Cars / Acura NSX (NA1 / early NA2)

Acura NSX (NA1 / early NA2) (1991–2005)

NA1 / NA2 · C30A 3.0 V6 · C32B 3.2 V6

Verdict: Honda's mid-engine statement car. The engine is the easy part if the timing belt is current; buy on accident history, aluminum repair quality, and (early manuals) snap-ring proof.

At a glance

Risk 3/5 Market: Supercar that starts

Must-have records:

Timing belt + water pump (90k mi / 72 mo)
1991–92: snap-ring fix proof (trans number)
Coolant hose / reseal invoices
Accident-free history / panel-gap photos

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Parts & tools: Shop parts at Summit Racing.

Buy-risk rundown

Issue	Symptom	How to check	Typical cost (as of Nov 2026)
Timing belt + water pump (interference C30A/C32B)	None until failure — then bent valves	Demand dated invoice; calendar matters on low-mile cars	Belt/pump/tensioners/seals commonly ~$1,800–$3,500; full hose-inclusive services ~$4,000 class [1][2]
1991–92 manual snap-ring (trans J4A4-1003542–1005978)	Shifter moves fore/aft in 1st/2nd under load; crunch	Check transmission number, not just VIN	Failure means a transmission rebuild; cost not yet verified [3][4]
Aluminum body accident repairs	Uneven panel gaps, broken paint seams	Paint-depth gauge; inspect seams and shock towers	Specialist aluminum repair is expensive; many shops won't touch it [2]
Aging electronics / leaking capacitors	Dead climate display, stuck fan, cluster faults	Full function check; ask about recaps	Individual boards vary; stacked failures add up [1]

Cost figures checked against the sources below in Nov 2026. Bracketed numbers refer to the source list.

Notes

Aluminum body means rust is rare, but steel subframes and mounts still corrode — check them [5].
NA2 (1997+) 3.2 and 6-speed are the ones most collectors want; early NA1 manuals need the snap-ring check.

Before you buy

Use our printable pre-purchase inspection checklist and get a PPI from a marque specialist.

Sources

Goexoticar, NSX NA1/NA2 buyer's guide 2026 (accessed Nov 2026)
Hagerty, 1991–96 NSX buyer's guide (accessed Nov 2026)
NSX FAQ, snap-ring failure (accessed Nov 2026)
Hemmings, Acura NSX buyer's guide (accessed Nov 2026)
Japanese Auto World, NSX buying guide (accessed Nov 2026)

Last updated 2026-11-05. Costs vary by region and shop.

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