The del Sol was a 2-seat, targa-style small car sold in the U.S. from 1993 to 1997. Built in Japan, it looked like a mid-engine vehicle but was based on the Honda Civic with the engine customarily in the front. The seller has a well-kept 1993 edition that he/she obtained from an estate sale (original owner) about a year ago and doesn’t drive it enough to warrant keeping the sporty little machine. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, this vintage Honda (now 32 years old) is available here on eBay. It can go home with you for $12,500 OBO. Heads up to John Lucas for this cool tip!
Honda came up with the name from the Spanish phrase that equates to “of the sun” which aptly describes how you would spend most of your time in the car. The del Sol came with a removable hardtop (made of aluminum) that was stowed in its own compartment in the trunk. With the flick of a button, the rear window would go up and down. This was the first Honda available to U.S. buyers in an open-top format.
When the car was first introduced abroad, it was called the CR-X del Sol but was named the Civic del Sol to North American buyers. Under the hood resided a SOHC inline-4 engine with manual and automatic transmissions available (the latter is in the seller’s car and perhaps takes a little of the fun out of the driving). This nice example finished in Captiva Blue has 89,000 miles, which isn’t necessarily a lot for a Honda. The car has received a tune-up, fluids change, new brakes, and a fresh battery within the past year.
The little automobile presents well inside and out and we’re told it drives just fine. When not in use, the de Sol has stayed in the garage and comes with a custom cover to help keep away the dust. Besides the work the seller has done, we’re told the timing belt has less than 1,000 miles on it. Other than a few little scratches that have accumulated over the years, there is nothing cosmetic that the car needs. A maintenance log dating to 1995 comes with the sale and the Honda has an “Above Average” score on AutoCheck. If you like these little cars, this seems like a nice one for the upcoming summer months.
Step son had one for over 15 years and never had one problem with it. Got a couple race cars that show for our road racing events and do well in their class. Always thought they were good looking cars.
A Toyota tech that I know called these a Honda Del Leako
back when they were new,as the t-tops had a problem sealing.
Honda aficionados affectionately referred to them as Del Soaks 😓
I liked this model years ago. It’s old now and nothing more than an old used car. It’s not even a catchy color. This one has low mikes, but $12,500? You have got to be kidding!
This is a $6-7,000 car at best. I know because I’ve had my eye on the market for about a year now.
Agreed, I have just recently starting looking at Del Sols (within the last 6 months) and the most expensive one I’ve seen in my local market was $8k and it was much, much nicer than this one. The average ask in my New Jersey market is around $4k
I would guess that the automatic would reduce that price even further.
I’ve been surprised how many automatic Del Sols (or is that Del Soli?) I’ve seen for sale, I assumed almost all of them were manual.
From the days when Honda still made some fun vehicles.
good… a step up from a motorcycle AND more maintenance free. I’ll take 2 (1 a lill more s.wagon or p/u shaped?), The 105 inch WB ford for the open rd/longer cruizes.
Looks to be a nice low mileage example of a first year base model del Sol. Condition, originality, service records add to value, while engine / transmission combination lessen its appeal to many potential buyers. The higher performance DOHC VTEC model, introduced in 1994 in USA, can sell in range asked if in comparable condition. I am the original owner of a 94 VTEC, and can testify to the fun and dependability it has provided for 31 years.
I’ve owned 7 of these. Great little cars, but this is the lowest spec — and with an automatic. Nowhere near $12.5k.
As someone currently looking (and new to) Del Sols, what would be your pick as the best 2-3 model years and specs if you were going to buy another one right now?
Ok, another estate sale !
Elephant in the room but no flashing lights so, its not there
My wife bought one new in the same color but with the manual transmission. She sold it in the early 2000s with over 200k miles on it. The last I heard is that her car is in someones garage undergoing restoration. I liked driving the car those many years ago.