I bought this toy to cheer my little boy up when he was poorly. We'd been cooped up indoors for a week, after which I decided that he was well enough to stroll round Early Learning Centre. His little face lit up when he saw the Whizz Around Garage on display. Anything car related is always a winner, and it's bright attractive colours drew us in for a little play. Half an hour later, we owned one and it was a welcome addition to our home! The garage consists of a lift tower with three traffic lights on which light up as 'going up' type sounds play when the handle is pulled up and down. You can move your little cars between levels this way. It has a spiral ramp and a second ramp which is more like a wavy slide. The petrol and air pumps have big colourful buttons on them, which make appropriate noises and there's a car wash area with felt hangy down bits (don't know what to call them!). There's a helicopter landing pad at the top of the toy (which of course makes you feel obliged to run back to the shop and buy a separate helicopter!). The garage comes with three chunky cars which connect together magnetically. You can also buy other similar vehicles from ELC which can be used with the garage too.

**What we like**

It was very easy to put together- the pieces just slot into each other so that playtime can begin a few minutes after opening the box.
We enjoyed putting the stickers onto the ramp ourselves. (Well, ok- I did.)
Volume control means that the sounds aren't too loud if mummy's trying to watch TV...
My son can use most of his own cars on it (of which he has hundreds!)
Out of all of his toys- this one is the 'staple' toy which gets played with almost every day.
It's a sociable toy- his friends love to share playing time too. His cousin is 6 and enjoys it as much as he does at two.
It's stimulates imagination, and I often find him having a chat with it...it provides adaptable play for all ages (lights, sounds and colours for a baby- crashing, tumbling elaborate dramas for older kids!)
It would be appropriate for many children with special needs too as it's features provide stimulation and a simple, bright and bold play base.
We purchased this well over a year ago when he was just one- he's now two and a half and is still not bored of it.
It's hard wearing and sturdy-it's been bashed, crashed and dribbled on and it still looks as new.
It's by far the most attractive, chunky and sturdy garage on the market as far as I'm aware- some of the others look like they'd collapse if you sneezed near them.
It's easy to clean with a damp cloth.
It's a popular toy, meaning that you can pick it up second hand cheaper, and you can also sell it on when your child has tired of it (when he's 23).

**What we don't like as much**

A bit pricey at £40. We happened to have a £30 ELC voucher which we'd been saving for a rainy day, so putting another ten pounds towards it didn't seem too painful- but otherwise a 'cheering up' gift would usually cost less in my world. However it would be ideal as a Christmas or birthday present (or ask the grandparents for it as their gift!). Well worth the money though as it's had lots of milage so far!
My son likes to balance on it as part of his collection of daring stunts! But that said- it's not the garage's fault! It's still in one piece though!

This toy won't disappoint and is well worth the investment- providing hours of fun for your child and hours of peace for yourself (priceless!).