers with funds ready only! NSX is located in Connecticut. Posting in Florida for more exposure.

Year: 1996
Type: NSX-T
Transmission: 5-Speed
Exterior color: Red
Interior color: Black
Odometer: 80,555
VIN: JH4NA1189TT000075
Price: $89,900

Selling one of my prize possessions. 1996 ACURA NSX-T IN PRISTINE CONDITION. I’ve owned this beauty for 7 years. Always, pampered and meticulously maintained. Paint shines like new, in show room condition. Only hand washed and waxed. One of the cleanest 1996 NSX on the market.

NSX enthusiast for over 18 years. I’ve owned many NSX and sadly have to down size my collection. Just don’t have the time to enjoy them. They are a lot of fun! Now, time for someone else to own, this timeless master piece.

Please No Trades, No Low-Ballers and No Tire Kickers! Serious Inquires Only!

Maintenance Information
Service done @ 80,207
Timing belt
water pump
valve adjustment
camshaft seals
crankshaft seal
spark plugs
thermostat
coolant system flushed
brake system flushed
oil changed Mobil 1

Service at 80,400 @
New clutch kit
New tires
Oil changed
A/C Compressor
A/C Service
Oil Changed Mobil 1

Upgrades:
AERO DYNAMIC / GROUND EFFECTS UPGRADES
Shine GT Front Spoiler
Downforce Sports Rear Valance
Downforce NSX-R Rear Under tray Diffuser
Downforce NSX-R rear Spoiler
Downforce Stacy Side Skirts
HID Headlights

AUDIO
Eclipse AM/FM/CD Player W/8 Volt PRE-OUT
Eclipse 8-Disc Changer
Rockford-Fosgate 800.4-Watt Amplifier AMP Kit
10″ 4-OHM SVC Hexacone Subwoofer
MB Quart Series 6.5″ Component Speaker System.”

To mod or not too mod: do the seller’s tweaks impact the asking price on this clean NSX-T?