There is no doubt that once you build one LEGO Technic, you’ll instantly be hooked! It’s that addictive and cool and for under $13, the LEGO TECHNIC Mini Off-Roader (42001) is worth checking out!
LEGO SET: LEGO TECHNIC Mini Off-Roader
ITEM #: 42001
PIECES: 100
PRICE: $12.99
AGES: 7-14
From the LEGO website:
Purchase from LEGO Shop | Purchase from Amazon
Ride over the rough stuff with the Mini Offroader!
Tackle the roughest surfaces with the tough LEGO® Technic Mini Offroader! This 2-in-1 model features cool and realistic details, like extreme, independent 4-wheel suspension, big knobby tires and opening doors. You can even remove the top section and easily rebuild this great model into a rugged mini buggy and blast over the sand dunes!
• Features independent 4-wheel suspension, big knobby tires and opening doors
• Take on the challenge of a LEGO® Technic model!
• Crawl over huge obstacles with independent 4-wheel suspension
• 2-in-1 model: rebuilds into a cool mini buggy with independent 4-wheel suspension
• Measures over 2″ (7cm) high, 3″ (10cm) long and 2″ (7cm) wide
• Mini buggy measures over 2″ (7cm) high, 3″ (10cm) long and 2″ (7cm) wide
THE REVIEW:
Since 1977, LEGO has been releasing LEGO Technic (formerly known as Technical Sets).
Technic is a line that once featured interconnecting plastic rods and parts, combined with LEGO brickbuilding parts, but in 2000, getting away from the the traditional LEGO bricks and using beams and pins.
The LEGO Technic line is wonderful for the casual and hardcore LEGO fan to try something different and with the line offering many vehicles with different pricing, we take a look at one of the lower priced vehicles in the line-up, the LEGO Technic Mini Off-Roader (42001) which features 100 pieces, the ability to create two different vehicles which aren’t difficult and I can expect one to finish either vehicles in less than an hour.
The vehicle is smaller, only 100 pieces and you can find it anywhere between $9.99-$12.99 but I can tell you that the value for its functionality is pretty awesome.
But first, let’s get into the details, I love the bigger, thicker and more detailed wheels and underneath are thicker rubberbands that allow the vehicle to take on various terrain thanks to its springy suspension. I just like the overall look of this vehicle, not just because of it’s orange/black/gray exterior but it looks a bit menacing.
The actual vehicle does roll, but it’s important to not push the rods all the way towards the darker gray area, leave a little slack and the car can roll but push the rod in and the wheels will not roll freely.
I personally chose the Mini Off-Roader style because which is featured on the main cover was so I can fit a LEGO Minifigure.
The rollbar is not moveable, so you can’t just fit the Minifigure from the top, you have to pretty much put the figure sideways through the driver or passenger doors and once in, then make the character sit. But a LEGO Minifigure can sit in this vehicle.
Overall, the LEGO TECHNIC Mini Off-Roader (42001) is a wonderful toy for under $13 that can show any LEGO fan what the Technic toys are all about and while the cheaper toys are smaller and are basic in function compared to the more expensive LEGO TECHNIC car sets, it can really inspire a LEGO fan to pursue different types of Technic parts and try creating a vehicle that is unlike any LEGO vehicle and allow the creator to think outside of the box.
But there is no doubt that once you build one LEGO Technic, you’ll instantly be hooked! It’s that addictive and cool and for under $13, the LEGO TECHNIC Mini Off-Roader (42001) is worth checking out!
RATING: ****.5 (4.5 stars out of 5)