An NSX bought from Japan is a big purchase, and three things are worth knowing before you choose one: which gearbox it has, what's been done about the brake master cylinder, and what the aluminium body has been through. I haven't owned an NSX; this is what I'd tell someone buying one.
What I'd tell you about the NSX
If you want a manual, buy a manual
If you want to drive a manual NSX, buy one that's already a manual. The parts for converting an automatic to a manual have become far too expensive.
The brake master cylinder
As far as I remember, the brake master cylinder is expensive. If you can, choose a car where it's been changed to the updated part. Ask the dealer whether it has.
The aluminium body and the repair history
The NSX has an aluminium body. Depending on its repair history, my view is that you're better off walking away. Even where bodywork is possible, it's quite a job on aluminium.
What we can't tell you
- Whether the brake master cylinder has been changed. We can't tell that by looking. The dealer's records or answer can; we pass on what they say, marked as Reported.
- How the body was repaired. A repair can be hard to see. We photograph the signs we can see, and we don't certify accident or repair history. For what a Japanese listing's "repair history" line covers, see repair history and flood cars.
- How it drives. We don't test drive the car.
- The quality of any modifications. We photograph what's fitted; we don't judge it. See lowered and modified cars.
We don't tell you whether to buy. For the places that matter on most cars, see what dealer photos miss.
Found an NSX in Japan? Send us the listing and tell us what you want looked at or asked.
Questions to ask the dealer
- Is it a factory manual, or has it been converted?
- Has the brake master cylinder been changed to the updated part? Ask for any record of the work.
- What does the repair history say, and is there any record of bodywork?
A Remote Check is where we put these questions to the dealer in Japanese for you. We mainly cover the Tokai region (Aichi, Gifu and Mie) for viewings in person; for a car elsewhere in Japan, ask us and we'll quote the travel before you pay.
Sources
- The gearbox, the brake master cylinder and the aluminium body: the founder's view, given on 3 October 2026. "As far as I remember" means he isn't certain. "My view" means one person's view, not a survey
- What we do and don't do on a viewing: On-Site Vehicle Viewing, checked 3 October 2026
If the repair history is what's holding you back on an NSX, send it to us before you pay.