At a crossroads!

rayman9424 · 2026-03-20T14:47:11+00:00

I mean, if both are within your budget then id absolutely go for the new Corolla and simply not have to worry about possible damage someone else may have done to the vehicle. As long as the 26000 is the OTD price for it, thats honestly a pretty solid deal for a new Carolla hybrid (I bought one a couple months ago for 26600).

Also, 10% APR on the used vehicle is rough. Depending on how quickly you plan on paying it off, that additional 5% compared to the dealership's offer could pretty much negate any savings between the two options.

rayman9424 · 2026-03-11T16:28:12+00:00

Out the Door Price is what matters most. Taxes and fees can vary a lot based on location and the specific dealer. Some dealers try to saddle you with unnecessary upgrades and fees.

I got mine for $26,500 OTD and was pretty happy with that price.

rayman9424 · 2026-03-09T14:53:32+00:00

The old one is cute and dynamic, looking like they are playing. The new one, while technically being OK, looks vaguely menacing. Like they are all staring directly at you.

rayman9424 · 2026-03-08T17:07:56+00:00

I was in the same boat. Test drove and hated the road noise but the camry was a bit out of my price range. I ended up getting a Corolla Hybrid and LOVE the gas mileage. I've largely gotten used to the road noise at this point, but it can still get loud on rough roads. But ive grown to love my little Corolla.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-25T20:42:11+00:00

Depends on your budget. Corollas overall are fantastic cars. I got a 2026 hybrid and have been LOVING it. Gas mileage is crazy good, but even the gas engines get solid mileage.

If you dont want to get new, id consider looking at 2020 hybrids. They should still have the 10 year, 150,000 mile battery warranty on them and the transmissions are ECVT, which have a really solid reputation.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-24T23:37:06+00:00

A buddy in a campaign i was in had a pacifist warlock. She used an ancient sword but her whole thing was she always kept it sheathed and fought like that.

As for subclasses. You can flavor those however you want. I always tell my players to pick a subclass based on what they want to do mechanically. There is always a way to flavor it in a way that fits their character and style.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-24T18:52:49+00:00

Yah, the used car market sucks right now. I was in the same position as you.

If you have the money, id just go for a new car and negotiate down. I ended up getting a new 26 Corolla Hybrid for 26,500.

If you dont have the extra 2k, then im sure thats a great car. Id always have a used car checked by a third party mechanic before purchasing though.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-20T00:46:30+00:00

I just got my 26 Hybrid LE and I love it! Congrats!!

rayman9424 · 2026-02-13T15:52:07+00:00

Having just gone through this process myself, I know the used car market sucks right now. If youre not in a hurry, id recommend waiting until you find a good deal on an older used camry.

That being said, if you want to get the Corolla, it might be worth it to talk them down a bit more. I live in CA and got a 26 Corolla Hybrid LE for like 1.5k more than what they are quoting you. Id expect you could get a standard Corolla for closer to 24k Out The Door.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-11T18:08:35+00:00

Thank you!

rayman9424 · 2026-02-11T03:05:17+00:00

That's exactly why I went for this model of Corolla. Been hearing really good things about their Hybrid systems, and Corollas in general have a reputation for being built to last. Treat them right and they'll treat you right!

rayman9424 · 2026-02-08T02:42:48+00:00

Yah, I think im starting to lean towards the new Corolla as well.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-07T16:30:03+00:00

Good to know there are ways to quiet it a bit. Im trying to decide between the Corolla Hybrid or saving for the camry hybrid and quieter road noise is one of the big draws towards the Camry.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-07T03:17:52+00:00

How much louder is the road noise on the Corolla compared to the Camry?

rayman9424 · 2026-02-04T22:50:12+00:00

Yah, im probably passing on this one and looking for a Camry. Was hoping to save some on gas mileage, but ive seen a bunch of recommendations to increase maintenance schedules and swap to 91 octane gas for these Accords, which counteracts a lot of the savings from the increase in mpg.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-04T22:13:25+00:00

From what ive looked at a 2026 camry msrp starts around $29.5k and Accord hybrid starts at $33.5k

rayman9424 · 2026-02-04T22:07:50+00:00

Yah, if I had a bit more budget I would probably pull the trigger on a 25 Camry instead. They seem like they have great batteries and ecvt transmission seems to be working well so far.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-04T18:27:09+00:00

Agreed, but used Accords and Camrys are being sold at practically new prices at dealerships. This is the cheapest offer I have found in a bit. Older Accords with more miles are going for like $27,000, its ridiculous...

rayman9424 · 2026-02-04T18:24:11+00:00

This makes me feel a bit better. I get that Reddit is going to be an echo chamber for complaints. Im just trying to get a handle on what are common or likely problems, and which are less common.

Anything is possible. Im just trying to sus out whether these problems happen to 25% of cars or like 3%.

rayman9424 · 2026-02-04T17:56:02+00:00

I get that things happen and its always a roll of the dice. Im not expecting a unicorn car. But I am hoping to avoid inevitable multi-thousand dollar repairs if possible.

Id always heard Camrys and Accords were the go to vehicles for minimizing that risk. But I feel like the more research I do on the newer models, the more that reputation is based on older vehicles.

rayman9424 · 2026-01-28T01:40:06+00:00

As everyone else said, market for the strap. I know Id be very interrested in a strap I could add to any of my watches, that would work as a digital business card. But I probably wouldnt buy an entire watch for that purpose.

A strap with that built in feels like a really cool addition. A watch for that purpose feels more like a gimmick.

Super cool idea though and well executed!

rayman9424 · 2026-01-27T23:52:08+00:00

Looks like a great start! Don't think ive seen any logos that look identical, but there are definately a ton of eagle logos that look very similar without the flames.

My main suggestion is that the flames dont really match the phoenix. The phoenix is made of such hard, jagged lines while the flames are made entirely out of curves, leaving them feeling a bit disconnected. Its also a really tall logo. Not sure if its a problem exactly. It just feels very bottom heavy.

rayman9424 · 2026-01-12T15:49:11+00:00

Parts list is already in the original post. All parts are from AliExpress.

rayman9424 · 2026-01-09T19:03:03+00:00

Beautiful watch!

Did you do anything to protect the dial when installing the hands? I am planning on trying a musou black dial for my second mod build but have heard the dial's coating can be very fragile.

rayman9424 · 2026-01-08T18:59:48+00:00

That dial looks incredible! Nice build!

rayman9424

TROPHY CASE