Prices typically range from about $4,000 to $15,000, with pristine, low-mileage VTEC variants often surpassing $20,000. Actual values depend on condition, mileage, originality, and whether the car is a sought-after VTEC model.
The Honda Del Sol, built from 1993 to 1998, remains a compact two-seat sport coupe with a removable targa-style roof. As a used-car proposition, its value is highly sensitive to the car’s condition and history. This report surveys current market ranges, explains what drives price differences, and offers guidance for buyers and sellers navigating a market that blends nostalgia with collectible potential.
What affects Del Sol value
Valuation hinges on several variables beyond trim and year: mechanical condition, rust, paint and interior wear, roof operation, originality, and service history. Limited-production or high-performance variants tend to command higher prices, while heavily modified examples can either help or hurt value depending on the buyer.
Current market ranges by condition
Below is a guide to typical price bands by overall condition. Mileage, documentation, and regional demand can shift these ranges up or down.
- Poor: Not running or needing major mechanical work; visible rust or extensive cosmetic damage. Approximate value: $2,000–$4,000.
- Fair: Running but with notable mechanical or cosmetic flaws; negotiable repair required. Approximate value: $4,000–$6,000.
- Good: Solid mechanicals, clean body, functional roof, moderate miles. Approximate value: $6,000–$9,000.
- Very Good/Excellent: Well maintained, stock or near-stock, cleaner interior and exterior, reasonable miles. Approximate value: $9,000–$14,000.
- Concours/Show quality: Original paint, low miles, thorough documentation, and minimal wear. Approximate value: $14,000–$20,000+, with exceptional examples exceeding this range.
In short, condition drives price, and the premium for a VTEC model or a low-mile, well-documented car can be significant when the overall package is pristine.
Variants and value premiums
The Del Sol was offered in several trims, with the VTEC version typically carrying the strongest market premium due to performance and rarity. The following notes provide a rough sense of how variant choice can influence pricing when other factors are equal.
- Del Sol S (base): Baseline price range described above.
- Del Sol Si (mid-range): Usually a modest premium over S, often in the $1,000–$3,000 range depending on condition and market.
- Del Sol VTEC (performance): Typically commands a notable premium over non-VTEC in similar condition; often around a 20–50% uplift, equating to roughly $2,000–$6,000 more in common markets. In exceptional condition, the premium can be higher.
Prices reflect year-to-year differences, with late-model, low-mile, and well-documented examples earning the greatest premiums among Del Sol variants.
Engine and generation notes
The Del Sol spans two generations, with the later VTEC models offering higher power and stronger enthusiast appeal. The VTEC variants use Honda’s 1.6-liter VTEC powerplant, while base and Si models rely on smaller or non-VTEC configurations depending on year. Manual transmission is generally preferred by buyers and tends to fetch stronger prices than automatics. Always confirm the exact engine, trim, and condition for an accurate valuation.
Tips for buyers and sellers
Whether you’re pricing a car for sale or evaluating a listing, these considerations help anchor expectations in a market where demand for late-90s Hondas remains resilient.
- Consult current sale results on Bring a Trailer to gauge real-world pricing momentum.
- Use Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, and Hagerty Price Guide for baseline values by year, trim, mileage, and condition.
- Inspect for rust (especially underbody and rocker panels), confirm roof mechanics, and verify maintenance history (timing belt, water pump, cooling system, brake wear).
- Be aware of modifications; stock, unmodified cars often fetch higher prices than heavily customized ones.
- Consider regional demand and color; rarity of a particular color or the presence of documented service history can influence pricing outcomes.
For sellers, price competitively based on condition and market data, emphasize originality and maintenance records, and allow room for negotiation.
Where to check current prices
Several trusted sources publish current market values and recent sale results, helping anchor expectations for Del Sol listings.
- Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
- NADA Guides (nadaguides.com)
- Hagerty Price Guide (hagerty.com/price-guide)
- Bring a Trailer (bringatrailer.com) – auction results
- Autotrader, Cars.com, and regional listings
- eBay Motors – sold listings for real-world prices
Always corroborate with multiple sources and consider a pre-purchase inspection to validate condition before buying or listing a Del Sol.
Summary
The Honda Del Sol’s value in 2026 hinges on condition, mileage, and how well the car preserves originality. Most driver-condition examples fall in the $4,000–$15,000 range, while well-kept VTEC variants and low-mile cars can push toward or beyond $20,000. For show-quality or highly original pieces, prices can exceed this. Always check current market data across several sources, account for maintenance history and originality, and tailor your pricing to local demand and the car’s unique story.
Bottom line: if you’re shopping for a Del Sol or considering selling one, the key is to evaluate condition and originality against up-to-date market data, with particular attention to whether you’re dealing with a VTEC model and a well-documented ownership history.