Geotrax- point me in the right direction please

[JTsMom]

We have a large wooden train collection, but no Geotrax stuff at all. DS2 (2.5) is a little interested in the wooden stuff, but prefers his cars. I was thinking of getting him some Geotrax stuff for his big gift, but am not sure where to start.

It looks as those some of the sets don't have enough pieces to make a full track- is that right? Kohls has the Big Bentley set for $50 on BF, but it looks like I'd need more track, is that right?

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/PRD~864414/product.jsp

This World Grand Prix one looks complete:
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-GeoTrax-Disney-Pixar-World/dp/B00428LIX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1353341646&sr=1-1&keywords=geotrax+cars

I don't want to buy a ton of stuff just in case he doesn't like it, but I want to have enough to give it a fair shot. Also, a lot of the reviews are saying the cars are really slow. Would I be better off going with something else entirely?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think the Grand Prix set looks like fun. I like elevations and they both have them. The Big Bentley looks complete to me but I could be missing something.

[JTsMom]

When you click on "more views", there is another picture where the track is open on both ends. It says it has 13 pieces- is that enough to make a loop?

If I go with one of these, should I buy some extra track or something? I definitely want to stay under $100, $75 would be better.

ETA: This one looks like it has a little more:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11643489

[truly scrumptious]

I bought a big set of Geotrax for $75 off the local Craigslist and it is a huge hit with DC. It looks like it includes 4 or 5 separate sets, plus 6 or 7 trains/trucks, plus lots of extra tracks. Worth checking your local CL to see if you can get a larger set.

[JTsMom]

Our CL stinks, unfortunately. :( I actually tried that earlier, and people had their used stuff marked at the new retail levels. Crazy!

[Charlie]

Are you only interested in the Cars stuff? I just purchased this:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3515905

I think this is a pretty good price as it's selling for $65 in my local TRU. Also, all the other online prices I saw were pretty steep, as I think it may be a discontinued set.

[hellokitty]

If you have no geotrax stuff, just buy a starter kit and if there are any other smaller accessories everything is compatible, so you can get those too. TRU always has an exclusive geotrax set every xmas and this was our first geotrax set. It is now about 3x larger thanks to buying more new and used through the yrs. Also, don't forget to buy batteries!

[JTsMom]

I was all set to buy that big TRU set, but looking closer, there's no add to cart button!

So now I'm back to debating between the regular World Grand Prix set at TRU or the Kohls Big Bentley set. Here are better pictures of the track that's included in that one. Is it enough to make a loop?

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/6/0/8/0/0/6/webimg/623394825_tp.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/6/0/8/0/0/6/webimg/623395018_o.jpg


Sorry for the giant picture!