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!

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.

We considered the step 2 little kid one, but our kids really like adrenaline and would have quickly outgrown it. This coaster is fast and durable. My husband (6'2 and 250lbs) even went down once and it held up. Our kids have both played on it all day since assembly. Our one year old loves climbing up and down the stairs and they put toys down the track to watch them roll. The make forts and crawl under it. The speed is impressive and a very smooth ride. I highly recommend this to families looking to entertain their kiddos for hours of fun. It is 17 feet in length and will be moving outside when it is nicer weather here in Oregon. For now, the entertainment value is worth having it divide our living room and kitchen area.The only negative was the ease of assembly. It would be nice for instructions in color to aid in assembly. Biggest advice is to use youtube and there are multiple people who filmed their assembly which helped. After it is together, it is just great!Best Christmas present for an almost 3 year old and almost 1 year old!

I was looking for something my daughter would not get tired of so easily. Based on reviews we decided on the Step2 Hot Wheels Extreme Coaster, and it does not disappoint! It took my husband about an hour or so to assemble. It comes in 3 boxes, was packed well, with all parts included. It's a sturdy contraption, and the selling point for me was being made in USA. My daughter hopped on and hasn't stopped grinning, laughing and smiling . She happily hops on, pushes off, and down she goes! I like that she has to push it up manually, so it's not a passive activity. Surprisingly it is very safe. For reference she is 5 years old about 40 pounds. This was well worry the money. She likes this way more than her swing set. Buy it!

The media could not be loaded. My kids are 1 & 5 years old, they cant get enough is this roller coaster. Assembly was simple if you followed the instructions step by step, but very time consuming, it took me well over 2 hours to build. The bright orange track, makes my son feel like he’s in a legit Hot Wheels car. I love watching them take turns and playing together. They have played on it so much we have little track marks on our lawn. All in all, it’s money well spent.