Yeah, I totally agree.  I had one of these I bought new for $100 from Kmart, best money I spent, both boys used it for ages, and then I sold it, only to buy another from a neighbours garage sale.  My original one I keep clean and bought it inside a lot of the time, and when outside I would either leave it on the deck or wipe it and bring it back in.  It was wonderful during winter when we couldn't get outside.  Knowing what I know now, I probably would have skipped the swing set in favour of a fort with sand pit and a swing extension, although this is a LOT more money, it would have been great now and would have saved money in the long run.  I also bought one of the little tikes cars, and that is a hit, although every child is different, my first set of on a big bike aged 2 1/2, my 3 1/2 year old is now not interested in anything but his trike. 

Good luck.

Jodi