The 1993 Del Sol is Honda's targa-top Civic variant with solid mechanicals but plagued by body-specific issues—especially roof seal leaks and structural rust. The VTEC models are fun but watch for automatic transmission failures and head gasket problems on high-mileage examples.
Targa Roof Seal Leaks and Water Intrusion
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Water pooling in footwells or trunk area after rain, Musty smell in cabin, Wet carpeting under seats, Rust forming on floor pans from trapped moisture
Fix: Replace all roof weatherstripping and trunk seal, clean drain channels. Often requires removing interior panels to assess rust damage. 3-5 hours labor if no rust repair needed, significantly more if floor pans need patching.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Automatic Transmission Failure (SLXA Model)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The 4-speed automatic in Del Sols is notoriously weak. Oil cooler lines corrode and contaminate fluid, accelerating wear. Rebuild requires 8-12 hours; most shops recommend replacement with used unit due to parts availability. Manual transmission models are far more reliable.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Head Gasket Failure (D15B7 and D16Z6 Engines)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap
Fix: Classic Honda B/D-series issue when original coolant isn't maintained. Head must be checked for warpage and resurfaced. While head is off, replace timing belt, water pump, valve seals. 10-14 hours labor. VTEC models (D16Z6) more prone due to higher heat.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Structural Rust in Rockers and Rear Quarters
Common · high severitySymptoms: Bubbling paint along rocker panels below doors, Visible rust perforation behind rear wheels, Soft or flaking metal when pressed, Trunk floor rust near targa storage area
Fix: The Del Sol's removable roof design creates drainage problems and the rockers rust from inside out. Proper repair requires cutting out sections and welding in new metal—15-25 hours for both sides. Cheaply patched examples will fail inspection in rust-belt states. This is the deal-breaker issue.
Estimated cost: $2,500-5,000
Rear Main Seal and Oil Pan Gasket Leaks
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Oil spots on driveway after sitting overnight, Oil coating on transmission bellhousing, Low oil level between changes, Oil smell in cabin when heater is on
Fix: Common on higher-mileage D-series engines. Rear main seal requires transmission removal (6-8 hours labor). Oil pan gasket is easier (2-3 hours) but pan bolts often break due to corrosion, requiring helicoil inserts. Do both at once if transmission is already out.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
VTEC Solenoid and Pressure Switch Failure (D16Z6 Only)
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of power above 5,500 RPM, Check engine light with P1259 code, VTEC engagement sound disappears, Rough idle when warm
Fix: Solenoid screen clogs with sludge if oil changes are neglected. Easy fix: remove solenoid, clean screen, replace gasket and pressure switch. 1-1.5 hours labor. Use Honda OEM parts—aftermarket sensors throw false codes.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Exterior Lighting and Headlight Motor Issues
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Pop-up headlights move slowly or unevenly, One headlight stays down or up, Grinding noise when activating lights, Headlights fail to retract fully
Fix: Pop-up mechanism uses nylon gears that crack with age. Motors seize from lack of lubrication. Multiple NHTSA recalls address wiring issues. Rebuild kits available with metal gears. 2-3 hours per side for motor replacement. Grease pivots annually to prevent failure.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Buy a manual-transmission example with documented maintenance and zero rust; avoid automatics and any Del Sol from the rust belt unless you enjoy bodywork.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.