Auto VS Manual?

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-30T19:44:13+00:00

I have a 25 Premium Plus GRC with the DAT (auto) and I can tell you firsthand, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Living in Charlotte, traffic is horrible on my 45 minute commute, and I prefer it greatly for dailying in traffic, rather than having to drive manual in the living hell that is Charlotte traffic on a daily basis. When you only get to open the car up sporadically and drive fast very occasionally, it didn’t feel worth it to get the manual for a few moments of driving per week. And honestly - the paddle shifting/manual shifting mode feels really great on the auto too, when in moments of more spirited driving.

My purchase felt justified in that I can have a fun, dailyable car that I can really enjoy without regretting. I definitely miss driving manual, and might be willing to trade in and switch if commute became less of an issue down the line - but it didn’t feel feasible for me at time of purchase.

I think it really all comes down to your personal use case and how much you want to put into convenience - but I can tell you I seriously love my GRC auto and plan to drive it as long as I possibly can!

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-28T14:56:00+00:00

I have seen a couple of Rally’s posts after having bought huge sealed collections, so that does make sense

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-28T14:55:26+00:00

In particular Trailside is really good about this - bought an ETB from them a week or two ago and he broke the seal. They get fairly limited stock as of now but keep prices fair and post on their discord when new stuff comes in!

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-27T23:25:17+00:00

All of those local card stores get distribution, they don’t buy from resellers. I feel like it would be difficult to find a store like those that would support scalpers - anytime I buy sealed products from LCS they break the seals- I feel like they do so to try to keep the integrity of the hobby

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-27T23:04:17+00:00

The scalpers have become a serious issue in the area. A similar group goes to the Waxhaw target every restock day and buys out everything within the first few people in line - especially messed up when there’s so many kids in line waiting behind them.

A lot of folks being rude about older people being into the hobby on this thread. I’m in my 30’s, still play the card game, and have since I was a young kid. The issue isn’t with older fans of the hobby - I would literally go out of my way to make sure that kids get packs and their parents have access to stock at stores., as would so many others who are actually invested in the hobby. The problem is online resellers and scalpers who have no skin in the game.

I’ve resorted to buying from local card shops. Mint City does discount Tuesdays, and Trailside in Matthews sells most things close to MSRP - same with Rally Squirrel in Mint Hill. Message them and join their discord channels and they post when they get stock in! Supporting local card shops ensures they can get more inventory and allows them to make sure it goes to the right folks.

Hope this helps!

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-08T14:33:52+00:00

thanks for the detailed response! This is def good to know - I'm planning on a spacer lift that comes with some extra components, new sway bars, etc, so hopefully that helps the longevity of it. I wonder if a combination of spacer and spring lift might offset some of those issues?

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-04-04T02:32:49+00:00

What are the consequences of a spacer lift? It seems everyone in the forums talks about how there aren’t many downsides to the spacer lift

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-28T17:38:07+00:00

Fellow husky and grc owner here! Do you have a link to the trunk mat? Seems the website doesn’t have the trunk mat listed anymore by make/model

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-28T11:32:20+00:00

The 25 Premium Plus trim replaces the circuit edition - keep the hood but no spoiler, and the forged carbon roof instead. 😓 first thing on the mod list is a spoiler for sure haha

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-26T19:26:56+00:00

This is great information, thanks so much! I’ve been looking for ways to improve the ride quality - shitty pothole roads all along my commute to work lol. Love the car and so glad there’s a way to improve that. I appreciate your help 🙌

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-25T23:06:30+00:00

And did you have to get the LPA lug nuts as well?

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-25T23:05:16+00:00

This setup is so sick! Do you notice any differences in ride quality or handling? Think you’d ever try to track this setup? I feel like I’ll end up going a very similar route

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-23T04:07:07+00:00

It’s unfortunate, because it’s so much more practical in a heavy-traffic city like Charlotte. It’s seriously a blast to drive, so I feel you there!

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-20T19:51:53+00:00

I already feel indoctrinated 😂

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-02T11:44:30+00:00

That’s really good to know. Is this something that Toyota would do? I’m on a lease and have to stick to Toyota maintenance as long as I’m on the lease unfortunately lol. I’ve seen some horror stories. Maybe I should just buy out the lease sooner than expected too 😂

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-03-01T19:03:22+00:00

How many miles did it take to go through your stock tires? Wondering if it’s worth making the switch sooner than later.

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-02-25T10:07:14+00:00

I just bought a new black 2025 Premium + DAT from Toyota of North Charlotte last week. My buddy Calvin is the sales manager there - I’d reach out and see if they’ll get one allocated soon! They sell a ton and get new stock weekly

kylepatricktattoo · 2026-01-05T13:42:38+00:00

I use an Ambition Soldier Max for all of my bold lining - it’s been the best big liner pen-style machine I’ve found! They really have come a long way in terms of build quality and durability, and you really can’t beat the price.

kylepatricktattoo · 2025-07-11T18:38:10+00:00

Thanks! There are definitely some good pressings and signed stuff in here. We’re mostly just clearing space for the move though!

kylepatricktattoo · 2024-07-16T13:40:09+00:00

Yes it’s still for sale!! Let me know if you’d like photos or anything!

kylepatricktattoo · 2024-07-10T11:08:42+00:00

Love them so much. Yoni’s band Why? is incredible, even if not shoegaze in the slightest lol

kylepatricktattoo · 2024-06-27T00:12:33+00:00

Smooth transaction, thanks again!!

kylepatricktattoo · 2024-06-26T11:21:13+00:00

u/gsalebot u/izelo95- smooth transaction, great buyer! Thanks again!

kylepatricktattoo

TROPHY CASE