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The Daily Dot

Chad Swiatecki is a 30-year journalist who relocated to Austin, TX from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He writes regularly for Austin Monitor, and has written for Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Daily News, Texas Monthly, Austin Business Journal, Austin American-Statesman and many other regional and national outlets.

Chad Swiatecki

two panel design with a woman looking with a smirk on her face and at the camera, next to an image on an AutoZone

‘How does this happen?’: Kia driver brings back jumper cables after one use. AutoZone worker can’t believe the state they are in

Rachel Kiley is a writer who sometimes writes things and sometimes is based in L.A., but is definitely always on Twitter @rachelkiley.

Rachel Kiley

‘I’m in the same car as them at this point’: Cadillac driver demands answers after seeing reflection in rearview mirror

Braden Bjella is a culture writer. His work can be found in Mixmag, Electronic Beats, Schon! magazine, and more.

Braden Bjella

Two panel image: on the left a person explains, on the right a person gives car keys to another person.

‘That’s a horrible idea’: Toyota technician says you should never turn in your keys like this at the mechanic

Grace Rampaul is a former intern at the Daily Dot. Grace is based in Austin and covers trending stories, entertainment, cultural phenomenon, and all things social.

Grace Rampaul

Two panel design with a woman looking and talking at the camera, next to an image of a Volvo logo

‘I ended up driving way more miles than I anticipated’: Woman leases 2022 Volvo XC-60 for 3 years. Then it runs out 

Diana &#8220;ladidai&#8221; Umana is a pop culture journalist based in NYC. She has her finger on the pulse URL and her feet on the ground IRL. The latest in music, lifestyle, internet culture, fashion, beauty, tech, and beyond—you name it, she knows it. Published in NYLON, Business Insider, REVOLT, and Yahoo, she&#8217;s your go-to girl for what&#8217;s now, what&#8217;s niche, and what&#8217;s next.

Diana Umana

‘SITUATIONAL AWARENESS’: Ex-Secret Service agent reveals how to safely pump gasoline at the station

Steve Ecker is a freelance reporter based in Austin, Texas. He has an extensive background in consumer marketing and is also an artist running Get Lost Collages.

Steve Ecker

Woman talking(l), Man with checklist inspecting car(R)

‘I didn’t check for this…’: Woman reveals little-known area you should always inspect before buying a car. Don’t skip this part

Alexandra Samuels is a national political reporter and contributor to the Daily Dot, where she started as an intern covering politics in the summer of 2016. She enjoys all things Marvel, keeping up with the latest TikTok trends, long walks with her pup, and reading murder-mystery novels.

Alexandra Samuels

Mechanic checking vehicle(l) Man listing out all issues with his vehicle(c) Man Calculating total cost of repairs(r)

‘This is how the Toyota dealership prices me for things’: Expert reveals the real reason mechanics inflate car repair costs

Parks Kugle is a writer and reporter based in San Antonio. His work has appeared in Lumina Literary Journal, Wicked Local Newspapers, and various publications across the U.S. He enjoys comics and gardening.

Parks Kugle

Side by side of three people from @genuineautomotiveatx's Tiktok.

‘Toyota?’: Experts settle the BMW vs. Mercedes debate. So, which one makes better cars?

2 panel image showing two mechanics explaining, in between them is a broken heart symbol.

‘We have to break customers’ hearts’: Mechanic says new Hyundais are ‘unreliable.’ Are 2025 models a good buy?

Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Ljeonida Mulabazi

man laughing(l) Acura Dealer Sign(c) Acura red vehicle(r)

‘That price is wild’: Dealership lists Acura RDX for $39,999. Then this man offers $28,500

Phil West is a veteran professional writer and editor, and his works include two nonfiction books and articles in myriad print and online publications.

Phil West

Toyota sign(l), Man talking(c), Two toyota camrys and text "they're both great"(r)

‘I’m gonna have to give that point to the early 2000s Toyota’: Expert compares 2024 Toyota Camry vs. 2000 model. So which one is actually better?

Mars Ramos is a museum educator and freelance writer. She loves long walks in nature, doing yoga, and baking brownies.

Mars Ramos

Two panel design with a man looking at the camera with a confused look on his face, next to an image of a Dodge Logo

‘This is why people do not trust most mechanics’: Dodge Dart driver takes car with unknown issue to 4 shops. Then an expert finally finds the all-too-common problem

Mustafa Gatollari has been an internet culture writer for over a decade. He has a passion for connecting what’s trending on social media to solid research—helping to separate clout-chasing claims from facts.

Mustafa Gatollari

Two panel design with a man sitting in car while looking at the camera and talking, next to an image of a car with the Cube logo

‘$300 factory option’: Car reviewer steps into Nissan Cube. Then he sees the ‘strangest’ feature

‘Alignments is SO worth it’: Mechanic says watch out for lifetime alignment deals. So, do you really need an alignment?

Armor All on shelf with text "doing thousands of dollars worth of damage"(l), Man talking(c), Walmart sign(r)

Cars