Six months ago, I made the exciting decision to purchase a 2017 Acura Nsx from Chapman Acura in Tucson, Arizona. This wasn’t just any car; it was a fully loaded model, originally stickered at $200,500, and boasted almost every available option, save for a premium paint finish. Adorned in a sleek black exterior and a striking red leather and black Alcantara interior, this 2017 Acura NSX was a sight to behold. It came to me as a one-owner lease return with a mere 9,600 miles on the odometer and the added assurance of being Acura Certified Pre-Owned (CPO).
The price point of $127,900 was undeniably attractive, significantly better than what I was finding in the Los Angeles market, where I reside. Adding to the appeal, the dealership offered a very fair trade-in value for my 2019 Lexus GSF. It was clear that the 2017 Acura NSX had been priced to move, already marked down a few times and indicated as being approximately $10,000 below market value by Cargurus. The eight-hour round trip to Tucson proved to be well worth the effort, and I couldn’t be happier with my acquisition. This 2017 Acura NSX has quickly become the crown jewel of my collection of six vehicles, which also includes a 2021 Lexus LC500 Inspiration convertible, 2021 Lexus RX450H, 2020 Lexus RCF Track Edition, 2018 Toyota Tacoma Sport 4WD, and a classic 1991 GMC Syclone.
My passion for automobiles runs deep. I have a rich automotive history, having served as Program Manager for the GMC Syclone/Typhoon during my tenure at GM, and I previously owned a hot rod shop in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Over the years, I’ve owned a diverse range of vehicles, from numerous American hot rods to a 2000 NSX, a Ferrari 360 Modena, a 1998 Porsche 911, AMG Mercedes models, and various BMWs. During my time at GM, I even had the pleasure of owning seven different 1986/87 Buick Grand Nationals.
Currently, my 2017 Acura NSX remains in its original factory condition. Eager to explore its performance capabilities, I’ve conducted several 0-60 mph tests using a Racelogic Vbox and taken it to Irwindale Speedway on two occasions for 1/8-mile racing, again utilizing the Vbox for precise measurements. I’m more than willing to share the recorded times, drag strip time slips, and video footage with anyone interested. The car recently underwent its 15,000-mile service, which included an oil and filter change, along with a replacement of the air pollen filter. At around 13,000 miles, unfortunately, I encountered a nail in one of the original Michelin Pilot 4S tires, prompting me to replace the set with new Continental SportContact 6 summer tires. I noticed that the original tires felt quite hard, which somewhat limited traction, particularly in colder weather, with the best Vbox 0-60 mph time being 3.21 seconds (with a 1-foot rollout).
The switch to the Continental SportContact 6 tires has made a significant difference, especially in terms of traction. With these new tires, I achieved a best Vbox 0-60 mph time of 2.85 seconds. At Irwindale Speedway, I recorded an impressive 1/8-mile time of 7.144 seconds at 98.84 mph, with a 1.681-second 60-foot time and a Vbox 0-60 mph of 3.00 seconds – all achieved in 95-degree weather on a track without VHT preparation.
Looking ahead, I’ve ordered a JB4 tuning box, which I plan to install next week. For now, no other modifications are planned. While I considered upgrading the downpipes to unlock additional horsepower and a more pronounced exhaust note, I decided against it due to concerns about passing California emissions regulations and potentially voiding the vehicle’s warranty.
In conclusion, my experience with the 2017 Acura NSX over the past six months has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a remarkable vehicle that blends performance with daily drivability. I’m happy to delve deeper into my impressions of the car, share more detailed drag strip times, and answer any questions from fellow enthusiasts.
