I Bought The Best INCREDIBLY CHEAP Fun Classic: The Honda Del Sol Si!

[@paco728]

I bought mine new in December of 92 and I still have it. Black Si, 5 speed in near perfect condition with only 82,000 miles. Runs like new. It even has the original rear spoiler and door mounted tweeters. Recently I replaced the original timing belt, tensioner and water pump as recommended by a fellow you tuber. The only upgrade I ever made was a new head unit and subwoofer. I'm never selling it.

[@yenice3652]

How's the maintenance been on it? Anything expensive gone wrong? I've spent a few grand on my saab 9-5 wagon and I'm getting sick of it. Saw a clean del Sol listed for 1800 with 130k miles

[@paco728]

@@yenice3652 Maintenance for me has been minimal. The only weak spot in my opinion is the distributor. I just replaced the ecm, coil, cap and rotor on mine (the car would suddenly die and not want to restart), did the trick. And don't forget the timing belt. It is an interference engine and a broken belt would be a disaster. As long as it wasn't abused by previous owners I would say go for it.

[@raybirdman]

I had a 1993 Del Sol Si. About 20 years ago. I loved it and every time I see one, I want another. It had one of the best shifters I’ve ever felt. The engine also screamed. I never got the hate these got. I get that this replaced the CRX, but this is still a great car.

[@xephrenata]

Same here! I want another

[@andrewlynch7345]

Just saw this on my recommended for you. I have a 94 del sol si. Few fun facts about yours, the somba green only came out for 93, very rare color, there is a huge community on Facebook and places else where. If you need parts or help with fixing we are here. Please keep the green it’s already hard enough. Hope to see you on the forums!

[@thrasherwill3471]

Wrong

[@hughestodd]

93 and 94 I believe, Si only.

[@Jago94]

​@@hughestodd yes 93 Si and 94 Si. Mine is a 94 Si

[@langstonmaiden6498]

What’s the group?

[@Mars2Point0]

@11:24 all the greatest honda engines where before 2010. This guys getting his first real taste of a pure honda

[@Adam-nv9zo]

With a few upgrades, those little cars are a blast to drive.

[@HPG45]

Had a '93 Del Sol S back when I was in college. The car was owned by an elderly couple who used to drive it as their snowbird car that carried them from Iowa to Cali for years. It was in much better shape than the example in the vid, but I can attest to the mechanicals. There was a time where the oil pressure light was on (it burned about a quart of oil per 1000mi). By the time I got around to the oil change, it drained out less than 1/4 of a quart. Still ran like a clock. These cars are nothing fancy, but definitely have their own unique charm, but are also economical (I at best got 40mpg combined) and reliable as an AK.

[@davidrudd9846]

My Mom & Dad had a small ranch in western central Texas. Their neighbor worked for a off sore drilling company he had 2 teenage girls bought them a used 94 del sol in 2002. I dont believe anyone ever had more fun in a $1000 car than those two kids even hauling their horse feed in back seat!!!!

[@MrGarfield4]

I actually own one of these, including being an Si. It IS a fun little car and kinda rare. “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow”. And, being tall, I actually fit in it, leg room AND head room, unlike a Miata.

[@shattergraveknight3378]

Had one for years with the vtech. I grew out of it though, my shoulder span ended up way wider than the car's sports seats allowed lol.

[@busydadscooking001]

Brendan, few tidbits: You'll find that if you have a blocked off "A/C" button, if you remove the block, there is actually ... a real AC button underneath it. It works, too, but if you have no AC it doesn't do anything. Second, the shifter is still tight because it's not a cable shifter; steel rods instead like a Spyker. Third, some shin-etsu grease usually works to seal any roof leaks. Last, if you take off interior trim, the rear window well & motor are easy to work on, in fact everything in the car is easily accessible - because it's so small!

[@JJPelszynski]

This little Del Sol has bucketloads of 90’s charm and definitely deserves to be saved. Good choice!

[@billcatcher2701]

I've owned at least 20 sols. My best suggestion...keep it as stock as possible - right down to the oem radio and floor mats (if you can find them). Samba green was a limited, rare oem color (93/94 only). If you repaint it, DEFINITELY keep it samba green as it is still a highly sought after color. Plus, if possible - install air conditioning. You can't buy a new oem AC kit anymore but you could harvest all the components you need from a wrecked, donor del sol. Good luck and have fun!

[@1antisupercat]

In 09 I had my truck painted at Maaco. The guy at the front took me for a tour and they had a C5 Corvette being painted a dark blue. I liked the color a lot and had my truck painted that same color. I believe it was the second step up of paint whatever that was at the time. I always got compliments on the trucks paint and it held up well until I sold it in 2018. I 100% recommend them for a normal vehicles paint job. Maybe a tour of maaco would be cool idk.

[@Bpf1893]

I’ve done the Maaco paint job on my Miata. Came out amazing for $600

[@markdc31]

Maaco does quality work, from my experience. I honestly don’t know why they don’t have a better reputation.

[@lowccperformance4059]

@@markdc31I guess it really depends on the employees doing the pain job since it’s a chain it’s kinda hard to have consistent quality with work like that

[@lukebredeweg5701]

bought a 93 si a couple years ago off my neighbor for $600. hands down best 600 I've ever spent, I hope to hold on to it for as long as possible

[@SuperWooba]

This was filmed on St Patrick's Day. Some say they are still waiting for that light to turn green.

[@busydadscooking001]

I've got one! Built in Suzuka, stellar reliability. The later S base models got an upgrade to 1.6L engines, so they're also decent to drive. These are just as "fun" as a Miata. Difference is, not as sports oriented, but they have a lot more trunk space.

[@Kristian_Saile]

Another awesome option from this era but boy are they hard to find these days was the Nissan NX2000. It was basically a hatchback version of the Sentra SER with T tops. Limited slip diff, 7,500rpm redline, 140hp and 2,500 curb weight. It was named the best handling fwd car at the time and of the 10 best handling cars in the world by Car and Driver if I recall correctly. My mother had one when I was in highschool and it seemed like a rocket ship to me at the time. A buddy’s parents had a Del Sol Si and the NX out ran it pretty handily. Cool cars, a bit weird looking, but a huge trunk and a somewhat useable back seat.

[@theadvocate4698]

Good post! The nx2000 was one of my dreamcar!

[@shoemaker924]

Would love to see this thing cleaned up. I say you guys should try the macco paint job. Would be cool to see what goes into sanding and prepping it, might encourage some others to try it themselves. I think you should stick with the original color too, that way it'll match the jams, and any future scratches won't look weird.

[@carlosalenduran4630]

Let me tell you something back in 2003 I found one of these little cars which are my favorite a black one SI a 93 I found one in fort Lauderdale for 4,500 I had that little car for 28 years no problems whatsoever and I sold it 3 years ago because I needed money and I still see it running up and down the road it's still going.ilove Honda delsol

[@crxdelsolsir]

A Del Sol where the paint is the only thing that is rough is actually not rough. At 30 or so years old needing a respray is expected. If every 30 year old car only needed a paint job as a major cost then that to me is a perfect car. That is much much more that can be said compared to cars today or made in the last 20 years.

[@astrokeofluck9726]

I got one in UK 6 years ago in the same colour it needed a a great deal of welding so I parked it in the garage having seen this video has motivated me to put it back on the road

[@smartin5534]

Been driving my '95 Del Sol since I bought it '95 and EVERYONE says "Oh, what do you do about the leaky roof?" The roof has leaked exactly zero times. I guess I just got lucky or maybe the '95 version had a better seal than the previous years. Either way, one of the most fun cars ever made and zips around big cities like Los Angeles with ease. No major breakdowns, ever. Just 28 years of fun.

[@tcornellison8963]

Just repurchased a 1993 del sol that I originally purchased in 2002. I sold it in 2010 and randomly found it on FB marketplace when I was selling a different car. It's a little worse for wear since I sold it but in way better shape than yours. It was originally that green but was repainted silver by the owner before me. Love this little car! I o Had purchased one of the original ones in 1993. Was my first brand new car. So, a totally sentimental buy for me.

[@gordo608]

A friend had a DelSol Si with a Jackson Racing supercharger on it back 20 years ago now. It scooted pretty good. I think the car ran mid to high 12s in the quarter mile on street tires.

[@markdc31]

I had one in mine but you had to make sure it was tuned properly. I had issues with mine that I couldn’t resolve myself. When I sold it(my daughter wanted an Escalade), I lost a lot on the sale because of the tubing issues.

[@jamesmustin7289]

I am a original owner of a 1997 Honda Del Sol Si . It has 218,000 miles . It is in great shape. I have kept it that way. I paid $17000 brand new. The car been paid off since 1999. So car payments since then.

[@howieewalt1322]

I have a 95 Sedan EX same engine/transmission. I've never had so much fun in my entire life driving that rocket. I weighed her at a weigh station and she came in at in-between 2400-2450lb's. I've taken her on hour-long state-wide roadtrips and door dash daily in it. She just don't stop! The engine feels as lively as ever and they absolutely LIVE for revving out to 7200. As a matter of fact she gets mad if I don't rip her a few times every day. If it does have pops, rev out to about 4k, and then decel with your foot barely on the throttle and just hold it there and let her drop through to about 2500 RPM. I have the best results in second gear. Slight declines help It too. Oh and if you rev it to like 4k-5k and then tap the throttle it should pop. Might take some getting used to but my civic with a high-flow converter and straight pipe exhaust backfires like a 44. revolver. I'll take every hater on the chin all day because there's nothing that brings me more joy than driving my obnoxious POS everywhere.

[@LawrenceCamera]

Love the Del Sol. Please make a whole bunch of videos about getting it painted and restoring it. I think it would be a great series.

[@markdc31]

A few fun facts… The del Sols(or Civic del Sols) actually has the older D series engines and B series engines available. You mentioned them being under 2500 pounds but many were under 2300 pounds. The interior space was identical the the front seating of a regular Civic. I am 6’4” and I could never fit in a Miata or an S2000, but I could fit very comfortably in my old del Sol. That’s the big reason for front drive, practicality. And it replaced the CRX. The CRX was hugely popular and it’s likely the del Sol would’ve continued that but insurance companies implemented a huge surcharge because it was a targa. Sales dwindled but they didn’t lose out to the Miata. Another thing, the reason why it may be hard to find isn’t because they’ve all been wrecked. It’s because many, if not most were modified. I had a Jackson Racing supercharger in mine. Although eventually there would be a 170hp VTEC version that needed little to no mods. It’s was so lightweight and 170hp was a lot in the mid 90’s. That wasn’t enough to overcome the ‘convertible tax’ though. One other thing. There were some insane engine swaps in del Sols. My favorite were the aftermarket turbocharged Integra 1.8 swaps. Insane speed. Anyways, they were great, well engineered cars. Not true sports cars by any means but potentially a whole lot more affordable fun on the road and at the track than many true sports cars.

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

I still want to know how you got one cheap. Even rough beater ones in the south are close to $10k

[@paulbroderick8438]

Bought one new in 1993. Still drive it daily!!

[@Willis-de5hx]

I just bought one .. same color 202kmi everything works all original and the owner has had it since 2002 1800$ needs a new oil pan and an exhaust..

[@Mr.Worf63]

Branden best of luck with the Del Sol. My brother had the ‘88 CRX Si and it was a blast to drive and yes it was a tight running car. He drove to 297947 Miles with no headaches. 🇨🇦

[@Daniel-yd4vg]

Yes Brendon! Can’t wait to see more of the Del Sol

[@juanvaldez7279]

My 96 ice blue Del Sol S has been my only car and daily driver for 14 years i live in Florida. JDM my engine the factory Y motor didn't make it bit over 300k on the automatic transmission no aftermarket parts. It like a great gf the worst you treat it the better it treats you. 40 mpg highway 35 city with the S

[@spcneary]

The del sol is from a time that 200hp was pretty good for any NA motor and 400hp would have been supercar numbers. Honda cars, especially of the del sols period, are not meant to be drag raced, they are meant to be fun to drive and still practical.

[@markdc31]

I’m often curious on how the CRX would’ve progressed if they didn’t stop making them. Don’t get me wrong. I luv’d my del Sol. And I’ll always have fond memories. But a lighter weight, fixed roof, maybe a Type R version that was close to 2000 lbs. It may have torn a lot of American Muscle type guys away from their Camaros and Mustangs. Well, a lot more. Who knows?

[@Doellimann]

I’m right now building one of these … add a proper exhaust, grippy tires and a fully adjustable suspension and you get a buttload of fun!

[@thebigguy8306]

Thanks, Tommy and Brendon. I am a HUGE fan of Japanese cars, Where is the Honda S660? We need to drop the JDM restriction from 25 to 10-15 years

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

I LIKE IT. IT REMINDS ME OF MY Fiat X1/9 in the fact of the TARGA TOP which I like VERY MUCH, no top to REPLACE. I will ALWAYS want the manual transmission, less problems, better performance, mileage and more DURABLE. 😉👍😁

[@DhocksGamingCentral]

I just bought the S Series 96' Del Sol a few days ago @ 170K miles! Love this thing to death as it's SO fun to drive.

[@xephrenata]

Crazy. I had a 93 forever and it never once leaked. Id buy another in a heartbeat

[@marcdenlinger5282]

I might have kept my wife's first car, a '94 Civic 2-door DX, but it was rusting away too bad. That 5 speed and VTEC engine was a lot of fun and very easy to drive!

[@jimreuss]

I had a 95 civic hatchback DX and still miss that car.

[@zack8819]

This just makes me hate myself for selling my near mint 1997 Del Sol Si back in like 2012. It was owned by a 55 year old couple and very well taken care of. Everything worked, still great paint with only a couple of faded plastic spots, and basically perfect interior.

[@GregosTH]

Do you actually feel the VTEC on this 125hp version ? The 160hp VTi ok but I thought this VTEC is more of an economical thing

[@Jago94]

2:03 actually, 1993 to 1997 in the US.

[@WolfQuantum]

I used to really want one of those back in the day.

[@jacquesc3166]

Huge thanks to you guys for reviewing an affordable used Summer car.

[@lesklower7281]

I am glad Brendan is going to restore this Honda Del Sol we have these in Australia but they have another name

[@MegaTechpc]

The H22A in the 4th generation Honda Prelude VTEC has IMO the greatest VTEC-switchover of any Honda engine ever made. Sure it’s only around 190 hp but when VTEC kicks in at 4500 rpm you can really feel and hear the change to the performance cams so well. I’ve had two 4th-gen Prelude VTEC’s (a 1994 and a 1996) and they remain two of my favorite cars I’ve ever owned, with one of the coolest-looking interiors Honda has ever produced! The 5-speed manual in that car was one of the slickest-shifting units I’ve ever driven. Man I miss that car…

[@2strokeFORever]

4500rpm is around when the butterflies opened and they were loud but I feel when VTEC engaged later it was one of the quieter VTEC engines. Imo the best VTEC engagement sounds are from k20a/a2/z1/z3 and b18c5 engines

[@davidrigby1837]

Wow I own a 1994 esi crx del sol with electric roof and I love it only comes out in the summer, I have had for 10 years and it's well tidy.

[@BentonHart]

I've heard the Maaco in Commerce City actually has a pretty good reputation, for the most part. Could be worth a shot.

[@PabloLopez-fg2wy]

Updates on the car? It would be nice to see the restoration.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

These are expensive in Georgia, especially in Atlanta....very in demand....300k plus miles will still easily sell for 5k.

[@That-guy539]

This one of my favorite episodes you guys have done.I’ve had two of these a 93 si manual and a 96 s manual with no power steering but did have a/c and cruise control odd combination but they were a blast to drive!!

[@markdc31]

Mine had no power steering and no a/c. It’s amazing how much difference that made in the performance. You could never compare a del Sol to a Porsche, but 2200 or so pounds with no a/c or power steering sounds like one of their formulas. Let me stop because I could talk all day about how well engineered those cars were. And the CRX’s were only around 2000 lbs.

[@BackRoadBound]

Supposed to be picking up a 1993 5spd S with only 40k original miles. 😮 Needs a little TLC, but overall in pretty good shape.

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

I worked at a Honda/Mazda dealer in 96/97. This was a great Florida car with a cool idea but made with cheap interior plastics (as you can see). Thanks again for the memories!

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

From personal experience, those cars are a freaking BLAST to drive!!!!! Every thing the Mazda Miata ever was, from a more reliable manufacturer.

[@Mars2Point0]

The whole point of Vtec was to replicate a turbo but more efficiently and to activate when necessary the perfect design

[@jaycarva]

I’ve said it before but I love what you guys are doing with this channel. Never know what’s coming. My favourite TFL channel.

[@bash8387]

I learned how to drive in a del soul by driving in my neighborhood at that time I was like 13 without a license

[@musaelkhatib4841]

There’s one for sale 97 si cypress green 222k for 2700. Worth?

[@rosswallace2969]

Buddy had one, red, fart can, little subwoofer, was clean. Anyway hit 100 on a long downhill, thought we were either going to die or fly. Did neither it was planted.

[@kevinburrell7271]

Actually, a blue del Sol parked next to me earlier today. It was rather trashed, but was still cool

[@ElleuQ]

Ihr habt einfach die Hälfte vergessen. Außerdem funktionieren die Scheiben wenn ihr den Knopf drückt um Sie freizuschalten

[@RayRayWasAGoodBoy]

Wow 7k redline, nice 👌🏻 the best part of older Hondas

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

The Paint doesn't matter. You can just wrap over it.

[@Winterstick549]

I wish Honda would bring this back.

[@Acc0rd79]

Honda really needs to come out with some small cheap cars again that are fun.

[@droboyjr]

I’m sure someone has mentioned this already but I’m gonna be another nitpicking jerk. There’s a few inaccuracies in this video. The del Sol was originally called the crx del Sol then later the civic del Sol. It was actually offered with 3 engine variations starting in 94 with top trim being the VTEC and if I remember correctly the one you have isn’t actually an si but I could be wrong (judging from the motor) the 94/95 got the b16a3 and 96/97 got the b16a2 obd1 vs obd2 plus slightly low redline but pretty much identical. Also, if I’m not mistaken, the vtec model also got a different ratio ps rack. There’s more as well but just what I could remember off top.

[@spartanchirho]

Brenden we are from the same generation! Get a CRX next bro!!! I wanted one but dad was Mopar only so had the plymouth laser twin cam turbo.

[@ThisThing-so3dq]

Too bad there is no way to get one for that cheap anymore.

[@mitchelljones2452]

Picking up my grandpas 94' VTEC this weekend, hyped as fuck lol

[@aynsleyjeansonne]

The del sol was also offered with a Dohc vtec. Tread lightly on Honda’s. You should swap the motor with a b18c from the gsr/type r

[@tomastylecek2065]

fun videi, had few of those, but the camera action head movement was really bad

[@robertchapman4970]

If you are one of the lucky few who ownes a Del Sol then you know how lucky you truely are. I have owened three. First one sold to family member who sold it to a dealership ahhh! Second one got totaled when someone ran a stop sign Third one I now own is cherry 🍒. I will never part with it...never.❤❤❤❤❤

[@palebeachbum]

I can see why the Miata outsold this and has a larger fanbase, but the Del Sol is still a seriously fun, unique, stylish little car. I'm really shocked by the garbage quality of the interior materials though. The only 90s cars I've experienced having that low level of interior quality where door handles broke off were early to mid-90s Hyundais. Domestic economy car interiors were more robustly built than this. Every surface was padded, covered in fabric, or chrome-plated metal. Honda's claim to fame is their engines, deservedly.

[@incredulousdisbelief9841]

Oh Honda, bring back the CRX. What a fun little car that was.

[@rjkStudios]

22 seconds in, I'm thinking, "What's the deal with Honda clear coat failure!?!?". There's only two types of cars I ever see on the road with clear coat failure - various Hondas, and mid 90's Chrysler / Dodge Intrepids. 🤷‍♂😋

[@fortheloveofnoise]

My 2000 Mustang has bad clear coat.

[@HNSthejypod]

Toyotas, most Americans cars as well

[@gregorysorce1898]

I had a green 1993 Del Sol Si back in the day. It was fun to drive and extremely reliable. Plus back then it used to be a chick magnet.

[@chandlersBolts]

My Buddy just had his 2002 dodge Ram in similar paint condition done at Maaco and it turned out great. He’d probably let you see it if you wanted here in Denver

[@dalejones4322]

Neat little car. Great video guys.

[@AaronH9111]

I've always wanted a Samba Green Del Sol si !!!

[@cbsvth22]

Those cars are Soo nice. Drove one with Integra non VTEC B18b1 swapped in and wow took corners like a champ. Lowered on some skunk 2 shocks and springs

[@alafrosty]

A drunk guy got into a head-on at about 40-50 kmph in front of my house back in the 90s in one of these. He was crushed and died shortly after the collision. Occupants in the other vehicle, a volvo, were injured but no life changing injuries. Do not recommend.

[@georgesnider1447]

Don't recommend driving the DelSol? Or don't recommend driving DRUNK.

[@alafrosty]

@georgesnider1447 either. But especially not the car. Safety innovations have improved crash survival a lot. No need to live in that era.

[@seanallen1315]

*S, Si, VTEC trims. VTEC trim is 160HP

[@courtneypuzzo2502]

the model was produced from the 1993-1998 model years sold around 80,000 units in the United States where as the Toyota Camry in that same era sold 2.1 million units so just before the Camry Solara was released in Fall 98 as a 99 model and even that sold 7.8x as many units in the US as the Del Soul did but only a small percentage of what its parent car did which is why it was discontinued in 2008 after 2 generations and 10 years though those 10 years covered 3 gens of the Camry XV 20 1999 and 2000 XV30 2001-2006 and XV40 2007-2008

[@donrob4058]

well there was one model that came with a B16 engine...

[@gforcecoons5857]

My sister had one of these. Nice driving car, felt very heavy and slow but low enough to corner pretty nicely.

[@nsbioy]

There was also Mazda MX3 that kinda looked like DelSol

[@jimreuss]

I have a 95 SI, my second SI. Just a few notes, they were only available in the states model years 93-97 and the SI never came with a B series engine. The SI del sol always had a 1.6l sohc. The B series engine was available in what was called the VTEC trim from 94-97.

[@bobbysims9903]

I came here to say all of this. Thank you! 😂

[@robertchapman4970]

Definitely better than a Miata. Most negative reviews are from people who have never owened one. This car has style compared to the generic cars on the road. Most cars I see on the road today look like an egg on four wheels...and no convertible. I currently own a Del Sol it's my third del sol it's cherry...will never part with it.❤😂❤

[@rnt45t1]

Ah, takes me back to the good old days of the 90s when everybody had a car where a window didn't work, you had to change the air knobs inside with pliers, and the body was more patina than paint.

[@zacariaspiedrasdelrio8984]

I am looking forward for more videos about that car!

[@geekacres]

LOVED my Del Sol ! My first new car... Stick. Stow that top ! Just so much FUN.

[@cameronbreckenridge9789]

Legend has it the light still hasn't turned green

[@the_jarmel]

HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE.....HAVE A GOOD DAY

[@Kevin-pd9gy]

Kinda Reminds me of the Mazda MX5 RF they make now

[@shockracer]

Now it's time to take it over to PFI-Speed to make it more fun to drive!

[@AcuraLvR82]

That car was only cheap because you purchased it at auction and not at a dealer or from private party. Those Del Sols even in your condition people are asking upwards of $5k and more, double that if it is a factory EG2 with its original b16a3 and matching transmission. The Del Sol is fun, but its heavy, under powered and the weight distribution sucks. If looking for a Honda with "go-cart" feel, I highly recommend a 90-93 Integra over a Del Sol although in today's market second gen integras are getting very hard to find in relatively good condition.

[@N108funshow]

Great car. Huge interior.

[@willb1242]

I have a del Sol! They are SO much fun ... Hard to take lifes problems too seriously when the tiny Honda wants to dance.

[@Sam-un5km]

Where I stay they going over 6k

[@courtney5796]

I got an '83 Rx7 gsl in 1988. When the Del Sols came out, they were yummy. Easy money