I sneak back from time to time to check my account, but I can't find much time or inspiration to rea...
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Member since:19.12.2005
Reviews:24
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This review is about the Police Patrol version of the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe car. We were hoping to inherit the standard red/yellow one from my nephew, but at four and a half years old he still somehow manages to squeeze himself into it so we decided to get a new one for our two-year-old son. We went for the blue/white police version as it looks just a bit cooler than the regular red/yellow with a couple of special features to boot.
The Little Tikes cars are just the right size for a toddler to sit in. Made of durable plastic, they're sturdy enough for using outdoors, but they're also suitable for indoor use if you have enough space available. These cars are foot-powered but without any pedals. You basically move and manouver the car with
your feet on the ground. It took my little boy a couple of weeks to master this skill but now he's able to manouver, reverse and turn the vehicle like a pro.
Standard Features -------------------------- There's a door on one side, which opens and shuts just like a real car door. Our two-year-old enjoys getting in and out of the car slamming the door behind him the way he's seen us do this in real life. The wheels are quite chunky and made of a hard-wearing material. The two back wheels are fixed and the two front wheels swivel, making it easier to turn the vehicle around. The steering wheel is not actually connected to the wheels at all, but you can rotate it all the way around and back pretending to be driving. There's a horn in the middle of the steering wheel which makes a squeeky noise when pressed. There's a little storage space at the back of the car in case teddy needs a ride. It's also a good place to keep your snacks for longer journeys and expeditions. There's also a petrol cap should you run out imaginary petrol and need to refill the tank.
Special Features ----------------------- The police car has a few features which the standard cozy coupe version does not have. There are two large POLICE stickers to go on the doors, two licence plates, a dashboard, a rearview mirror, two back lights, and further three 911 stickers. (Obviously, this product originates from a US manufacturer.) It boasts a hand-held radio, which makes a variety of nee-noo-nee-noo sounds with lights flashing when a button is pushed. Also, there are mock police lights on the top of the vehicle. Unfortunately, these are not connected to anything and don't light up at all.
Assembly -------------- When purchased new, the Little Tikes Coupe Car comes in bits and pieces and requires home assembly. The assembly instructions are pretty straightforward, but it takes at least 30-45 minutes to put the car together, which is not that simple in the presence of an impatient two-year-old. All the wheels come separately and need to be attached to the axles with the help of some push-on caps. The main structure of the car is held together with some large screws. The steering wheel and the other accessories also need to be fitted, and last the stickers have to be applied. If assembled correctly, the car is sturdy and very stable on level ground.
Price and Availability ---------------------------- In my experience the police car is more difficult to find than the regular version cozy coupe car. We bought ours from John Lewis, but it's also available from Amazon with free delivery. I've never seen it selling cheaper than Ł50 new. However, it regularly comes up second hand on Ebay. If buying second hand, I suggest you try to get one which has been kept indoors most of the time. If kept outdoors exposed to all the elements, these cars tend to deteriorate quite badly from what I have seen.
Recommendation ------------------------- Toddlers just love these cars, there's no question about it. Whenever we have little visitors in our house, boys or girls, they always want to have a ride in it. Luckily, my little one is quite willing to share, well, most of the time, anyway. When we first bought this car, my husband wanted to make sure that he'll get his money's worth, I guess, and jokingly said: "I thoroughly expect him to spend at least half an hour a day in that car" And he does just that! We've had it for a few months now, and the initial enthusiasm hasn't waned yet. If it was just a little cheaper, I'd give it 5 stars, but I think that at Ł50 it is slightly overpriced.
Pictures of Little Tikes Cosy Coupe
Little Tikes Police Patrol Car Official Photo
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Little Tikes specialise in colourful, imagination-building, durable baby toys, playhouses, ... more
infant toys, toddler toys, indoor toys, outdoor, and ride on toys for preschoolers and other children. The classic Cozy Coupe comes to life in this 30th Annivers...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: Next day delivery by lunch time....
Advantages: Er, the new sounds, Little tikes brand name Disadvantages: After 10 years of use and filling up with stones you just have to get a new one!!
Nov 1st, 2006
very helpful by (100%):
