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I was really pleased when we were asked to review this garage. I've been eyeing up a few lately for Elliott as he has quite a collection of vehicles now and nowhere to take them. We did have a cheap flimsy plastic version which I detest as it comes apart during every use with the slightest pressure, and I get shouts of "Mum!! Come and fix it!" every five minutes.
Mike's Auto Garage however, I am pleased to say, is in a different league. It looks fantastic with its cool fifties retro design, is good quality, and it's really strong and sturdy. It comes flat packed so there is a fair bit of construction to be done, but the instructions were simple to follow and I managed all by myself with no bits left over! *proud cheesy grin* (Although I would recommend an extra pair of hands to hold bits in place while they are being screwed in as it would have taken me half the time to build.) Really impressed with the super speedy delivery too.
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When Elliott saw the box, he was immediately very excitable and very enthused by the picture on the front. After banishing him to his room while I put it together, the big reveal for him was well worth the wait, and I can tell you that the novelty has by no means worn off. This is clearly a toy with big play value that is going to last. My initial impression is I’m very impressed! Now I just need to see if it can stand the test of a very boisterous little boy…
Elliott was particularly taken with the working lift with a winding mechanism to send the cars up and down to the different levels, and enjoyed sending the two vehicles included, a red van and a blue racing car back down the ramps. Then it was time to refuel with the petrol pump which has a nozzle that fits into a hole in the cars. We also have a city vehicle set from Le Toy Van which is compatible, so E had them all queuing to be filled up. Also included are traffic cones, road signs, and a set of traffic lights. There is a helipad on the roof of the lift tower, but sadly no helicopter to land there. It would have been nice to have one included, and maybe a couple more vehicles. The ground level has a race track with pit stop and Elliott enjoyed competing with his friends over the weekend. The children, a mix of boys and girls from two and a half to six all loved it, and there was ample room all round for four of them to play at once. After taking quite a hammering, it still looks good as new.
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In summary, I think this is one of the best garages on the market in terms of looks, quality and value for money. It's a lovely design, and not babyish like some others I've seen, so great for older children. I would highly recommend for any child into cars aged three plus.
