LEGO Reviews Technic42098

Car Transporter

Name: LEGO Car Transporter 42098
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 42098

85 · HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: AA20192,493 pcsHigh agreement · 96%

Expert reviews

5analyzed

Owner ratings

BrickScore

Highly Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"The Technic Car Transporter is a standout in the line: a massive, functional build at an exceptional price-per-piece that doubles as a display platform for other Technic vehicles. Its BrickScore of 84.8 and a 96% owner recommendation rate reflect a near-unanimous verdict that this is one of the better large Technic sets produced."

The Technic Car Transporter (42098) earns its Highly Recommended standing through a combination of impressive scale, satisfying functional mechanics, and the clever ability to display other Technic vehicles. Owner reviews across 29 LEGO.com ratings average 4.47 out of 5, with 96% recommending it, and the qualitative feedback is consistently enthusiastic: builders repeatedly highlight the tilting cab, working ramps, and genuine size as standout qualities. The main recurring criticism from owners is not a design flaw but a wish: the set only comes with one car, and most buyers immediately want more compatible vehicles to fill the upper deck. BrickScore 86.5 reflects a near-consensus positive verdict.

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LOVED (7)

01Impressive finished scale, described as unexpectedly huge when complete and capable of holding other Technic vehicles including the Corvette ZR1 (42093) and large Creator Expert sets
02Fully functional loading ramps, adjustable upper deck, and tilting cab mechanism
03Included blue car is well-built and feels like it could stand alone as a separate model

+4 more with Collector

CRITICIZED (6)

01Only one car included; the transporter looks sparse without more vehicles on its decks
02Connector pin for the trailer hitch is difficult to install and remove due to restricted space
03Top decorative rail wires tend to droop because the rod they thread over is too thin

+3 more with Collector

Build Facts what critics report

🧩 Difficulty

intermediate

🎯 Audience

adults

In Their Words most-used terms across every critic review

designmultipletruckimpressiveexcellentdespitevehicletrailerbluelongsizevaluedecktransporterplayabilitythreebuildsplatformrobustmechanismscustomcabinonlystickersalignmentmodelloadingrequires

What reviewers are saying

Critic quotes from 6 more reviewersUnlock See a premium example →

Ecosystem

42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 78 — Blue car in this set uses similar chassis but features different steering system (CV-joint vs. gear combination) and simpler, more compact engine design made with beams and axles instead of cylinder pieces. Reviewer 'likes the blue car's design a lot better' and wishes it was released separately.

8258 Crane Truck (2009) — Design reminds reviewer of this earlier set, but showcases evolution in LEGO pieces; newer panels allow neater exterior, though Uwe Wabra's distinctive building style remains recognizable

Crane and off-roader flagship sets — Car transporter 'feels a lot more playable than any other crane or off-roader.' Cranes can only lift (one repetitive action); this set's varied engagement (rolling, unfolding, lowering, adjusting) remains engaging and non-repetitive. 'The sheer excitement of rolling an auto on the platform makes the set a lot different from any construction machine.'

42093 Corvette ZR1 78 — The muscle car included in the 42098 bears more than a passing resemblance to the Corvette ZR1 in shaping but employs different techniques, most notably a CV-joint steering system compared to the Corvette's traditional gear system.

🎨 Designer Uwe Wabra (named by critics)

TechnicInvestment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

The Brothers Brick

Expert Video Source

BUY

"42098 Car Transporter seems to be the longest LEGO vehicle ever released yet, reaching more than 3 feet/1 meter with the rear ramp lowered."

Key Pros

✓Exceptional playability with multiple distinct and engaging mechanics
✓Three complete vehicle builds in one set (truck, trailer, blue car)
✓Innovative dual steering system and cabin-tilting with platform synchronization

Key Cons

✕No new molds introduced; only existing 2019 pieces used
✕Nearly 40 stickers require careful, difficult alignment across multiple elements; building guide suggests mid-assembly application making alignment harder

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Brick Fanatics 🇬🇧

Expert Video Source

BUY

"Not explicitly discussed by the reviewer."

Key Pros

✓Massive scale (over three feet long) with impressive presence
✓Three distinct build sections with varied construction techniques keeping the build engaging
✓Numbered bags and structured manual make a potentially overwhelming set manageable

Key Cons

✕Initially overwhelming for all but the most dedicated Technic fans due to size and complexity
✕Gigantic box and 544-page manual requiring significant commitment

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6 more critic reviews + 29 buyer takes

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Critics discussed this set's investment case

Buy-now vs wait consensus, value drivers, exclusivity and resale outlook

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Minifigures & Standout Parts

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Wheel arches 3x9x2 in red and dark azure
First appearance of these colors for this part; described as 'the most noticeable pieces'
Dark azure beams and panels
Abundant supply offers 'outstanding source of pieces for custom vehicle creations'
3 types of tires
Provides variety for custom builds
L-shaped half-beam yellow stoppers
Used in a clever mechanism with rubber connectors to release cars from loading bays
trans-light blue elements for headlamps
Used for the front headlamps of the muscle car, described as an aesthetically pleasing choice.
2x2 brick with trans-clear and trans-orange sloped pieces
Used for the front headlamps of the cabin, simple yet effective looking.