Step2 Hot Wheels Extreme Thrill Coaster Ride On

The first few things I noticed, even before assembly:1. The coaster is shipped in three very large boxes, but the boxes aren't too heavy. Each box has the name of the toy on the exterior, but no pictures of it. (So, if you are trying to surprise a pre-reader, you might be ok even if the boxes are spotted.)2. You need a socket wrench for assembly. You will also need a hammer, Philips head screwdriver, and a wrench. The socket wrench surprised me--if you don't already have one, maybe you can add one to your order of this toy.3. The weight limit is 80 pounds. I was very happy with this, because I am pretty confident in Step2 quality, and it's nice to know my kids will be able to play on it for a long time.4. It is not supposed to be exposed to freezing/subfreezing temperatures. This ramp is not collapsible, or easily disassembled. (The pieces are screwed together, not just slid together like a puzzle. So, after assembly, it's one solid piece.) It's very large. You may decide to protect and cover it during cold temperatures instead of trying to find a place for it, and move it, indoors. (This no-freezing-temperature warning could very well be the recommendation for all Step2 products, but I've never noticed it.) I'm also very concerned that removing/replacing the screws will damage the plastic and make the toy unsafe.Assembly was typical. Not easy, but not extremely difficult or frustrating. The individual pieces are very light. The screw holes are not pre-drilled, but they are indented and the screws are sharp/pointy enough to cause no issues.Ignore the instruction book photos of the ramp being assembled upside-down, and flip it on its side. It is SO MUCH easier that way. Also: MAKE SURE the ramp parts are lined up correctly (this is where the sideways assembly really helps) before using the screws. It is possible to attach them securely, and then realize you have to undo and redo the connections because the ramp isn't even.You also need to use washers on the wheel axles. The directions clearly illustrate this, but the wheels are almost impossible to take apart when they are assembled. Good for the security or kids riding, not so good for absent-minded toy assemblers who suddenly realize there are extra washers even though everything is done. ;)SO MUCH FUN!!! Oh man, my kids love this as much as I had hoped. (Ages 4 and 6-now-7.) They had ridden other Step2 Coasters and loved them. and they were thrilled with this Extreme Thrill coaster. The ramp itself starts high enough to give a real adventurous feel. There's a satisfying bump, which sometimes brings the kids slightly up out of the seat. The momentum sends the car speeding off way after it has left the track--it usually travels from 5 to 15 feet, (I think--judging it in comparison to the 12 foot track) depending on if the coaster is setting on any sort of slope, and factors like the weight of the rider and the "launch speed."It's easy for the kids to reset the car by pushing it up the ramp, and to launch while sitting in the car.The car will definitely leave tracks in dirt and/or grass if used repeatedly in the same spot. It also needs a good clearance--no (moving or parked) cars, trees, cliffs, swing sets, other kids, pets, fences, holes in the ground, etc. During one ride, my son's car hit something on the ground, and he dumped out of it forward. The kids in the ads all have helmets. I think knee and/or elbow pads may be more practical and logical. But all of those precautions may be dependent on your kids. (Some kids become more fearless and reckless when wearing a helmet, for example.)The dip in the track does collect water if the track is outside when there's rain. My son asked why there weren't holes there to drain the water, like the holes in the car's wheels. Good question. But I think that would present the problem of water gathering inside the structure--and possibly an entry point for bugs looking for a home. So, just be prepared to soak up the water after a storm, and/or have a couple of splashing rides.The toy has been left outside--like I said, it's not portable. So far, it has been a few months of mild spring/summer/fall weather in Pennsylvania.The durability has not been as good as I expected. We have been using the coaster for about 2 months, and I have noticed small "pinholes" in the plastic--I think some were there from the start, but some were only more recently noticeable. There has also been uneven discoloration, since it only happened to the bottom section, even though it isn't in partial shade or anything I can point to as the cause.There are metal rods in the car, so we've been keeping it inside to stay dry. There are lots of decals, and we applied them all, but we haven't had any peeling occur.Overall, the discoloration and deterioration is concerning, but this toy has been so much fun for my kids and their friends I would still recommend it in a heartbeat."It's like a real roller coaster. A real one. In our yard!" -- 6 year old (Who has never ridden, only seen, real roller coasters)

Seriously the BEST toy for kids. They loved it and used it or MANY years. We purchased for Christmas and have had it outside for many years. They ranged from 1 to 14 years old!

I bought this impulsively because I have no self-control or concept of how large ten feet is.It's huge. I would describe it as "playground equipment" not "a toy you can set up easily." It is a permanent fixture wherever you build it. I mean it moves around but once you put the track together you are not getting that baby apart again.It makes a great track for small cars. Your Roomba will be alarmed and confused by it if you, like I did, choose unwisely to set it up inside. There is absolutely no convenient way to put it anywhere, unless you have a ten foot strip of wall that is totally unoccupied and feeds out to another ten foot strip of clear floor space for rolling to a stop.Best purchase ever. This has greatly inconvenienced and complicated my life. My toddler is obsessed. My whole day now consists of monitoring the activity on this horrible creation.When you set it up, I recommend actually following the instructions in order, and not randomly picking parts of the track and going "well it all goes together anyway, right?" The specific order accounts for the track bends and you'll have a way harder time if you ignore it. I'm not saying I did this. I'm just saying.10/10.

The media could not be loaded. Look no further for a roller coaster. This bad boy is absolutely gnarly! My parents told me my nieces and nephews would love it but I was skeptical; It looked small. The kids are 2, 4, 5 and 7. This behemoth of a toy is absolutely YUUUUGGGEEE! This thing makes Trump's proposed wall look like Wayne from Hunny I Shrunk the Kids took his laser to it. We gave it to them a couple days before Santa stopped by with all his lame little toys and believe me friends, they haven't STOPPED going down this bad lad! We told them to yell out "Hot Wheels!" before launching off faster than Elon Musk's Rockets, to warn others to get out da way or break yo legs! And that is all I hear all day. My lady friend is 31years old, 5'1", 105lbs (beautiful long hair, even though that doesn't matter at all I just wanted to brag) but anyhow, she has rode this Coaster multiple times and fits just fine on it. If ever you are looking for an awesome gift that will occupy kids from ages 2 to 31, BUY this NOW! Beware you better have a big spot for it with a runway as long as LAX cuz this monster screams off the track! Cheers!

The kids loved it! Assembling was as expected.Make sure to read directions carefully because it is hard to take apart some of the items once put into place.You'll need at least two people if you want to relocate this as it is large and long and mostly permanently joined.It is sturdy and holds the kids without wobbling.I had ours inside the living room at first then moved it outside onto the patio.The car does go slower on the carpet and a little faster going across concrete.I had the kids wear a bike helmet outside being that it's high up when getting into the car and surrounded by concrete/ patio.But all is good and haven't had any problems.The boys enjoyed playing with their Hot wheels cars sending them down the track (where the roller coaster car wheels ride) when they weren't taking rides down the roller coaster in the car.I recommend this product.