1993 Honda del Sol S 1.5 from North America
Summary:
Overall excellent
Faults:
Roof began squeaking from the very start. Problem occurs in warm weather. Dealer attempted fix three times to no avail. Honda gave up. I live in Northern California, where the weather is mild, so I don't have a problem with leakage like other reviewers do. A friend with exactly the same model has the same problem.
Driver's seat is torn. Bought seat covers, which raised the seat position by an inch or so. I'm six feet tall, so now my head scrapes the interior roof. Workaround for this is to recline the seat slightly. I prefer a straight back sitting posture, but have adapted to this position.
Other than that, only regular maintenance.
General Comments:
This is a great, fun car. Average mileage 31 mpg (roughly half city and half highway.)
For a small car, it's heavier than you would think. Handles very well. Steering responsive, tight.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th July, 2004
3rd Nov 2006, 20:51
Your car does not really need to have its spark plugs changed that often because it is fuel-injected.
Because it is fuel injected it does not put as much burden upon the spark plugs as regular (non-fuel injected) engines and those spark plugs may last for 100,000 miles!
Oil and filter change should be made every 3,000 miles to ensure that the engine pistons and piston walls are not worn.
My personal Honda mechanic friend tells me that the fuel filter does not need changing that often, at all, contrary to what other repair locations will attempt to make you believe.
The timing belt should be changed every 70,000 to 90,000 miles.
Older model Honda Civic del sol owners should keep particular attention upon their radiators and watch out for leaks. And, I might add, most all Honda Civic del sols are older models!
Also, keep an eye on your brake seals and your head gaskets to ensure that there are no leaks.
These maintenance inspections will allow you to keep your del sol on the road longer than a Model T!
Most Sincerely.
Svelte Bat (name of my del sol)