Between $60,000 and $250,000 – that’s how much is an Acura NSX today, but the price swings wildly based on the year, mileage, and which generation you want. The first step to buying one is understanding that how much is an Acura NSX depends on if you want the classic 90s car or the modern hybrid.
This is a car with two very different lives. The original from the 90s is a legend. The newer one from 2017 is a tech marvel. People ask me all the time which one they should buy. My answer always starts with their budget, because how much is an Acura NSX can mean two totally different numbers.
Let’s break it all down. We’ll look at every model year. We’ll talk about what drives the cost up or down. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect to pay.
How Much Is an Acura NSX for the First Generation (1991-2005)?
The original NSX changed everything. It proved a supercar could be reliable and easy to drive every day. Today, these cars are collectibles. Their prices have shot up over the last ten years.
So, how much is an Acura NSX from this era? For a clean, lower-mileage example from the early 90s, expect to pay between $80,000 and $120,000. Higher mileage or cars that need work can be found in the $60,000 to $75,000 range. But the best ones command big money.
Special editions cost even more. The 1997-2005 NSX-T with the targa top is popular. The Zanardi Edition and the final-year 2005 models are the most valuable. For these, the question of how much is an Acura NSX has a simple answer: a lot.
Condition is everything here. A perfect, low-mileage 1991 car might cost as much as a rougher 2005 model. You pay for history and preservation. The Hagerty valuation tools are great for tracking these classic car prices.
Maintenance history is key. A car with a stack of records is worth more. Timing belt and water pump service is a big, expensive job. A car that needs it will cost less upfront but more later.
How Much Is an Acura NSX for the Second Generation (2017-2022)?
Acura brought the name back with a spaceship. The new NSX is a hybrid, all-wheel-drive, twin-turbo tech fest. It’s incredibly fast but in a very modern way. Depreciation hit these cars hard at first, which is good for buyers.
Figuring out how much is an Acura NSX from this generation is easier. They are much newer. A used 2017 model, which had a starting MSRP of around $157,000, can now be found for roughly $90,000 to $110,000. That’s a huge drop in just a few years.
Later models hold value better. A 2020 or 2021 model might still cost $130,000 to $150,000. The final 2022 models, especially in special colors, are the most expensive. They can approach their original sticker price.
The complex hybrid system is a worry for some buyers. But Acura included a long warranty. Checking the remaining factory warranty is a smart move. It affects how much is an Acura NSX worth to you personally.
Options matter too. The carbon fiber exterior and interior packages add thousands. The Indy Yellow Pearl paint was a costly option. Cars with these extras will cost more on the used market.
What Factors Change How Much Is an Acura NSX?
Mileage is the big one. It’s simple math. Lower miles mean a higher price. This is true for both old and new NSX cars. A 1995 car with 20,000 miles is a museum piece. It will cost double what one with 100,000 miles costs.
Color and transmission are huge for the first-gen cars. The most desired colors are Formula Red, Berlina Black, and the rare Kaiser Silver. A manual transmission adds a massive premium. An automatic NSX costs significantly less.
Modifications can hurt value. A stock, unmodified NSX is always worth more than a tuned one. Collectors want the car as it left the factory. This is a key part of figuring out how much is an Acura NSX when you’re shopping.
Service records are like gold. As the SAE International notes, proper upkeep is vital for complex performance cars. A folder full of receipts from a known specialist shop makes a car more valuable. It proves the owner cared.
Location can play a role too. These cars don’t like salt. A car from a snowy state might have hidden rust. A clean California or Arizona car often costs more. It’s worth paying for a plane ticket to get the right one.
New vs. Used: How Much Is an Acura NSX at a Dealer?
You cannot buy a brand new NSX anymore. Production ended in 2022. The last new cars were sold over a year ago. So the dealer market is now all about certified pre-owned (CPO) cars.
An Acura CPO warranty is fantastic. It adds peace of mind to a complex machine. How much is an Acura NSX with a CPO badge? It adds a premium of $5,000 to $10,000 over a private party sale. For many, that’s money well spent.
Dealers also have the best examples of the first-gen cars sometimes. These are often traded in by loyal customers. The price will be at the top of the market. But you might get a better guarantee of quality.
Financing is easier at a dealer. They can arrange loans for classic cars through special lenders. This can make owning one possible if you don’t have a pile of cash. It changes how much is an Acura NSX in monthly payments, not just total cost.
Always get a pre-purchase inspection, even from a dealer. Pay a specialist to look at the car. It costs a few hundred dollars. It can save you thousands in hidden problems.
The True Cost of Owning an NSX
Buying the car is just the first check. You have to keep it running. How much is an Acura NSX to own each year? For the old one, budget at least $2,000 to $4,000 for upkeep if you drive it a normal amount.
The big service for the first-gen car is the timing belt. It needs doing every 6 years or 90,000 miles. This job costs $2,500 to $4,000 at a specialist. It’s a major factor in the cost of ownership.
Tires are not cheap. The new NSX wears expensive, specific performance tires. A set can cost over $1,500. The old car needs vintage-style tires if you want the original look, and those aren’t cheap either.
Insurance is another cost. It’s a supercar, but it’s also a reliable Acura. Rates aren’t as crazy as for an Italian car. Companies like Grundy offer good rates for collector cars if you don’t drive it daily.
Storage matters if you live somewhere with winter. You need a dry, safe garage. Renting a storage unit adds to your monthly cost. You can’t just leave this car on the street.
Investment Potential: Will the Price Go Up?
This is the big question for first-gen buyers. People want to know if their money is safe. The short answer is yes, for clean examples. Prices for great NSX cars have been rising steadily.
The market for 90s Japanese legends is hot. Cars like the Supra and Skyline GT-R are through the roof. The NSX has followed, but a bit more slowly. It’s seen as a smarter, more mature choice. This affects how much is an Acura NSX as an investment.
Manual transmission cars are the best bet. They are the most desired. Their values will likely keep climbing. Automatic cars will go up too, but not as fast. This is a key detail when you’re deciding how much is an Acura NSX worth to you as a future asset.
The new NSX is a wild card. It depreciated fast. But now that production has stopped, prices might bottom out and start to climb. It could be a future classic, but that’s a longer-term bet. The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track car values, but enthusiast markets show these trends.
Don’t buy one just to make money. Buy it because you love it. If it goes up in value, that’s a great bonus. The best way to lose money is to treat it only as an investment and not enjoy it.
Where to Find One for Sale
You can’t just go to any used car lot. These are special cars. The best places to look are online marketplaces for enthusiasts. Sites like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids are fantastic. They have great photos and transparent bidding.
Dealer networks like the Acura NSX Prime forum have classifieds. The sellers there are knowledgeable. They often have full histories. This is a great place to learn what a fair price is before you ask how much is an Acura NSX.
Classic car dealers specialize in these. They find the best cars, fix them up, and sell them at a premium. You pay more, but you often get a sorted, ready-to-enjoy car. It’s a good option if you don’t want a project.
Auctions like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson see NSX cars cross the block. Prices can be strong there. It’s exciting, but set a firm budget and stick to it. The thrill of bidding can make you spend too much.
Common Mistakes When Buying an NSX
The biggest mistake is buying the cheapest one you find. There’s always a reason it’s cheap. It might need a $15,000 engine repair or have serious hidden damage. How much is an Acura NSX that needs a new engine? Too much, after you fix it.
Not getting a pre-purchase inspection is foolish. Never skip this. Have a specialist put the car on a lift. They will find issues you’d never see. This report gives you power to negotiate or walk away.
Ignoring the service history is a bad move. No records means you’re taking a big risk. Walk away from cars with gaps in their history. The cost to catch up on missed maintenance will hit you later.
Forgetting about insurance and storage costs is easy. Factor these in before you buy. Call your insurance agent first. Find a garage space. Know the full picture of how much is an Acura NSX to own, not just to buy.
Is the Acura NSX Worth the Price?
Absolutely, if it’s the right car for you. For the driving experience, it’s special. The first-gen car feels pure and connected. The new one is brutally fast and high-tech. They are both worth the money to an enthusiast.
Compare it to other cars at the same price. For $100,000, what else can you get? The NSX offers a unique mix of performance, reliability, and style. A Porsche 911 is the usual rival. The NSX is rarer and more exotic.
The ownership experience is part of the value. You join a community of passionate owners. You get thumbs-up everywhere you go. That feeling is hard to put a price on, but it adds to the value.
As the NHTSA highlights, safety is key, and the NSX has always been strong. The original had a groundbreaking aluminum body. The new one is packed with safety tech. You’re buying a safe performance car.
So, is it worth it? I think so. But you have to drive one to know for sure. The cost is high, but the smile it puts on your face is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Acura NSX brand new?
You can’t buy one brand new anymore. The last ones sold in 2022 had a starting price around $170,000. Today, you can only buy them used or certified pre-owned from dealers.
How much is an Acura NSX from the 1990s?
Prices start around $60,000 for a higher-mileage car that needs some love. A great, low-mileage manual transmission example can cost over $120,000. Special editions cost even more.
Why are manual NSX cars so much more expensive?
They are more fun to drive and much rarer. Most NSX cars made were automatics. Enthusiasts want the manual, so the demand drives the price way up. It’s
Tony Kilmer is an auto mechanic and the author behind CarTruckAdvisor.com. He shares practical, no-nonsense guidance on car and truck maintenance, common problems, and repair decisions—helping drivers understand what’s going on and what to do next.
