LEGO Reviews Technic42098

Car Transporter

Name: LEGO Car Transporter 42098
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 42098
Rating: 4.47 (29 reviews)

87 · HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: AA20192,493 pcsHigh agreement · 99%

Expert reviews

2analyzed

Owner ratings

Consensus

BUY

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 86.5 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
04Compatibility with the Corvette ZR1 42093, which fits on both decks
05Low price-per-piece at $0.072 for 2,493 pieces, widely described as strong value
06Engaging multi-day build that avoids excessive repetition despite the part count
07Safety-chain tie-down system on the upper deck prevents cars from rolling forward

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
04Car tires do not fully fill the wheel arches on the included blue car
05Turning circle on the completed truck is large and unwieldy
06One owner noted a missing Technic Bush in the instruction booklet between steps 77 and 82

What reviewers are saying

"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."

The Brothers Brick

"42098 Car Transporter doesn't seem particularly exciting on initial inspection but it's a set that, once I'd built, admired, and operated it, exceeded my expectations by some margin."

Brickset Reviews

Ecosystem

42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 — 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 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 — The car in this set is similar in many ways to the 42093; the chassis and engine use the same techniques and mechanisms, and it's roughly the same size. However, 42093 retails for £40, which is just under 30% of the total cost of 42098, making 42098 much better value overall.

TechnicTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

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

JUMP TO REVIEW

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"42098 Car Transporter doesn't seem particularly exciting on initial inspection but it's a set that, once I'd built, admired, and operated it, exceeded my expectations by some margin."

Key Pros

✓Exceeded expectations despite initial uninspiring appearance
✓Excellent value for money even at full retail price
✓Fantastic parts pack with many useful beams, panels, and relatively few black pieces

Key Cons

✕Railings on top deck wobble and do not remain taut, appearing bowed
✕Black bars not held securely enough; blue half pins wobble in holes

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (2)Wait for sale (0)

Exclusivity

The Brothers Brick: Mass-market Technic flagship, wide retail availability

Brickset Reviews: Wide retail (TechnicTheme, standard retail release)

Resale

Brickset Reviews: The reviewer suggests this will be a good investment as a parts pack and plans to purchase multiples when the set is reduced, implying expectations of aftermarket parts value

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
Flex Tube, 21 Module, W/ 3.2 Hole (6210590)
Used for railings on the upper deck; exhibits wobbling and bowing issues that the reviewer addresses with an aftermarket solution

What Owners Say · summarized from 29 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners love the massive scale, working mechanical functions, and compatibility with other LEGO cars, but quality control gaps and design quibbles hold some back from perfection.

COMMON PRAISE