You can buy the takara version under $100
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I won't be getting Sunstorm, his redeco does not look as good as the Takara version I reckon.
Plus getting the local version gives you the added advantage of being able to own the toy immediately upon purchase (who likes waiting?!). And you have the advantage of local retail customer service, such as convenient option for refund or exchange if there's anything faulty with the toy.
So while those of us who pre-ordered the TakaraTOMY version paid approx. half TRU's price, for those who skipped that, I think that the local Hasbro version does offer a reasonable (not great, but reasonable) choice. As you've pointed out, it works out to be the same as getting a TakTOM version now, but with the added advantage of local customer service. :) And you know it's not a KO. :D
I paid approx. $50 for each of my MP cars, but as you all know, I skipped MP Alert... so yeah, I'd definitely be willing to pay $100 for a local Hasbro Red Alert. It's by no means a good price for an MP car, but I think it's acceptable considering that at best, the TakTOM version might cost the same, but without the convenience of local customer service, and the chance that it might be a KO. :o And of course, I'd get to open it straight away! :cool:
I picked him up today. I also have the Takara version and I'm not sure I could tell the difference between the two (aside from the Hasbro item and CE stamp inside Hasbro Prowl's left foot). The plastic quality and paint apps seem to be exactly the same, however my Hasbro Prowl has a stress mark on the inside clear plastic hinge of his door. He comes in robot mode with just his gun, but Liege is right - there's a lot of air in the box. They could have gotten away with it being about half the size it is. The box is nice and has the YOTH (?) counter of 27 of 30. For me the markup wasn't that much more than the Takara version which set me back around $85 including shipping, and while I'm itching to get a reprolabels set for MP Prowl to really Geewun him up, I just couldn't do it to my Takara one so all up I'm pretty happy with him.
The work-in-progress list is here...
http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=17510