1996 HONDA DEL SOL

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 upshift, especially when cold, Slipping between gears under moderate throttle, Check Engine Light with P0730 or P0740 codes, Burnt ATF smell or dark fluid even after recent service

Fix: These 4-speed automatics have weak clutch packs and the torque converter lockup solenoid fails early. Rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor plus parts; used transmissions are a gamble. Preventive ATF drain-and-fills every 30k can延 life but won't save a unit already slipping.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine rock during acceleration or braking, Vibration through the shifter and steering wheel at idle, Hood misalignment or rubbing against cowl

Fix: The targa body structure flexes more than a coupe, which accelerates mount failure. Front and rear engine mounts plus the transmission mount typically need replacing as a set. 3-4 hours labor for all three. Use OEM or quality aftermarket—cheap mounts fail in under a year.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Symptoms: Water dripping onto seats or pooling in footwells after rain or car wash, Wind noise at highway speeds around roof perimeter, Difficulty latching or unlatching the roof panel—requires force, Visible cracks or hardening in rubber seals along roof opening

Fix: The removable roof panel uses multiple seals that harden with age and UV exposure. Full seal replacement is 4-6 hours due to disassembly and alignment work. The latch mechanisms also wear and require lubrication or replacement of plastic clips. Aftermarket seals are hit-or-miss; OEM seals (if available) are pricey.

Estimated cost: $500-900

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Small oil drip from front of engine below intake manifold, Oil residue on valve cover and upper timing cover, Check Engine Light with P1259 VTEC malfunction code, Loss of power above 5,000 RPM if solenoid screen is clogged

Fix: The VTEC solenoid gasket leaks externally; internally, the screen clogs with sludge if oil changes were skipped. Replacement is straightforward—1.5 hours including cleaning. If the solenoid itself is electrically failed, add another $150-200 for the part.

Estimated cost: $200-400

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil pooling around base of distributor on rear of cylinder head, Oil migrating into distributor cap causing misfires or no-start when wet, Intermittent Check Engine Light with misfire codes P0300-P0304, Visible oil seepage down back of engine block

Fix: The distributor mounts to the head with a large O-ring that hardens and leaks. Requires distributor removal, timing reset, and new O-ring and gasket. 1.5-2 hours labor. While it's out, replace the cap, rotor, and internal seal to avoid a comeback.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil drips on ground after parking, centered under transmission bellhousing, Oil coating on lower engine and transmission case, Gradual oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes, Visible seepage along oil pan rail or rear of block

Fix: Rear main seal requires transmission removal—8-10 hours labor for manual, 10-12 for automatic. Oil pan gasket is easier at 3-4 hours but often both are done together since access overlaps. High-mileage units may also need a new oil pump while you're in there.

Estimated cost: $800-1,600

Symptoms: Intermittent or dead tail lights, turn signals, or brake lights, Bulbs that blow repeatedly even after replacement, Dash warning light for burnt-out bulb when bulbs are fine, Green corrosion visible in bulb sockets or ground wires

Fix: NHTSA had five recalls related to exterior lighting on this platform—mostly for socket corrosion and inadequate grounds. Clean sockets with contact cleaner, apply dielectric grease, and verify ground connections at rear light assemblies. If sockets are too far gone, replace the entire tail light assembly. 1 hour labor for DIY diagnosis and cleaning.

Estimated cost: $50-250