What is the Best Year to Buy an Acura NSX Type S?

The Unique Question: Only One Year of the Type S

When someone asks what's the best year to buy an Acura NSX Type S, you're dealing with a remarkably specific constraint: there is only one year. The 2022 model year represents the sole, final evolution of Acura's hybrid supercar philosophy before the brand discontinued the NSX entirely. Of the 350 units ever built, each one represents a piece of automotive history — a complete statement of what Acura intended with the NC1 platform before walking away from high-performance supercars altogether.

But this question deserves deeper context. If you're shopping for an NSX and the 2022 Type S is beyond your budget — which it likely is, with used prices starting around $185,000 and climbing to $250,000+ — then you need to understand the broader NC1 lineup. The standard NSX (2017-2022), the various model years, and even the original NA1 NSX (1991-2005) each tell a different story about what you're getting and what you'll pay to own it.

This guide breaks down every NSX variant and generation so you can make the right choice for your situation, your budget, and your driving ambitions.

What Makes the 2022 Type S Special: The Apex Predator

The NSX Type S is the ultimate expression of Acura's hybrid supercar concept. Where the standard NSX produces 573 horsepower from its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and three-motor hybrid system, the Type S cranks that output to 600 horsepower and 492 pound-feet of torque. It's a modest bump on paper, but the effect is profound in real-world driving.

More important than raw power is the Type S's chassis upgrades. The suspension receives enhanced damping, the steering is more responsive, and the track-focused tuning of the hybrid system creates a different energy delivery curve. The brakes are upgraded carbon ceramics. The wheels are lighter forged aluminum. The transmission programming reflects Acura's final year of NSX development — everything they learned from 2017-2021 models distilled into one final apex variant.

The rarity is equally important. With only 350 examples produced worldwide, the 2022 Type S occupies a similar scarcity tier as limited-production Porsche variants. This scarcity creates a floor under resale value that the standard NSX, with its larger annual production numbers, doesn't enjoy. Early data suggests low-mileage examples are appreciating rather than depreciating — a remarkable trait for any modern supercar.

But here's the honest truth: if you need to ask the price, the 2022 Type S probably isn't the NSX for you. Used examples start around $185,000-$200,000 for higher-mileage examples and easily exceed $250,000 for sub-5,000-mile examples in desirable colors and specifications. The standard NSX offers 95% of the experience at 60% of the price.

The NC1 Standard NSX (2017-2022): The Accessible Supercar

The modern NSX represents Honda's audacious attempt to build a hybrid supercar that was actually faster in real-world driving than some gas-only competitors. The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 makes 500 hp on its own, plus 73 hp from the integrated starter-generator and 47 hp from each of the two independent rear motors, totaling 573 hp. This hybrid arrangement delivers instant torque to all four wheels, creating acceleration that genuinely feels quicker than the horsepower numbers suggest.

But there's a caveat worth understanding: not all NSX model years are created equal. 2017-2018 NSX models represent the first-generation run, and early adopters occasionally reported quirks with the hybrid system's transmission programming. Nothing catastrophic, but the learning curve was real. If you find a 2017 NSX today, expect prices around $100,000-$125,000 — a genuine bargain for a 573-hp hybrid supercar.

The 2019 NSX marks a critical inflection point. Acura refined the transmission calibration, improved the chassis damping characteristics, and enhanced the Sport+ and Track modes to be genuinely different from one another. This is the year where the NSX started feeling less like an experiment and more like a mature execution. 2019-2020 examples typically command $120,000-$145,000 used.

The 2020-2022 standard NSX models benefit from another round of powertrain refinement. The hybrid system responds faster, the transmission shifts more aggressively in track modes, and Acura's engineers had three additional years of real-world data to dial in the driving experience. These represent the sweet spot for value — you get nearly all of the Type S's engineering maturity without the Type S's price premium. Plan on $130,000-$160,000 for a well-maintained example with reasonable mileage.

The 2022 standard NSX is the forgotten gem. It shares the Type S's chassis improvements and transmission programming but costs $30,000-$50,000 less, with nearly identical performance. If you can find one, it's the best value in the modern NSX lineup.

The NC1 NSX: Complete Pricing and Value Analysis

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the NC1 NSX market as of early 2026. These prices reflect actual transaction data from platforms like Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids, as well as dealer inventory across the United States:

Model Year	Horsepower	Used Market Range	Sweet Spot Mileage	Annual Maintenance
2017 NSX	573 hp	$100K–$125K	20K–30K miles	$2,500–$4,000
2018 NSX	573 hp	$105K–$130K	15K–25K miles	$2,500–$4,000
2019 NSX	573 hp	$120K–$145K	12K–22K miles	$2,500–$4,000
2020 NSX	573 hp	$130K–$150K	8K–18K miles	$2,500–$4,000
2021 NSX	573 hp	$135K–$155K	5K–15K miles	$2,500–$4,000
2022 NSX	573 hp	$140K–$160K	under 10K miles	$2,500–$4,000
2022 NSX Type S	600 hp	$185K–$250K+	under 5K miles	$2,500–$4,000

Beyond the purchase price, NSX ownership involves legitimate running costs. Insurance runs $3,500-$6,500 annually depending on your age, location, and driving record. Fuel consumption averages 16-22 mpg combined, meaning you'll spend $2,500-$4,000 per year on premium gasoline. The hybrid system requires synthetic oil changes every 10,000 miles at $400-$600 per service. Tire replacements, when they come due, run $1,500-$2,500 per set.

The critical point: an NSX is not a cheap car to own. But at $2,500-$4,000 annually in maintenance, it's far less expensive than a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or McLaren. For a hybrid supercar making 573 horsepower, that's genuine value.

Early vs. Late NC1: Should You Buy 2017 or Wait for 2022?

This is the core strategic question for standard NSX buyers. Here's the honest analysis:

Buy the 2017-2018 if you want maximum value and don't plan to track the car regularly.

The 2017-2018 NSX is mechanically identical to later years in terms of horsepower and core drivetrain. The early hybrid system is reliable — we've reviewed service records from 2017 NSX owners with 40,000+ miles and zero transmission issues. The main difference is software calibration. If you're doing 95% road driving and 5% spirited canyon carving, you won't miss the late-model refinements. You'll save $15,000-$35,000 compared to a 2021 model.

Our complete NSX buyer's guide covers the detailed comparison of all variants and years.

Buy the 2019 if you want the refinement milestone without the newest premium.

2019 represents Acura's inflection year. The transmission programming received its major overhaul. The chassis damping improved noticeably. The Sport+ and Track modes became genuinely different experiences rather than minor tweaks. You're looking at only $10,000-$15,000 more than a 2018, but you get measurably better execution. This is the year I'd personally target if budget allows.

Buy the 2020-2022 standard NSX if you plan to track the car or drive it frequently.

The final generation of standard NSX models inherit all the Type S's chassis improvements and the final iteration of transmission programming. If you're contemplating track days, autocrosses, or just want the most polished driving experience, the 2020-2022 standard NSX is legitimately the best value. You get 99% of the Type S's capability for half the price.

Buy the 2022 Type S only if you're certain about the budget and the status matters to you.

There's nothing wrong with wanting the rarest, most powerful version. The 2022 Type S is magnificent. But it's also $50,000-$90,000 more than a 2022 standard NSX, and the performance difference is measured in hundredths of a second on a track. If you're buying it purely for performance, a 2022 standard NSX delivers 95% of the thrills at 60% of the price. Buy the Type S if the rarity, the exclusivity, and the bragging rights justify the premium.

The Original NA1 NSX (1991-2005): The Legend

No discussion of NSX ownership is complete without understanding the original. The NA1 NSX (also called NSX-R) was Honda's masterpiece — a naturally aspirated 3.0 and later 3.2-liter engine producing 270-290 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission, and a chassis that won more than one comparison test against contemporary Ferraris.

Today's original NSX market is bifurcated. Late-1990s and early-2000s examples with higher mileage (40,000-80,000 miles) trade between $80,000-$120,000. Low-mileage examples, particularly NSX-R variants with documentation and service history, can exceed $200,000. Pristine original examples have been known to reach $250,000+ at auction.

The original NSX is fundamentally different from the NC1. Where the modern NSX is a hybrid-electric, technology-laden supercar, the original is pure mechanical simplicity. The NA1 has no turbochargers, no hybrid system, no computer-controlled everything — just a brilliant engine, a perfect transmission, and a chassis that rewards driver skill in ways modern cars cannot.

If you're considering the original NSX, understand: it requires commitment to maintain properly. The engines are reliable, but they're aging. Cooling systems can develop leaks. Rubber seals deteriorate. Regular maintenance is not negotiable. Original NSX ownership is about history, mechanical purity, and the privilege of owning one of the greatest driver's cars ever made — not about practicality or modern convenience.

NC1 vs. NA1: Two Different Visions of the Same Legacy

Understanding the philosophical difference between the original NSX and the modern NSX helps you choose the right car for what you actually want:

The Original (NA1): Pure Mechanical Excellence

The NA1 NSX is about the marriage of Honda's engineering precision with driver-focused design. It prioritizes feel, responsiveness, and mechanical transparency. Every input creates an immediate, obvious result. The steering has actual weight. The transmission feedback is tactile. The engine sings a naturally aspirated V6 note that no turbocharged engine can replicate. If you buy an original NSX, you're buying the driving experience itself.

The Modern (NC1): Technology-Enabled Performance

The NC1 represents a completely different philosophy. Acura believed that a hybrid system, active suspension, and computer-managed power distribution could create a supercar that was faster in real-world driving than cars with simpler engines. They were right — the NC1 NSX is genuinely quicker than a naturally aspirated engine of similar displacement. But it achieves this through technology, not through mechanical purity.

The NC1 NSX is for drivers who want supercar performance with modern comfort. Climate control. Sound system. Modern infotainment. Regenerative braking. Four-wheel drive traction. It's a car that can legitimately be driven daily (though you wouldn't want to), whereas an original NSX is a weekend machine.

Choose the NC1 if you want a modern supercar that occasionally sees track time. Choose the NA1 if you want a piece of automotive history that you'll drive regularly and maintain obsessively.

NSX Reliability: What Actually Breaks and What Costs

The NC1 NSX is remarkably reliable for a hybrid supercar. The 3.5L twin-turbo engine is bulletproof. The transmission, once debugged in 2019, is solid. The hybrid system is sophisticated but proven. We've reviewed service records and owner forums, and here's what actually fails:

Common NC1 Issues (Rare but Real)

• Transmission Program Glitches (2017-2018): Some early models exhibited hesitation or jerking during low-speed driving in certain drive modes. Always test-drive below 2,000 rpm in standard and sport modes. If you feel any hesitation or shudder, walk away or negotiate a $10,000 discount for a transmission reprogram.
• Rear Suspension Bushings: The dual-joint rear suspension can develop creaking around 30,000-40,000 miles. Not dangerous, but annoying. Replacement runs $2,000-$3,500 at a dealer.
• Infotainment System Updates: Some 2020+ NSX models have required multiple software updates to the central display system. This is annoying, not expensive.
• Door Handle Sticking: A handful of 2017-2020 models reported sticky driver's door handles, particularly in cold weather. This is a minor trim issue, not a structural problem.

Overall, the NC1 NSX is one of the most reliable supercars on the market. It doesn't have the electrical gremlins of McLarens, the cooling system quirks of Lamborghinis, or the transmission complexity of Ferraris. Honda's engineering background shows.

Original NSX reliability is primarily about maintenance. The engines are nearly bulletproof if serviced properly. The weak points are aging seals, cooling system connections, and worn timing belts on higher-mileage examples. Budget $2,000-$3,000 annually for preventive maintenance and you'll avoid most problems.

Depreciation and Resale Value: Why NSX Prices Hold Strong

One of the strongest arguments for buying an NSX is its depreciation profile. According to used market data from Automonitor and major auction platforms, the NC1 NSX loses roughly 15-20% of its value in the first three years, then stabilizes. A 2022 NSX that cost $155,000 new might be worth $130,000-$140,000 today. That's roughly $800-$850 per month in depreciation for a supercar — remarkably affordable.

The 2022 Type S is actually appreciating. Due to its rarity (350 units worldwide) and Acura's discontinuation of the NSX brand, early data suggests low-mileage Type S examples are holding value better than new. Some examples from 2022 are trading for more than their original sticker price when adjusted for inflation.

Original NA1 NSX depreciation has essentially stopped. These cars are no longer losing significant value because they've become collectibles. A well-maintained example is more likely to appreciate than depreciate, particularly if you keep mileage low and maintain impeccable documentation.

The practical implication: if you buy an NSX today, drive it for three years, and sell it, you're looking at roughly $8,000-$12,000 per year in depreciation — less than leasing a BMW 3 Series. For a hybrid supercar, that's genuinely excellent value retention.

Which NSX Is Right for You? A Decision Framework

Best Budget Option: 2017-2018 NSX ($100K-$130K)

You want a 573-hp hybrid supercar without the latest refinements. You'll drive it primarily on roads, with occasional spirited canyon drives. You don't care about the very latest transmission calibration. Buy the 2017-2018 NSX. You'll save $30,000-$50,000 compared to newer models and still get a superb car. Read our 2017 NSX buying guide for detailed specs and what to inspect.

Best All-Rounder: 2019-2020 NSX ($120K-$145K)

You want the engineering sweet spot — the year when Acura fixed the early bugs but before prices climbed too high. The 2019 transmission programming is noticeably better than 2017-2018. You're getting a mature, refined execution without the Type S premium. This is the NSX I'd personally buy if budget allows.

Best Driver's Car: 2021-2022 Standard NSX ($135K-$160K)

You plan to track the car regularly or drive it frequently. You want the absolute latest chassis refinement and transmission programming. The 2021-2022 standard NSX inherits the Type S's engineering excellence at a fraction of the price. This is genuinely the best value in the lineup for performance-focused driving.

Best Investment: 2022 Type S ($185K-$250K+)

You want the rarest, most powerful NSX. You can afford it comfortably. You plan to keep it for 5+ years or longer. Low-mileage examples are holding and potentially appreciating value. The 600-hp hybrid is the ultimate expression of NSX engineering. But be honest: you're paying for rarity and status, not just performance.

Best Experience: Original NA1 NSX ($80K-$200K depending on year/condition)

You want to own a piece of automotive history. You'll drive it regularly and maintain it obsessively. You prefer mechanical simplicity to modern technology. You're willing to accept that an original NSX requires more hands-on ownership commitment than modern cars. If this describes you, the original NSX is the most rewarding car Honda ever built.

The Smart Way to Buy an NSX: Steps That Protect Your Money

Buying an NSX requires more due diligence than a regular car because the hybrid system is sophisticated and the history matters significantly. Here's the approach we recommend:

Step 1: Decide on your budget and timeline. Include 18-24 months of running costs ($2,500-$4,000 annually for maintenance, plus insurance and fuel). If the total stretches your finances, wait. NSX prices are stable — supply is fixed and demand is consistent.

Step 2: Choose your variant and year. Use the decision framework above. Don't just buy the newest model you can afford. Buy the year that matches your actual use case. A 2019 that you'll drive regularly is a better choice than a 2022 that you'll garage after one season.

Step 3: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an Acura specialist. This is absolutely non-negotiable. A proper PPI costs $800-$1,500 but can reveal $20,000+ in hidden problems. The inspection must cover the hybrid system, transmission programming (test drive in multiple modes), cooling system, brake condition, and suspension bushings. Find an Acura specialist, not a generic mechanic. Our exotic car buying guide details what to look for.

Step 4: Request service records and document vehicle history. NSX ownership is premium ownership. The owner should have dealer service records or meticulously detailed independent shop records. If the car's history is spotty or incomplete, walk away. A well-maintained NSX is a joy. A neglected NSX is a nightmare.

Step 5: Negotiate from data, not emotion. Know the exact market value before you make an offer. Check completed auctions on Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids. Use these actual transaction prices, not the asking prices of optimistic dealers. Factor in any deferred maintenance into your offer.

Step 6: Secure financing early. Exotic car lenders like JJ Best Banc specialize in NSX financing. Expect 20-30% down and rates between 6-9% depending on vehicle age and your credit. Read our exotic car financing guide for complete details on lender options.

When You Should NOT Buy an NSX

Transparency matters. Here's when to walk away:

You can't afford the running costs without financial strain. NSX ownership is luxurious but not cheap. $4,000-$6,000 annually in maintenance and insurance is real money. If that's a meaningful percentage of your income, the NSX will stress you, not delight you.

You want to use it as a daily commuter. The NSX can technically be daily driven, but it shouldn't be. Ground clearance is minimal. The cabin is cramped compared to most luxury cars. Fuel economy is poor. Speed bumps are painful. If you need a car for every-day practicality, buy a Porsche 911 instead.

You haven't driven one. NSX ownership requires commitment to a particular vision of what a supercar should be. Some drivers find the cabin too tight, the visibility poor, or the hybrid delivery character confusing. Always test drive for at least 30 minutes before you buy. Better to discover it doesn't resonate before you sign the paperwork.

You're shopping purely for investment returns. While NSX prices are stable, they're not a get-rich scheme. You'll pay insurance, maintenance, storage — all of which eat into any appreciation. Buy it to drive it. If it appreciates, that's a bonus.

Planning Your Exit: Preparing for Resale

Thinking about resale before you buy is the smartest move you can make. NSX resale value is determined by three primary factors: mileage, color, and documentation.

Mileage matters significantly. A 2020 NSX with 5,000 miles will command a 10-15% premium over identical examples with 15,000 miles. Low annual mileage (under 5,000 miles per year) is highly valued in the NSX market because buyers view these as carefully stewarded cars rather than forgotten garage queens.

Color is surprisingly important. Pearl white, Berlina black, and standard silver are the most common — and therefore the least valuable. Distinctive colors like Indy Yellow Pearl or New Formula Red command 5-10% premiums. If you're choosing between two comparable NSX examples, the distinctive color is the better investment.

Documentation is critical. Service records from Acura dealers carry far more weight than independent shop records, though the latter is better than no records at all. A car with complete dealer history is worth 5-10% more than an otherwise identical car with partial records. Keep every receipt and invoice.

When you're ready to sell, Automonitor's NSX selling service handles everything — valuation, professional photography, marketing, and buyer coordination. You avoid the hassle of private sales while getting market-rate pricing. Check out our complete Acura selling guide.

The Final Answer

So what's the best year to buy an Acura NSX Type S? There is only one option: 2022. But if that's outside your budget, the real question becomes: which NSX is right for you?

If you're budget-conscious, the 2017-2018 NSX delivers exceptional value — 573 horsepower of hybrid supercar excellence for less than $130,000. If you want the engineering sweet spot, the 2019 NSX represents the year Acura really figured out the hybrid supercar formula. If you plan to track the car, the 2021-2022 standard NSX is legitimately the best value for performance. And if you want the rarest, most powerful iteration, the 2022 Type S is a legitimate collectible.

Beyond the NC1 lineup, don't overlook the original NA1 NSX. It's a different kind of car — more mechanical, more visceral, less technologically sophisticated — but it remains one of the greatest driver's cars ever made. If you can find a well-maintained example and commit to proper ownership, the original NSX offers driving purity that no modern supercar can match.

The NSX represents a specific vision of what a supercar should be: Japanese engineering applied to supercar performance, hybrid technology proving it can enhance rather than diminish the driving experience, and Acura's commitment to precision and refinement. Whether you choose a first-generation 2017, a refined 2019, a track-capable 2021, an exclusive 2022 Type S, or an original NA1, you're buying into a legacy of excellence.

Do your homework. Get an inspection. Understand the running costs. And if you want guidance navigating the NSX market, Automonitor's experts are here to help. We've sourced hundreds of NSX examples, and we know exactly what to look for and what to avoid. Let us help you find the right one.