1989 Dodge Daytona: Dad Surprised Me; My Grades Improved; Dreams Came True
About this episode
Reflecting on his first car, a 1989 Dodge Daytona, the host shares personal stories about how it influenced his life and academic performance. He reminisces about the thrill of pop-up headlights, the smell of manual transmission fluid, and the freedom cars represent. The conversation touches on memorable road trips, the challenges of owning a problematic BMW, and the emotional connection to a Nissan 300ZX. The episode also explores the significance of automotive memories, the evolution of driving with modern technology, and the importance of preserving classic cars.
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In this special “host‑becomes‑guest” episode of To All the Cars I’ve Loved Before, co‑host Doug pulls back the curtain on his own automotive story—from the moment his dad surprised him with a 1989 Dodge Daytona (silver, pop‑up headlights, 125‑mph speedo dreams) to finally owning the Nissan 300ZX he lusted after in high school. Along the way Doug revisits:
- The unmistakable manual‑transmission fluid smell that still triggers vivid “garage memories.”
- Why a 2000 BMW 323Ci (E46) convertible became his worst car and ultimate “never again” lesson.
- A fog‑soaked, pre‑GPS road‑trip mishap in a rusty Jeep CJ‑7 that ended with a broken driveshaft.
- The mixtape tracks—“Silent Lucidity” by Queensrÿche & “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots—that defined his cruising years.
- A dream garage trifecta: twin‑turbo 300ZX, last‑gen Mazda RX‑7 (FD), and his beloved DeLorean.
- How semi‑autonomous driving / Tesla Autopilot transformed his view of road trips and traffic.
- The hugely under‑appreciated 1989 Nissan 240SX that balanced handling perfection with driving legend status.
Plus: stick‑shift lessons from Dad, the debate over cars having souls, and Doug’s one rule for classic‑car mods. Whether you’re into classic cars, JDM icons, car restoration, or just great car podcast stories, this episode packs in nostalgia, hard‑won wisdom, and plenty of pop‑up‑headlight love.
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Dodge Daytona
"So, my very first car was a 1989 Dodge Daytona, and it was silver in color..."
The Dodge Daytona is a car that was made by Dodge in the late 1980s. It was known for its cool features, like headlights that popped up when you turned them on.
The Dodge Daytona was a compact car produced by Dodge in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its sporty design and performance features. The 1989 model was part of the first generation and was popular for its unique styling and technology, like pop-up headlights.
manual transmission fluid
"The real answer is manual transmission fluid, and that smell never seemed to escape me..."
Manual transmission fluid is a special oil used in cars that have a manual gear system. It helps the car change gears smoothly and keeps the parts inside working well.
Manual transmission fluid is a lubricant specifically designed for vehicles with manual transmissions. It helps ensure smooth gear shifting and protects the internal components of the transmission from wear and tear.
BMW 323 CI
"my worst car was a 2000 BMW 323 CI convertible, and I say worse because it was an early production model. 2000 was the first year of the new E46 body style."
The BMW 323 CI is a convertible car from the year 2000, part of the 3 Series lineup. Some early versions had problems that made them less reliable.
The BMW 323 CI is a model from the E46 generation of the 3 Series, known for its sporty design and driving dynamics. However, early production models like the one mentioned may have had reliability issues.
BMW 323
"...edom. So, I would say my worst car was a 2000 BMW 323 CI convertible, and I say worse because it was an..."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that's known for being fun to drive and having nice features. The 2000 model, especially the convertible version, can have some problems, which is why some people say it wasn't the best choice.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a staple in the automotive market since the 1970s, known for its sporty performance and luxury features. The 2000 BMW 323 CI convertible, while offering a fun driving experience, is often criticized for its reliability issues and maintenance costs.
lemon law
"I probably could have traded it in on the lemon law, but I opted to let them extend the warranty."
Lemon laws help people who buy cars that have serious problems. If a car can't be fixed after several tries, the owner might get their money back or a new car.
Lemon laws are regulations that provide a remedy for purchasers of cars that fail to meet quality and performance standards. If a car is deemed a 'lemon,' the owner may be entitled to a replacement or refund.
Jeep CJ7
"...I can think of two tied to this car. One was with my Jeep CJ7. I think it was the early 80s. It was just beat up, rusty..."
The Jeep CJ7 is an older model of Jeep that is built for off-roading. It was made from 1976 to 1986 and is popular among people who like to drive on rough terrain.
The Jeep CJ7 is a classic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and versatility. It was produced from 1976 to 1986 and is part of the CJ (Civilian Jeep) series, which has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts.
drive shaft
"Turns out that the drive shaft broke, and so the drive shaft was just spinning. So, parked it on the side of the road."
The drive shaft is a part of the car that helps move power from the engine to the wheels. If it breaks, the car can't drive properly.
The drive shaft is a crucial component in a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. When it breaks, it can lead to a loss of power delivery, which is what happened in this case.
Nissan 300Zx
"...od friend of mine played that all the time in his Nissan 300ZX. So, if money was no object, what three cars woul..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sporty car that many people loved in the late '80s and early '90s. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, and it has a stylish look that makes it stand out.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s for its performance, advanced technology, and sleek design. It is part of the Z-car lineage and is often celebrated for its balance of power and handling.
twin-turbo
"So, I would say a twin-turbo version of my 300ZX, along with certainly the money to maintain it."
Twin-turbo means the car has two turbochargers that help the engine produce more power, making it faster and more efficient.
A twin-turbo setup uses two turbochargers to increase engine power and efficiency. This configuration can provide better performance compared to a single turbo.
Mazda Rx7
"have in my dream garage? So, I would say a twin-turbo version of my 300ZX, along with certainly the money to maintain it. A FD, or if you will, last generation of the Mazda RX-7. And my DeLorean, which I already have. So, I am one-third of the way there."
The Mazda RX-7 is a cool sports car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine, which is different from most cars. It's known for being light and fun to drive, especially the last version made, which many people really love.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its unique rotary engine, which offers a high power-to-weight ratio and exceptional handling. The final generation, the FD, is particularly revered among enthusiasts for its sleek design and performance capabilities, making it a desirable addition to any dream garage.
Delorean DMC-12
"...u will, last generation of the Mazda RX-7. And my DeLorean, which I already have. So, I am one-third of the ..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a famous car that looks really unique with its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's well-known because it was used in the 'Back to the Future' movies, making it a popular choice for collectors.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gullwing doors, famously featured in the 'Back to the Future' movies. Produced in the early 1980s, it represents a unique blend of futuristic design and automotive history.
Nissan Z
"...And all of a sudden, I remembered the Z, the Z I never got purchased. And lo and behold, I found the Z. I probably pulled the trigger too quickly..."
The Nissan Z is a line of sports cars made by Nissan. They are known for being fun to drive and have been popular for many years.
The Nissan Z refers to a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, known for their performance and iconic design. The Z series has a rich history, with models like the 240Z, 350Z, and the latest 400Z continuing the legacy.
Nissan 240SX
"I would say for the time it was my 1989 Nissan 240SX. It didn't have a lot of power, but it handled wonderfully."
The Nissan 240SX is a sporty car from the late '80s that is popular among car enthusiasts, especially for drifting. It's known for being fun to drive and is now considered valuable.
The Nissan 240SX is a compact sports car that gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and balanced handling. It's particularly sought after in the drifting community due to its lightweight and tunable nature.
JDM
"just because they're so desirable for drifting and really all things JDM, Japanese, domestic market cars..."
JDM means cars that were made for Japan. People outside Japan really like these cars because they can be special or different from what is available in their own countries.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are made specifically for the Japanese market. These cars are often highly sought after by enthusiasts outside Japan due to their unique features and performance.
muscle memory
"And the first time I drove that car, it was total muscle memory. I knew exactly to take that key out without even thinking of it."
Muscle memory is when your body remembers how to do something, like driving a car, so you can do it without thinking about it.
Muscle memory refers to the process by which the brain encodes and remembers motor tasks, allowing individuals to perform them automatically without conscious thought. This is often developed through repetition.
stick shift
"And their cars were stick shift. It was just how involved they were in the process of driving the car..."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that you have to change gears by hand. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A stick shift, or manual transmission, requires the driver to manually change gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This type of transmission offers more control over the vehicle's performance.
electric power steering
"because I really do like the electric power steering that I added to my DeLorean. It really makes the car like a different car..."
Electric power steering helps you steer the car by using an electric motor. It makes turning the steering wheel easier, especially at low speeds.
Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist the driver in steering the vehicle, making it easier to turn the wheel. This technology can enhance driving comfort and responsiveness.
semi-autonomous driving
"For the last question, which automotive invention do I think has changed driving the most? I would say semi-autonomous driving, call it auto cruise, call it self driving, call it autopilot, if you will. That has changed driving for me tremendously because I used to hate sitting in traffic."
Semi-autonomous driving means the car can help you drive by itself for certain tasks, like keeping a safe distance from other cars. It makes driving easier, especially in heavy traffic.
Semi-autonomous driving refers to vehicle technology that allows a car to perform some driving tasks without human intervention, such as maintaining speed and distance from other vehicles. This technology enhances convenience and safety, especially in traffic situations.
autopilot
"...call it autopilot, if you will. That has changed driving for me tremendously because I used to hate sitting in traffic."
Autopilot is a system in some cars that helps drive by itself, taking care of things like steering and speed. It's especially useful when you're stuck in traffic.
Autopilot is a feature in some modern vehicles that allows for automated driving functions, such as steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. It's commonly associated with Tesla's self-driving technology.
FSD
"In fact, I will purchase the supervised FSD. It's a hundred bucks a month or so. When"
FSD means Full Self-Driving, a feature from Tesla that lets the car drive itself more than regular autopilot. It includes extra tools to help with driving.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a package offered by Tesla that includes advanced driving features allowing for more autonomous operation of the vehicle. It aims to enable the car to navigate and drive itself in various conditions.
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