I'm looking at a 97 Del Sol SI but the dealers price seems high. Here's what I know after first look. No accidents on record, 88.7k miles, paint/body/interior look good.
Now the bad. Headlights are severely oxidized OEM trash lense design, maintainence unknown, including state of timing belt. Roof seals are pitted showing neglect but dealer claims no leaks. Shop they had inspect the car reported some rust damage in the rear undercarriage.
Do to current 16 degree, icy weather I have not yet been able to go underneath to check the reported rust. With the dealer demanding 5k, should I walk away or should I gamble on losing it and try to push them to come down on price?

 

Walk away. There are much better options for newer vehicles at 5k.

 

Thank you. with the report of rust damage, that was my first though, especially with the state of critical maintenance unknown.

FYI I'm weary of anything too new a model year with how tech bloated they are and the issues that come with that.

 

Under 100K miles confirmed? Only 5K. Would depend on what motor is in it though.

I'd like to see you find a better deal on that low mileage of a Del Sol.

I understand you are talking a newer car, but as for the value of this car, I understand why they are asking 5K. I would see if you can talk them down but Dealers don't tend to budge as they want to make some money on it.

Also you can bring a floor jack and take a peek at the undercarriage. Just to be sure that it's superficial.

 

TomCat39 there's no evidence of an engine swap so its either the D16Z6 or, like the 99 Civic EX I used to have, D16Y8 if I remember the block code correctly. As noted in my original post, what makes me weary of 5k is the unknown state of maintenance, especially timing belt and the reported rust. The positive part for me is i used to own a 93 SI so I have a good understanding of the cars +/-s such as my 93 having the infamous roof leak. Beyond that i prefer a Sol because of their driving characteristics, tunability and easy to work on. In the end, i rather lose this particular Del Sol than end up buying someone elses problem child.

Now I'm curious though. Have any of you experienced snap rotation in your Del Sols? Maybe it was the chassis/suspension tuning in my old Sol?

 

I meant newer as in 1g TSX, RSX, 8th gen civics etc. They are becoming more affordable these days.

Suit yourself.

 

If the prices on those cars comes down enough I wouldn't mind one. But one cost factor is at this job, I was brought in at Field Supervisor pay grade to help me start the job immediately inspite of being a 2 hour weekly commute and needing lodging for the week, under the condition i grow into the job title by the 1 year review but I didn't make the cut so my take home pay went down from $1063 to $789/2 weeks so I'm trying to avoid a loan.

 

For me the timing belt and water pump is no big deal. I personally change them on any car I buy regardless. My concern is the roof leak and the undercarriage rust severity. The low mileage is paramount, means lots of life left on parts once you swap the timing belt, which is due about now anyway at that mileage.

Once again, that's me. But I would also see if they would come down to 3500-3800. I don't think I'd be willing to spend a full 5K. I would also be checking all the boots and bushing for condition. They will also help confirm the mileage is confirmed by being in better shape than usual. Even though the age, the rubber does tend to start dry rotting.

 

Good points TomCat39 and your right about rubber parts. In my experience and from working in a power equipment shop, rubber parts should be replaced, on average, every 4 to 6 years depending on application and usage/environment.