Which toy garage?

[FreddoBaggyMac]

I originally posted this in parenting but am not getting any response so am trying here (probably where I should have put it originally!!)

I'm looking for a toy garage to buy DS for his 4th birthday. I want it to be something that him and DS2 (nearly 2) can play with together.

All the reviews/ advice seem to point to the ELC big city garage here so this is top of my list at the moment. However, in an ideal world, as it will be going in our living room, I would like something smaller and more attractive - something like here. From the reviews it seems though that all the wooden garages that look nice are just not sturdy enough

So please can anyone tell me:

1. is the ELC big city garage a good buy?
2. Can anyone recommend any alternatives (suitable for 'normal' metal cars, not the big plastic ones)that will stand up to some (very) rough play from a four year old and two year old?

THANK YOU in advance for any help!

The elc one is quite poorly made IMO. I have looked around have not managed to find a nice one yet.

Thanks Connor. Do not like the idea of the ELC one being ugly AND poorly made! Hopefully we'll get someone on here who has found a good one! I've started this same thread in products in the hope of getting a few more responses.

I wonder if I can help. I run a wooden toy company so have a knowledge of what's available - and there are several! The one you have linked to is from Le Toy Van. Personally, I chose not to stock it as I didn't like the "gasoline" and "autos" words - a bit American which I thought may put people off. If it doesn't bother you then Le Toy Van is a good make. I have stocked other items from them and the quality is good. They also have another garage called "Le Grand Garage" on which the signage is all in French.
Alternatively I have sourced the Acorn Garage from John Crane for a local toddler group www.john-crane.co.uk/detail.php?product=857&c=104 It is still going strong 2 years on, although the wind-up lift no longer works.
My company, Knot Toys is stocking a lovely wooden garage from Janod this year www.knottoys.com/products/305/garage/. It is a simple design, sturdy and strong and the stickers that come with it are all of symbols and pictures apart from the name "Janod Garage". There are 4 cars and a helicopter too, all very plain and simple design.
As with any wooden toy, if you get a good quality one it will last for years! My two boys still have a wooden pirate ship that is now in it's 7th year and still looks good - and is still played with!
Good Luck in your search!

Thank you that is so helpful . I've actually started this same thread in products (which I think is where I put it to begin with) and I have been pointed towards the le Toy van 'Le Grand garage', you have just about put the seal on my decision and i think that's what we'll go with! I'm a bit spoilt for choice now though

I have the toy van one and it is superb.

Well I'm going to have to stick up for the ELC one. My DS has it and it isnt poorly made. (I also work at ELC and can count the number of returns on the Big City garage on one hand that we've had in TEN years)

It's got great play value, with different add ons.

But if you want wood then you're not going to like it!!

RAA100 I like your website as i love wooden toys.
Freddo I feel your pain as our living space is also a play/toyroom. I personally prefer nearly all the wooden garages linked in this post however i think my 2 and 3yr old DSs who presently love the bright plastic ELC whiz around garage would probably prefer the ELC big city garage as it provides a step up in complexity from their present toy.
Sorry! I'm sure that doesn't help.The only advantage of a plastic one is that it can soon live out in the garden!