Lego vs Playmobil ... looking for a fire engine/fire station for a 3 year old ... which is better?

[bodiddly]

I love the look of the fire city stuff but it says from 5+ ... is it way too advanced for a 3 year old or is the playmobil better? I looked at the pintoy stuff but it is very expensive and I figured the lego or playmobil might last longer. Does anyone have any of these and can recommend them?

I would go for the wooden one if you can - maybe from ebay? I think the lego would probably drive you insane with all the tiny bits and it is hard for little children to put together.
Also, playmobil buildings can come apart when you don't want them to (we have had a police station and a castle).

thanks .. they seem pretty expensive even on ebay ... does anyone else have any ideas?

we have the playmobile one. you can hide the smaller pieces until they're older. it's nice a hardwearing.

do you have the fire station or just the fire engine southeastastra?

just the fire engine

Lego Duplo (age 3-5) would probably be good for your DS - there is a fire engine in the range and you can add to it over time

Im selling the lego fire truck here for 99p start But TBH id think it would be too young for a 3 year old.

its tricky .. i don't really want to be buying stuff for way beyond his age if he won't enjoy playing with it. He obviously wouldnt be able to put the lego one together charliecat .. i just wonder whether there is more to play with once it is all put together with a set like that or the playmobil.

The lego city things are not great for little ones to actually play with, as they lean on them as they push them along, bits fall off and you are constantly being asked to rebuild them.

We don't have the fire set, but do have some construction vehicles and I find them quite challenging to build myself, let alone a 3 yo. The instruction booklet for the smallish digger is 12 pages!!!

Playmobil would be future proof for you imo, as DS could play with just the engine and figures now and you can let him have them smaller pieces later. My 6yo DS loves his playmobil veg patch.

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PS If you're just looking for a fire engine, I very highly recommend all Tonka vehicles - practically indestructable. Ours "flew" down the stairs on to a ceramic floor and is still in full working order.

thanks .. .sounds like lego is out, playmobil a possibility and i will look at tonka .... either that or hold out for a bargain pintoy wooden one. I don't suppose anyone fancies selling me theirs do they?

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ooh that looks great and they have just opened a branch of that shop near me! will have to hoof off down there and take a look. thank you thank you.

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Playmobile

Lego drives you mad for enough time when they are 5/6 ish onwards. Playmobile has lasted well in our house and can be used with other stuff as they grow

they have just opened one in Borehamwood which isn't too far from me in Potters Bar. Will take a look when I next get a few minutes.