The Cost of Restoring a 20-Year old Land Cruiser. Was it worth it?

[@eddie7255]

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.

[@rocketboyty]

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.

[@TarrelScot]

100 per cent!

[@lukebrinsmead]

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.

[@JudsonBrundage-cf5qe]

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.

[@copius557]

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!

[@salongoedmondmpungu2928]

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!🤝

[@edwardpeters4700]

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.

[@MrWillstokes]

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.

[@luisbelgoderi6800]

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

[@geoker55]

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.

[@dommonte3507]

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

[@evansmuzimlimi5205]

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 !

[@overlandingand4WD]

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.

[@drewc9029]

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.

[@lochnesswell]

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.

[@4xoverland]

I did study this option, and it was a viable one. Maybe I'll still do it.

[@screemalot]

You're on crack if you think landcrusiers are cheap in Australia. They've never been cheap here and the second hand market has always been strong. And since covid the prices are totally insane

[@DerekHunt]

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!

[@aeromech8563]

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. 😎

[@edplaysdrums8435]

Same here mate, i got one for 20K with 114000 kms on it about 5 or 6 years ago. Ive done over 130000 in it and very little goes wrong with it, grouse car

[@stormrider1119]

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.

[@nickgood8166]

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).

[@Nightstein]

Indeed, an exploration company I worked for had a 105 and a 70 series. No one wanted to drive the 70 series offroad as its so uncomfortable compared with the 105.

[@curlylarrymoe]

Restoring a piece of history is always worth it!

[@pistolpeds]

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.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

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!

[@JohnDoe-hy2op]

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. 😁👍

[@matthewgoins2459]

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

[@louvendran7273]

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.

[@Spyyyder1]

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

[@rationalthinker9181]

The joys of living in a third world shit show of a country

[@BubblesTheCat1]

Me too! I worked in a diesel garage, and just a clutch overhaul would cost twice that! Correction. 4 times that.

[@GrumpyTinashe]

@@BubblesTheCat1 where is that? In SA? I'm considering buying one as a project in Zim and I'm not too worried about labour as my cousin is a Dulys trained mechanic

[@deriusnorris4463]

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

[@TroutWest]

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

[@murphtahoe1]

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.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

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.

[@andrewwolkowich]

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.

[@MarcHDJ81v]

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

[@mondo_stunts27]

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.

[@billywestley9008]

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)

[@johntidey8734]

@@billywestley9008 Triggers Broom is a perfect description. My beloved 1997 model which has had a broken rear axcel, cylinder head replaced and new drivers seat. I STILL THINK IT RELIABLE

[@smilecraftdentistry7809]

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 !

[@roylozano6816]

I prefer the way you went about it. At least you know you have a very reliable LC. I am thinking about doing the same thing you did when I retire in 15 months. I want to buy a Land Cruiser and start to work on it by a local mechanic and replace or rebuild what it needs. At least I know it will be reliable and know what I have in it.

[@gerardo.razzeto]

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.

[@MrReqel]

Yeah but $20K is coil cab money. Or at the very least GQ TD money. Which is a far better choice than a FZ 105 series.

[@Kreat0r1]

@@MrReqel not everyone wants a diesel. Also the GQ and the 105 interiors are light years apart, the GQ and GUs look so dated these days.

[@gerardo.razzeto]

not a chance around here (Peru) the Patrols are not common and most of them are the 3.0 tdi that are crap and just a few 4800/4500...And the 70 series are even more rare to find than the Patrols

[@gerardo.razzeto]

Not only that, also the space inside is so much better in the 105 than the Patrol

[@davesupersquirrel7112]

The parts suppliers and workshops will love you for it.

[@wakeupamerica4610]

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.

[@willtricks9432]

Sometimes you have to pounce to get what you want. As for luck, you have worked hard in this area and shown the benefits of overland travel, I think you make your own luck. Did you get a spare key yet? Cheers

[@thewhiteoxoverland]

Older Landcruisers are always worth spending time and money to get right. Particularly as overland vehicles. If you get a reasonably straight and corrosion free chassis and body then you've got all you need to build a great truck. They are extremely well supported especially here in oz so there is no problem finding parts and spares and so forth. It would cost the same really as buying something newer but I don't think that's the point really is it?

[@landcruisertroopytouringan2166]

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.

[@parkerprutzman4201]

Your videos were very valuable to me. As with you, my love is the LC105 . There are very few in Indonesia. Found one in Jakarta, and also I was planning to purchase it site unseen. There were too many questions for me and the answers lead me to believe the service was poorly done and not done by professionals. There is a total lack of expert service in Indonesia on Land Cruisers. Toyota dealers have no idea, as they only service the cheap locally made cars. I decided on a near perfect Nissan Patrol , TD42T engine, with less than 1/2 the kilometers than the LC105, and $6,000USD cheaper. In USA I have a LC 80, LC100 and LC 200. I will drive the Patrol in Indonesia and enjoy driving it, instead of selecting the LC105 and spending my time repairing it. Thanks for your honest videos. It help me make the right decision.

[@pallendo]

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!

[@johnkemple]

I think your vehicle is the one I would take, if the services performed were done correctly, which I am sure they were. Yours has had "hands and eyes on". Surely that adds confidence, the unknown other vehicle may not have had. You have the satisfaction of being there knowing what was done and how it was done. That is worth a pretty good penny alone I would say. I love the vehicle you have created. Well done.

[@dragonfire-jx7qx]

Nice build mate one of the best trucks ever made I'm from New Zealand and have a double cab ln106 hilux and my dad has a 80 series cruiser for someone that dosnt have a big budget a old toyota is a good option for reliable motoring

[@legambaz]

This video is very informative. Excellent presentation and what a clear testament that competent technician like Paul actually exist. He would be the one person i would WANT to explore with, anywhere. One thing though, this is also making me feel like Land Cruiser is the ONLY vehicle one should go for in Over Landing. Is this true?

[@melisizwekabanyane3742]

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

[@bushandbeachaustralia]

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 😊

[@Reisito305]

Hope those shirts go on sale soon. Cheers

[@samadrid6321]

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.

[@stevep8773]

I managed to find a 2008 LC76 1HZ for R230K. It had high mileage (300K km) but was used mostly for a long commute and overall looked very good. It needed (was due for) a timing belt replacement, new brake discs/shoes/pads and two motor mounts, but the price included a roof rack, sixth wheel, dual battery and some camping mods (a drawer system). I'm very happy with that price, but as you say, you have to be quick if you are going to get one.

[@peterbettes345]

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

[@JustPete65]

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.

[@leenderdhoutzager9389]

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

[@tomthompson7400]

a lot of honest answers , well done for that .

[@markgibbs1287]

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

[@DaanvanGruisen]

i bought a Defender 110 (300tdi, 98, 325k) , almost like blind (as it was dark and raining). I was able to test drive it though, with the ability to compare it to other Defenders out on the market that i tested before. It was modified with suspension lift, wheels, sliders and bars and i am happy with all that. Like you said, it depends on the market at the time, to judge if it is a fair price or not. Sure it costed (and costs) some, but am so happy with it. Only concern are the environmental rules and taxes to keep it running here in Europe. Good luck on your African trips, hope to see more of those!

[@legolas0305]

Thank you for being open and honest Oom!!

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

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.

[@Revnge7Fold]

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

[@shukoz]

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

[@kieron3676]

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.

[@itlldoo6128]

bought a 1991 8o series 10 year ago with 72k on the clock spent $28,000 Aus in total, including purchase price and rebuild, now 422k on the clock and still going strong. money well spent i reckon ! well done Andrew, fair price for a bloody good car mate !

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.

[@ckvonpickles3751]

Ive always said the difference is when you buy cheap, you know the vehicle, you know the repairs you have done, so while the end sum is close you have on one hand a "new" vehicle and in the other an "unknown" - i feel youve done right, if youd found a more expensive one who knows what hidden surprises may have popped up

[@gee3883]

Hindsight is an exact science. I copied you buying a VW beetle to restore and bought a dog. In the end I asked the guy who carried out the restoration to source me a car and it was by far the best move ever.

[@vudu5vudu]

Awesome series Andrew. Fantastic content, should more than compensate the trials and tribulations. For me... 100 series V8 petrol from new 2003. Different horse, different course. 16 years of ownership and could never be happier. I think Toyota was in their prime in this period. Happy travels. Gwen will surely be comfy.

[@vincentkeith5259]

I've seen quite a few series-80 land crusers (early mid 1990s) go for upwards of 35K with similar milage . Like a 95 with 195K miles - 4.5L 1FZ-FE Inline 6 - 4speed auto - prices jumped a huge amount in the last 2-3 years.

[@tahirusman5929]

So your a pilot as well. Great stuff. A320 Capt. here.....

[@StokesCrew]

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

[@51KTM51Hurricane]

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

[@edgarkanyora406]

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

[@tomlobos2871]

now, from 2023 perspective, its still inspiring to watch. if one has the time and courage to do some of the labour by oneself it might even be the best way. its a chance to get familiar with the technology, weakpoints and so on. replaced parts are just at the beginning of the lifespan. so they might last longer than on a vehicle that is bought in a better condition and just minor things done on it. going through this pays out during the vehicle's lifespan in long term perspectives. saved costs add up later. then, some parts may be worn and the issues remain unnoticed.

[@TheMr0450]

I own an ageing fzj80 .. after looking at what it could cost to upgrade to a reliable hzj105 (30-35k) ..i wonder if all that money is worth for a 20 year old vehicle.. this series is just what i needed to watch.. thanks Andrew!

[@Dorko85]

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!

[@dalejohnson9342]

I am dealing with the same issues on my 78 Suburban. The prior owner had jurryrigged so many things that I will be very busy trying to get this back to a condition that is just as good or some things will be much better than the original. Just like you I want this to be a better vehicle than the factory put out as it will fix the things that the company cheapened out in order to save money.

[@tomascernicka8617]

You could get a cheaper one but not the one you always wanted. Plus its already modified the way you want it. And also, you brought a beautiful cruiser back to life! I own a 3rd landcruisers (prado, 80,80) two were automatics. I always wanted manual. Almost made the same mistake for 3rd time, cause autos are easier to get and cheaper. But I kept going for the manual and what a pleasure to drive and shift the gears. No more overheatig trany haha. Good job. Tom from Squamish

[@Jansoom]

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

[@jimnyjolly278]

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

[@paulbanks9746]

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

[@mrs.hiddenheightsfarm9119]

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

[@yassorour4055]

Hi, I totally agree with landcruser 105. wondeful car. I like the colour that you choose. I am living in the UK and don't know any idea how can I buy and build something like yours, Andrew.

[@L-lp9fl]

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

[@defendermodsandtravels]

The costs sound about right for any 4x4 ( Land Cruiser, Patrol, Defender, Pajero - all the same actually) which is 20+ yrs old. In N. Europe / northern US / Canada there's the additional (and potentially greater) cost of corrosion. In most countries (Europe, N. America, Australia) the labour costs are likely to be several times higher of course. And now come the upgrade costs to make it into a camper which will add another $10k US. It's an expensive hobby! On the question of whether to use a new or an older vehicle (leaving aside the question of avoiding modern electronics), you want a vehicle with a low sticker price if you are going to ship it somewhere. The costs of the carnet and insurance become very significant indeed for an expensive vehicle.

[@charliewilson4670]

Excellent video really enjoyed watching ☺👍

[@markgardiner1767]

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

[@kotimoto]

Paul, I think you came out a winner, you got a 105 built with top shelf parts, with any other, you may not know what the parts condition is.

[@MOAB-UT]

Nice truck. I am looking at 2010'ish 200 series LC's. Old ones have major rust issues. Some newer ones too depending which state you find one.

[@jimfifield1674]

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

[@davidf9027]

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!

[@vvk]

Great series. I would guess most people would do just fine with rented vehicle overseas ( biggest argument being if it brakes is not YOUR car!). Andrew and I butted heads on another video thread about the merits of renting vs. using your car overseas. I still believe logistics and cost make it impractical for most people unless you are staying for more than a month in the foreign country ( Andrew's arguments were that you want your car as nice as your house and that it is poverty thinking to rent if I recall correctly). I still respectfully disagree however I do appreciate when people make their dreams and hobbies come true thus I enjoyed learning more about this buying/rebuilding experience.

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

[@UncannySense]

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.

[@TarrelScot]

Detail, detail, detail! Fabulous review of the costings and thinking. 22,000 quid (equiv) for a capable, reliable, meticulously checked and maintained overland vehicle; not bad! I think your route was the best one in the end (i.e cheaper, dodgier vehicle but putting the money into the refurb). You’ve turned more unknowns into knowns. Practically every component has been dismantled, checked and renewed if necessary. I would have supreme confidence in that vehicle compared to one I’d spent a lot more money on up-front with consequently only limited budget for refurb. Look at the Boeing 747. Some of those aircraft are technically 40+ years old, but you can guarantee virtually every component has been replaced and/or updated during that 40 year life. Can’t wait for its first expedition. Greetings from Scotland!

[@BrayanBrikauskey]

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

[@joekhonje]

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

[@SKIKR]

What a stunning project a total eye opener!!

[@williamdomey7584]

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.