The Honda Del Sol, a sporty two-seater targa top produced from 1992 to 1998, holds a special place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts. Its distinctive design, nimble handling, and Honda's reputation for reliability make it a tempting option, even decades after its production run ended. But the burning question remains: are Honda Del Sols actually reliable, especially considering their age? Let's delve into the details and uncover the truth about this iconic little roadster.
Del Sol Reliability: Looking Beyond the Honda Badge
While Honda, as a brand, generally enjoys a stellar reputation for reliability, assuming the Del Sol automatically inherits this title is a mistake. Age plays a significant role. A well-maintained 2023 Honda Civic will almost certainly be more reliable than a neglected 1995 Del Sol. Therefore, when evaluating a Del Sol's reliability, we need to consider several factors specific to this model and its age.
Common Problem Areas:
- Targa Top Seals: This is perhaps the most common complaint. The seals around the targa top are prone to leaking, especially as they age and dry out. Finding replacement seals can be challenging and expensive. This can lead to water damage in the interior, creating further issues.
- Electrical Issues: Like many cars of its era, the Del Sol can suffer from electrical gremlins. These can manifest as anything from malfunctioning power windows and door locks to issues with the instrument cluster and lighting.
- Rust: Depending on the climate where the car spent most of its life, rust can be a serious concern. Check thoroughly around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage. Rust repair can be costly and time-consuming.
- Engine and Transmission Mounts: These rubber components degrade over time, leading to increased vibrations and potential damage to the engine and transmission.
- Suspension Components: Bushings, ball joints, and shocks will likely need replacement at some point due to age and wear.
The Importance of Maintenance History:
More than almost any other factor, the maintenance history of a specific Del Sol will determine its reliability. A Del Sol that has been meticulously maintained, with regular oil changes, timely repairs, and preventative maintenance, is far more likely to be reliable than one that has been neglected. Ask for service records and receipts. If the seller can't provide these, it's a red flag.
The Good News: Honda Engineering Shines Through
Despite the potential issues related to age, the Del Sol does benefit from Honda's renowned engineering.
- Engine Durability: The B-series and D-series engines found in the Del Sol are known for their robustness and longevity. With proper maintenance, they can easily exceed 200,000 miles. The VTEC engines, in particular, are coveted for their performance and reliability.
- Simple Mechanics: Compared to modern cars, the Del Sol is relatively simple to work on. This makes DIY repairs and maintenance more accessible, potentially saving you money on labor costs.
- Parts Availability: While some parts may be harder to find than others, a decent supply of aftermarket and used parts still exists for the Del Sol. Online forums and enthusiast communities can be valuable resources for locating hard-to-find components.
- Strong Community Support: The Del Sol has a dedicated and passionate community of owners and enthusiasts. These communities offer valuable advice, support, and resources for maintaining and restoring these cars.
Del Sol Trim Levels: Does it Matter for Reliability?
The Del Sol was available in several trim levels, each with its own engine and features. The most common trim levels were the S, Si, and VTEC.
- S: Typically equipped with a D15B7 engine. This is the base model and generally the most affordable. Its simplicity can translate to slightly better reliability due to fewer complex systems.
- Si: Usually powered by a D16Z6 engine. Offers a good balance of performance and reliability. Features like power windows and locks add convenience but also potential points of failure.
- VTEC: The top-of-the-line model, featuring the B16A2 (or B16A3 in earlier models) VTEC engine. While the VTEC engine offers exhilarating performance, it can be slightly more complex and potentially more expensive to maintain than the D-series engines.
Which Trim is Most Reliable?
Generally, the S or Si trim levels are considered slightly more reliable due to their simpler engines and fewer features. However, the overall condition and maintenance history of the individual car are far more important than the trim level. A well-maintained VTEC model will likely be more reliable than a neglected S model.
Gauging Reliability: What the Data Says (or Doesn't Say)
Unfortunately, concrete reliability data for the Honda Del Sol is scarce. Consumer Reports and other reliability surveys typically focus on newer vehicles. However, we can draw some inferences from data on similar Honda models from the same era, such as the Civic and Integra. These models consistently ranked high in reliability during the 1990s.
What This Means for the Del Sol:
While the Del Sol's unique targa top and body style introduce potential points of failure not found in the Civic or Integra, the underlying mechanical components are largely the same. Therefore, it's reasonable to assume that a well-maintained Del Sol can be just as reliable as its more common siblings.
Buying a Del Sol: What to Look For
If you're considering buying a Honda Del Sol, a thorough inspection is crucial. Here's a checklist of key areas to examine:
- Rust: Pay close attention to the wheel wells, rocker panels, undercarriage, and around the targa top.
- Targa Top Seals: Check for leaks by pouring water over the roof and observing the interior. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains or mildew.
- Engine: Listen for any unusual noises, such as knocking or ticking. Check for leaks and ensure the engine runs smoothly.
- Transmission: Test the transmission through all gears. Look for smooth shifting and no slipping.
- Electrical System: Test all electrical components, including power windows, door locks, lights, and instrument cluster.
- Suspension: Look for worn bushings, leaking shocks, and any signs of damage.
- Maintenance Records: Insist on seeing maintenance records. A well-documented history is a sign of a car that has been properly cared for.
- Compression Test: Consider having a mechanic perform a compression test to assess the engine's health.
- Pre-Purchase Inspection: Ideally, have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential problems before you buy.
Don't Be Afraid to Walk Away:
If you find any significant issues during your inspection, don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of other Del Sols out there, and it's better to be patient and find one in good condition than to buy a money pit.
Keeping Your Del Sol Reliable: Proactive Maintenance
Once you own a Del Sol, the key to maintaining its reliability is proactive maintenance.
- Regular Oil Changes: Follow the recommended oil change interval (typically every 3,000-5,000 miles).
- Timing Belt Replacement: If your Del Sol has a B-series engine, the timing belt should be replaced every 60,000-90,000 miles. This is a critical maintenance item to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
- Coolant Flush: Flush the coolant system every 2-3 years to prevent corrosion and overheating.
- Brake Fluid Flush: Flush the brake fluid every 2-3 years to maintain optimal braking performance.
- Transmission Fluid Change: Change the transmission fluid according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Inspect and Replace Worn Parts: Regularly inspect and replace worn parts, such as belts, hoses, and brake pads.
- Address Issues Promptly: Don't ignore minor issues. Addressing them promptly can prevent them from escalating into more serious and costly problems.
- Protect from the Elements: If possible, store your Del Sol in a garage or under a cover to protect it from the elements.
- Targa Top Seal Maintenance: Regularly clean and lubricate the targa top seals to keep them pliable and prevent leaks. Silicone-based lubricants are generally recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Del Sol parts hard to find? Some specific parts can be challenging to locate, but a decent supply of aftermarket and used parts is generally available. Online forums and enthusiast communities are valuable resources.
- How much does it cost to replace the targa top seals? The cost can vary depending on the source and quality of the seals, but expect to pay several hundred dollars for parts and labor.
- Is the VTEC engine more reliable than the non-VTEC engines? The VTEC engine is generally reliable but can be slightly more complex and potentially more expensive to maintain than the non-VTEC engines.
- What's the best oil to use in a Del Sol? Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil viscosity and type. Synthetic oil is generally a good choice for older engines.
- Are Del Sols good project cars? Absolutely! Their simple mechanics and strong community support make them excellent project cars for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The Final Verdict: Reliable with the Right Care
The Honda Del Sol, while not immune to the effects of age, can be a reliable and enjoyable car with proper care and maintenance. Focus on finding a well-maintained example and be prepared to invest in preventative maintenance to keep it running smoothly for years to come. Happy motoring!