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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

Toyota Highlander(l) Toyota Dealer Sign(c) Toyota shifter(r)

‘At least get the Pathfinder’: Driver trades in 2024 Grand Highlander for a 2025 Nissan Rogue. But was it really an ‘upgrade?’

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

Bodywash Grease X on store self(l) O' reilly store sign(c) Man taking a shower(r)

‘This is actually genius for some folks’: O’Reilly’s customer shocked when he discovers the store sells body wash. Then he learns the reason why

Gerard Conroy is a freelance writer covering internet culture, human interest stories, and the cultural shifts defining modern life. Growing up in a small town and now living in a big city, he brings a broad perspective to viral moments—connecting them to larger cultural forces with equal parts sharp analysis and humor. He also enjoys writing about fitness, music, and the evolution of food and drink culture.

Gerard Conroy

Split image. Photo of odometer with text over image reading: "chose no car payment and now I drive a 14 year old Toyota Camry LE that I payed only $1,500 for and only have to fill up my gas once a month." on the left. Photo of Toyota logo on car on the right.

‘Where are y’all finding cars under $3K?’: Woman buys 2011 Toyota Camry LE for $1,500. Then she realizes it has hidden benefits

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

Gmc Denali(l) Woman shares concern over car branding(c) GMC logo and Denali Mark on pickup(r)

‘Drives me bonkers’: Woman calls out GMC drivers who tell people that they drive a Denali. Then she reveals why it’s so misleading

Split image. Under the hood of Lexus car on left. Lexus logo on right.

‘I thought Toyota was a go?’: Man says his Lexus IS200T gave out in the driveway. Then viewers take a closer look

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

Screenshot of Tiktok user @slumericanstarbenwa; Photo of an AutoZone exterior.

‘Started a fire’: Man returns jumper cables to AutoZone after just one use. What could he have possibly done to cause this?

Je&#8217;Kayla Crawford was a trending news intern for the Daily Dot. Her work can be found at Distractify, Dexerto, and more.

Je’Kayla Crawford

Two panel design with a woman looking at the camera making a pinch gesture with her hand, next to an image of a Ford Explorer.

‘It drives better than the day I got it’: Ford dealership quotes driver $8K to fix ‘broken’ transmission. Then a friend takes a look at it

man shares which is the worst honda civic(l) Honda Dealer Sign(c) interior of honda civic(r)

‘I already know 3 of them that haven’t made it to 100,000 miles’: Expert says this is the worst Honda Civic model

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

2 image split. Kia car being held up at mechanic on left. Kia key fob and logo on car on right.

‘She’s smoked’: Customer states her 2023 Kia Telluride suddenly gave out. Then the service technician pulls out the oil filter

Mazda Dealer Sign(l) Woman shares new shortages coming to Mazda(l) Silhouette of Mazda Vehicle(r)

‘We are in the FAFO stage’: Mazda dealership worker says that this popular model is about to be gone for good. Then she reveals why

Brooke Sjoberg is a freelance writer who graduated with her Bachelors in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020.

Brooke Sjoberg

Screenshot of Tiktok user @the_urban_lumberjack; Photo of a Discount Tire exterior.

‘I still got plenty of tread on my tires’: Man goes to Discount Tire for a simple tire balancing. Then the worker refuses

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 explains what happened when he needed to change batteries on his car(l) Toyota Feather Flags(c) Mechanic holding car battery(r)

‘That’s all the gas money you saved’: Man needs new Toyota Prius battery. Then the dealership gives him a quote

Screenshot of Tiktok user @alexthecardoctor; Photo of an open sunroof.

‘This little seal don’t do anything’: Mechanic says all sunroofs leak. Then he shows this little-known water bottle trick to fix it

Screenshot from Tiktok user @.ezel_ezelakos of an open glove compartment; Photo illustration of a hand opening a glove compartment with illustrated rays emerging from the opening.

‘If it works, it works’: Man’s glove compartment just won’t close. Then he comes up with an ingenious solution

Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, and more.

Melody Heald

2 image split. Someone holding canisters of oil with overlaying text that reads: "Just a reminder that you can take your old oil to Autozone and they'll dispose of it for free (four thumbs up emojis) on left. Autozone store on right.

Cars