I have owned a 1985 new, a 1992 new, now have a 1993 used and a 1984 Turbo Z used. All over the last 27 years; so I can give you almost as good info as a couple of other members who have actually taken apart and rebuilt, and owned several more than me.
The first and 2nd gen were built in St Louis. 2nd gen (1987-91) has the pop-up headlights. 3rd gen was made in a different plant, I forget whether it was the Sterling Heights or Normal plant. What I have notice is that:
They are equally reliable in general.
First gen seems to have the least rust; 3rd gen the most.
The worst rust is at the rocker panels and rear crossmember. Both can be repaired if you or someone you know can weld.
Personally, I like the style of the gen 1 exterior best, the 2nd the least. The 3rd gen, I like the exterior style, and I like the *features* of the 3rd gen interior, although the dash may not be as attractive. I REALLY like having a handbrake, and the turn signal lever on the dash, and cruise control on the wheel. The radio is much easier to reach on the 3rd gen.
The A523 of the 3rd gen is the best, smoothest-shifting transmission. It glides into each gear. The A525 of the first gen is notchy and sometimes balky on downshifts.
2.2 and 2.5, no difference in reliability or serviceability.
Daytonas are almost impossible to find in the Northeast. I flew to Alamaba to buy my 84 from another member. I drove to the Hudson Valley to find my 93, and it was very rusty; I had it fixed. I NEVER see any on the road, ever, around MA, though there is one in my city owned by someone who goes to Carlisle every year.
The first and 2nd gen were built in St Louis. 2nd gen (1987-91) has the pop-up headlights. 3rd gen was made in a different plant, I forget whether it was the Sterling Heights or Normal plant. What I have notice is that:
They are equally reliable in general.
First gen seems to have the least rust; 3rd gen the most.
The worst rust is at the rocker panels and rear crossmember. Both can be repaired if you or someone you know can weld.
Personally, I like the style of the gen 1 exterior best, the 2nd the least. The 3rd gen, I like the exterior style, and I like the *features* of the 3rd gen interior, although the dash may not be as attractive. I REALLY like having a handbrake, and the turn signal lever on the dash, and cruise control on the wheel. The radio is much easier to reach on the 3rd gen.
The A523 of the 3rd gen is the best, smoothest-shifting transmission. It glides into each gear. The A525 of the first gen is notchy and sometimes balky on downshifts.
2.2 and 2.5, no difference in reliability or serviceability.
Daytonas are almost impossible to find in the Northeast. I flew to Alamaba to buy my 84 from another member. I drove to the Hudson Valley to find my 93, and it was very rusty; I had it fixed. I NEVER see any on the road, ever, around MA, though there is one in my city owned by someone who goes to Carlisle every year.