Paul given the difficulty you had in obtaining your 105 I would suggest that the total cost you incurred would be what someone who wanted to get a 105 would actually end up paying. The benefit of doing what you did is the comfort knowing that virtually everything that could break etc. was replaced or refurbished and in my mind that makes this option the better one. BTW the cost in US Dollars is only $28,610 and I would buy that all day long. Great series. Thank you.

Andrew's right about the 105 being a far better/ nicer vehicle than the 76. Coils all around, more comfortable, ABS, airbags, full time 4x4, better NVH levels (noise vibration and harshness).

Best part was having Paul get excited about the parts and talking calmly about how each of them works and fits together.

I like how Paul has reverance for the oasis water, including the context for what it means to the locals and being respectful to both. A true traveler, in spirit and deed. Not surprising using old tech, even refurbished for reliability, is less expensive than buying brand new. An enjoyable and informative follow up with the build and as always another enjoyable product from you, thank you.

I was looking for a neat 105 for a while and finally found a 2005 one in good condition. I paid AUD$30k in July 2021. The dealer thought I was a little strange when I said I wanted to trade my 2016 Outback for the LandCruiser. I said I just wanted a quality, large, simple vehicle to move my family and it’s stuff around and to take it camping a couple of times a year. It’s slow but I love it. It’s a manual, it’s got a great engine sound, it’s very practical and I can easily change the engine oil. I’ve nicknamed it the Silver Slug.

One of the best series that I have watched ! Well done Andrew and Paul ! I love to watch car restorations and this is one of the best .Look forward to your adventures with this vehicle.

You've certainly managed to cobble together a gorgeous 105. Your experience makes me appreciate the comparatively reasonable cost I've paid bringing my 80 series up to snuff.

Thank you Andrew. I think you got the right one you know! Not only did you get content for your channel, the days spent putting it right, you get to know your car, and seeing first hand everything that's been done and been done right, and you witnessed everything being ironed out back to how it's meant to be, just knowing you are good for so long is an awesome feeling, you can't beat it, ready to tackle almost anything! Best wishes to you and yours. Cheers. 😁👍

Awesome build. Love the whole series Andrew. Thank you for your transparency & integrity.

After owning my 105 in Australia for the past seven years I keep looking at the 79 tray back but will keep the 105 as its just so nice to drive and has never let me down, I have driven it bottom to the top and left to right and back a few times it just keeps on ticking cheers Andrew. 😎

It was a great series! I thoroughly enjoyed it and this part was very interesting too. And: you and Paul together are so great to watch. You've got a great connection.

Wow, almost half a million Rands... thank you for the lessons Adrew, it has really helped me a lot! Eye opening

I really am astonished that you can get labour of this quality for only 2500 !

Great series Andrew. Very informative and the detailed costings very helpful. Thanks.

This is what you do. It's not about money. You knew what would happen. Any well serviced cruiser is a reliable vehicle. You got what you wanted. A vehicle and a video. You are ahead.

Thank you for this video to help us that want to take on the project.

I just bought a 2001 model 105 petrol with the 4.5 ltr engine, 1 owner car, runs with additional LPG tanks, has a range of around 1350km, in original condition, paid$12500 AUD, love the 105 Model

Andrew, you had an adventure with this build, learned a lot, spent time with a great friend in Paul Smarsh and have a superb vehicle which you love to use when you wish. Which ever way you look at it that's a win... What else do we earn money for?? Thanks again as always truly enjoyable.

As an alternative process we bought our Landcruiser HJ75 in Australia where Landcruisers are cheap and common, built a camper on it in Australia in the backyard, and then shipped it to Africa at a cost of about $5,000 shipping, and its being stored in Joberg after two trips in Southern Africa. Our Landcruiser is much older, but we spent way less money than buying a 4WD in South Africa, and then building a camper on it. We have the problem of a Temporary Import Permit only lasting 6 months in South Africa, but if we really wanted to we could register it in Botswana fairly easily and store it in South Africa without a TIP.

Oom Andrew, You drove ( maybe not you, but your 105) past today here in S-W.! Immediately recognized the 4200 sticker behind the front fenders. I also own a 4.2Donkie 105 , love it to bits - going on 400kkm. Will have to stop you once for a side by side photo! Congrats on your 105. Ciao!

Thank you, Andrew, for such a great video! I love your work and I love what you are doing with your 105! Well done!

I'm kind of in the same situation with a 2004 Land cruiser LC100 for $16,000 it has 170,000 miles on it and I Was feeling really bad. It's somehow rusted underneath but still solid. You have made me feel better. Thank you!🤝

I actually started watching your channel when you talked about the Rolex. Great story and that got me watching the show. Very enjoyable. Bored my Lady terribly telling her of your adventures. But still worth the time to watch. Thanks.

Andrew, Thank you so much for the honesty, detail, passion and fortitude to push this through. Thank you to Paul Marsh, Joubert Synman, and Terrain Tamer for their expertise, their team and their contribution. This series of videos is of *tremendous* value for the Overlanding/Expedition community and those who love adventure and value quality. This series has been very insightful and will help a great many people who are opting for their dream vehicle and may be unaware of the reality of such an endeavor. This is simply one of the best collection of videos on this subject. Bravo and safe travels Connecticut, USA!

thank you Andrew for sharing your specialized knowledge and experience. Thank you also to Paul Marsh and Joubert Synman for your expertise.

I see it as, you could have bought a very good "used " land cruiser for the same amount of money true but now you have literally an used vehicle with all or most of the mechanicals new and or rebuilt,so i see it as what you've got is a new reconditioned /restored mechanically sound/new and some better improved parts. I think what you did/have is waaay better.

Great video Andrew. I really enjoyed the transparency with the costs involved and what it actually cost you. That gave some great insights into the sponsored world. Thanks 😊

Excellent series Andrew, extremely valuable information and advice. Looking forward to your repartee with your wife in the next trip.

You cannot beat the older 4WDs,not full of electronis,ECU & body control modules.Just more gadgets & things to go wrong in harsh environments. You have done an exceptional job of building this 4 x 4.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU! Happy new year!

Been in the same situation some years ago with my fzj105 ... bought in a goverment auction for $7k and rebuild it for $13k like the way I want it ... $20k ... 5 years and 85,000kms later the 105 is still great as the first day. Can’t be wrong with a 105.

Whenever this is going for sale- just ring us!!! Absolutely Beast!!!

You did well, you got the best Land Cruiser, you know everything works and you should be able to travel safe where ever you go

I did the same thing with a 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. I bought it, tore it all apart, put it back together and went on some adventures. Know what? If I hadn't taken it ALL out, I would have been stranded for the "little things" that no one checks. The vehicle cost me $2800 US and I put roughly $8000 US in it. Drives like new, comfortable on the trial and it climbs, forges and perseveres anything I come across. Thank you, Andrew for the years of great info, entertainment and enlightenment.

Thank you for being open and honest Oom!!

I'm from Zambia and I recently bought a 105 myself. Looking forward to watching your videos when you arrive in Zambia :)

Good down to earth videos and conclusion. It’s worth it (to me) as you have ended up with a well sorted and reliable machine. Probably still have another 10k to spend once diffs and other aged stuff fail. But all in all a good strong and basic vehicle to tour in and it will serve you well for decades.

Thank you for this project!

Firstly thank you for a masterpiece of a series, A lot of us have and are doing the same with our Toyotas but not over 9 days, “ ongoing or rolling restoration “ is what I think it’s termed, our restoration is over all the time we own the vehicle, your “ base lined” 105 is now a desirable and high value truck, 6 of one half dozen of another is how I see it, a fully restored mechanically vehicle will always get more bucks, why? The reassurance of “base line restoration “ The term “Triggers Broom” comes to mind, “ I’ve had this broom 20 years, 6 new handles and 4 new heads”. Well, that’s what owning a Toyota is, keeping it up to scratch, enjoying the 100’s of1000’s miles/ Kms of reliability , As ever great video, a very important piece of information for those contemplating a similar project, priceless information, it will now be a “piece of Reference “ for everyone with an idea of owning/ rebuilding one of these magnificent trucks. Thanks again, ( owner of a based lined 80, but not in 9 days)

This build is very close my heart, I love the 105. Its a fantastic car for overlanding. Perhaps you will build another 105 in the future !

Thank you sir for the transparency was a great build series. And i think you got what you wanted so thats worth the price.

Restoring a piece of history is always worth it!

Really appreciate your blunt honesty - many of us have been caught out or put emotion ahead of logic when buying a second hand vehicle, some great advice here to avoid the fall out.

Would be great to see total cost including the accessories like tent, awning etc, in order to understand what one will be in for on a total project like this. Great series sir!

Thanks for the detail and prices. A rare truth not often told in sponsored videos. I chose a 2nd hand 105 2 years back. Its DIY, so not finished yet. So far tracking at $24k all up. Liking it more and more with every improvement. Particularly pleased to hear why you chose certain parts and the experts reasons for what they chose to do. Its helped enormously. Its a tough yard stick. An older 4WD proven for 1 million km or 30 years, or a new 4WD with impressive features and a lot of unknowns.

Hope those shirts go on sale soon. Cheers

Andrew. If you had somehow come across a105 with everything ready to go, without having to do all the work you did to this current vehicle, you would have likely always had a nagging feeling in your gut, wondering what may go wrong because you didn't know the vehicle. Now you have a vehicle you know inside out. You pretty much have purchased a warranty because you know who did this excellent work and no doubt can depend on them taking care of you. I say great job. You have to take your chances sometimes in life. I've been working on my own vehicles for over 30 years. I have a 25 year old Nissan right. I do everything. Keep it up. I get it

Andrew I live in Panama and I have always wanted to restore a Land Cruiser ... I am originally from Venezuela and 100 series never got to be sold there. Well after a couple of month in the pandemic I saw here in Panama a 105 for sale in US$ 8 K and took the decision to buy it and start my project ... boy I have no regrets!!!! This thing is unstoppable!!!!! Love it

This is a great episode. I recently refurbished an FJ80 w/3FE I purchased from the junkyard here in the US, and did all the work myself (mechanic by trade, 20+ yrs experience). Purchase price was $3650 and invested another $5000k +- in Toyota OEM parts (and used engine) and easily 100 hrs labor. Still needs additional work. Was it worth the hassle and $$ I say yes as my heart is in it. I’d be happy to share figures if needed.

I say, if you are in love with an older vehicle, especially one that's rare and not available easily, buy it and spend whatever. It will make you happy. The exotic car guys pay whatever it takes to get what they want. I'm doing this to a 1999 Mitsubishi Montero (in the US) /Pajero. I have what I have without much choice on condition because they only sold a handful of these. It's under expensive repair now, but I will love it for years. As the saying goes, "pay now or pay later". An option for a perfect one never came up, so I have what I have. All that matters is that you will love it in the end. Bravo on this build, and all of your work to share your experiences and knowledge!! Thank you!

Thanks Andrew, this has now made me think that I need to do an excel spreadsheet to see how much it has cost me to rebuild and make my 80 series to where it is now and compare and see if ive spent too much or not on mine. If it's worth spending more to get it to where I want it for my use as a daily and touring vehicle on weekends/holidays etc... I have really enjoyed watching this series and what both you and Paul have done to this vehicle.

Great video/series! I actually prefer the route you took vs one, for the same cost, in ‘better’ condition. You have many new parts and even the ‘better condition’ option would have all used parts. I’d have better piece of mind in yours. Ride safe!

Thanks Andrew. Great video and very informative.

I did a similar exercise with a 69 Mini Cooper. Bought blind and had to spend the same on the car again, end result is outstanding. Zero regrets!

Thank you Andrew, quite motivational a project. One day I hope I'll rebuild my 97 Prado J95

The cost rundown was SUPER helpful. I am always annoyed at other youtube channels that "You can wheel this junkyard jeep for cheap!" and then put in ~$14000USD set of axles, USD$2000 suspension and never mention the cost!

For international buyers going to South Africa. There are a few dependable clearing agents you could contract to source you a Japanese built/market Toyota. The only snag is it will have to be registered in either Swaziland or Botswana. Thousands of these cars arrive in Durban on a monthly basis and then transported to and registered in these countries. In Southern Africa, South Africa is the only market using locally built vehicles as the local car industry holds the government hostage to ban cheap imports. Hope my advice helps you to make an informed decision.

just love your funny comment at the end. lol. i have been restoring my 91 troopy here in nairne south australia. keep up the great work, as always, entertaining cheers

Great review. I often ask my self rebuilding my 75 troopy. But yes it's a gem

Thank you very much for this incredible video. I have a '96 HDJ81V-RNPGX VX Limited, here in SA and no matter where I go, more often than not, people approach me wanting to buy it off me. I'm busy overhauling it from nose to bumper (trying keeping it as OEM as possible) for a trip through Mozam and your video was so helpful and completely accurate commercially. You can't even find scrap 80's or 100's for parts let alone a running VX. GX's a plentiful but got luck fuel it. Thanks again

Exactly what I was to comment. You basically now have a vehicle. As good as new. For 50% of the cost. And again, The thoroughness of the refurbishing company is. In a total understatement. Exemplary. Story book service. These days!

You can’t put a price on peace of mind when your 1000k in the middle of nowhere, I’d say you you made the right call. Good luck with your new ride.

Used is always a better way to go if you're going to customize it anyway. You also know the vehicle very well so that makes it even more valuable to you. That rig is super nice Andrew... going to be an exciting day to see some uploads with it off road. Cheers from CA USA

Thank you, excellent case study, I appreciate the resume. Btw. currently, brand-new DC Triton19 2.4d 4x4 costs 34k AUD. (drive away price) - leaving you with spare 7k for mods.

The parts suppliers and workshops will love you for it.

very well put together! Great job!

Been following the series, cant wait to see the build in person when you arrive here in Malawi

Well done, I really enjoyed this.

Good video, I’d say I experienced the same with my first 4wd. Bought a 2000 100 series few years ago here in the states, 193,000 miles then. I thought it was ready to go mostly, ended up needing a lot of work. Still happy as and I learned a lot.

Loved this video. Very nicely done & thanks for your honesty. Just subscribed.

I think we all over emphasise “Did I get the best deal possible?”. If you said to me, I’ll build you a car that you love, is in as new condition, meets your needs and will give you many years of enjoyment for A$41k, I’d say thank you very much where do I sign.

Epic series. Enjoyed every minute of it. Organise a trip from Cape to Cairo, some of us here in Nairobi would like to see the car and meet you and Paul. Great series

What a stunning project a total eye opener!!

Well explained , learnt a lot from all your info , cheers

that's expensive paper weight but you still got a running rig too. for some it's just a giant paper weight, either way old 2 hand cars expect additional expenses. Moral of the story never buy blind unless you like surprises. Glad you got what you wanted in the end Andrew made for a interesting tale.

This truck has all your effort and work into it, I think it is worth it. You know what is new, what is original, and what was improved.

The vehicle is up to your standards now Andrew! So much time ,money and effort has been spent on the build and it will payback with reliable transport for your remote trips !

Love your 105 and I love the way you put your videos together.. your so awesome!!! Go the old 4wds I think it's worth it 👍👍

Excellent video really enjoyed watching ☺👍

Paul is not only so knowledgeable, but such a cool guy! That was hilarious with the “your coffee is right over here”. Aghhh...to be able to have a diesel Toyota in the States. That would be awesome.

Very interesting end to an entertaining build series. Looking forward to seeing her in action.

Currently restoring a 33 year old patrol. Still doing it and I know it is NOT going to be worth it. But is fun!

Piece of mind going to remote places with a vehicle that you trust, is what it is all about! Great project!

Excellent video. I went for a cheaper solid body standard HZJ79 with a good engine. I replaced some mechanical parts, brakes, timing belt erc and bits of trim. Probably cost the same as one in better condition but I know mine has brand new parts. Keeping it standard makes it easier to get spares in remote locations.

Great job. Looking forward to the extended chassis 4 door ute mate. All the best

The little Man's at Toyota knows what they do🥰🥰😀😀

Just bloody MAGIC!!!!

It's a lovely vehicle ,I would be honored to own it . Great gob . Cheers from Tassie.

Problem in my knack of the woods is if you have that much done at a shop you will constantly be going back over their work finding stripped nuts, bolts and thread inserts, missing hardware and leaks. You cannot let someone else build you a vehicle or even change your oil.

Great Video I just found this channel and am looking foreword to looking at older videos. I recently just bought a 2000 Jeep Cherokee that I’m hoping to do some Overlanding with it.

Very good series. Exactly what we asked for! The car is great value for what you actually paid. It would be hard to get your money out at $41,500 though I suspect. Still a very cool car! An F-150 shorty with front and rear lockers is less expensive brand new with full warranty, has more options, is quieter, more powerful, more capable and much safer.

Dollar for dollar I feel like you're ahead. If it cost the same for a sorted one there's still aways something that needs done. The way you did it know you where you stand. Happy motoring. And HNY

Thanks and very informative!

Good video, love your thinking on these meters

Thanck you for sharing your built cost! 😊

Even with LC 100 series vehicles that have not been butchered, it's easy to get up to $10,000 US Dollars, baselining. Then modify it, and you're up another $10,000

105 is a lot more comfortable than a 76. Your back will give you your answer by the end of the first trip... Not to mention rear coils over leaf springs!!!

a lot of honest answers , well done for that .

Saw the vehicle today in the northern suburbs. It looks awesome. Well done to the whole team.