The team at Motor1.com spends their days writing about, driving, and debating cars. But what do the people behind the reviews actually drive when they clock out? Curiosity among readers is high, so here’s a look inside the garages of the editorial, video, and social teams in 2026. The mix is surprisingly diverse: practical family haulers alongside performance machines, modern EVs mixed with classic German engineering.
Practicality Meets Passion: The Daily Drivers
Several staff members prioritize usability alongside their automotive enthusiasm. Adrian Padeanu, News Editor for Europe, relies on a 2017 Skoda Octavia. He acknowledges it’s not glamorous, but it fits his life as a family man and occasional taxi driver for his seven-year-old daughter. The Octavia’s spacious trunk and reliable 1.8 TSI engine make it a workhorse, though he admits a manual transmission in city traffic is becoming less appealing.
Anthony Alaniz, Associate Editor, embodies a different flavor of practicality. He owns both a 2013 Ford Mustang and a 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis. Growing up in Detroit shaped his taste for American steel; the Mustang was a post-college impulse buy, while the Grand Marquis is a recent addition awaiting a full restoration. Alaniz isn’t shy about the Mustang’s rough history – three accidents, including a raccoon encounter – but it remains a family vehicle with over 128,000 miles.
The Enthusiast’s Corner: Obsessions and Projects
Not all choices are purely logical. Chris Rosales, Associate Editor, owns three cars, two of which are arguably “stupid.” A highly modified 2002 Honda S2000 (Spa Yellow Pearl, with every upgrade imaginable) coexists with a neglected 1987 BMW 325is and a remarkably practical 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Rosales’s Jetta, bought new before Dieselgate, has 284,000 miles and remains his favorite car: reliable, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly fun. The S2000 exists purely for late-night canyon runs, while the E30 remains a stalled project.
Jeff Glucker, Senior Editor, leans into the project car life even harder. His daily driver is a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero, heavily modified for off-road adventures and camping at racing events. Alongside it sit a neglected 1967 Ford Mustang (dubbed NONWICK, awaiting a 351 swap) and a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD wagon, which hasn’t run in a decade but still holds potential.
The Modern Mix: Balancing Needs and Wants
Jeff Perez, Editor-in-Chief, initially resisted BMWs but ended up with a 2024 BMW 230i xDrive M Sport. After being priced out of a Lexus IS500 and frustrated by GR Corolla markups, he settled on the 230i for its comfort, style, and reasonable price. He admits it’s not the most exciting car, but it hits all the right notes for his lifestyle.
Maddox Kay, Automotive Social Media Editor, maintains a pair of aging German cars in a secure off-site location: a 2006 Porsche Cayman S and a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The Cayman is a childhood dream realized, while the SL500 is a never-ending restoration project.
The Unpredictable: A Final Look
Finally, Michael Roselli, Head of Video, owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS and a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.
The Motor1 staff’s garages reflect a broad range of priorities, from practicality to pure automotive obsession. It’s a reminder that even those who spend their days discussing cars still face the same choices: balancing needs, desires, and the occasional unfinished project.
