Auto service owner and popular YouTube blogger Ilya Sviridov has acquired a diesel Toyota Land Cruiser 100 that he had dreamed about for years. Now he intends not just to drive the 2001 "hundred," but to fully restore the SUV. The story is also notable because such vehicles remain in demand in Kazakhstan, reports infohub.kz.

The author of the YouTube channel "Club Service" said he had to hunt for the car for a long time. Eventually, specialists found the Land Cruiser in St. Petersburg. The vehicle spent most of its life in the Far North and, according to the blogger, avoided large amounts of road salt.

The SUV was listed for 2.9 million rubles (approximately 15.3 million tenge), but after negotiations it was sold for 2.6 million (≈13.8 million tenge). Along with the selection process, specialists inspected about eight or nine vehicles, and their services cost around 200,000 rubles (≈1.1 million tenge).

Condition was the main criterion. The 25-year-old "Cruiser" retains its original doors, sills, body panels, and interior with factory leather. The frame also turned out to be in good shape, though it has some minor surface corrosion.

"The most important thing in this story is to find something that was loved, cared for, and preserved," the blogger admitted.

The purchased SUV is equipped with a 4.2-liter diesel engine producing 204 horsepower. It features hydraulic suspension with adjustable ride height, adjustable shock absorber stiffness, locking center and rear differentials, and a low-range gear.

Sviridov specifically noted the condition of the interior. The original leather has survived after a quarter of a century, and the transmission, transfer case, and torsion bars remain original. The only noticeable issue is the rear differential lock, which currently does not work.

"This is the best Toyota Land Cruiser in the history of Toyota, in my opinion," Sviridov believes.

Now the Land Cruiser 100 is planned for a full restoration: the vehicle will be disassembled, the frame sandblasted and repainted, and the body, suspension, interior, and components will be refurbished. Sviridov wants the "hundred" to look almost new after the repair but retain its original appearance.

Interest in the model persists in Kazakhstan as well. At the time of writing, Kolesa.kz had 463 listings for the Land Cruiser 100 from 1998–2007. Overall, there are over 2,000 offers for "Cruisers."

Prices for the "hundreds" depend heavily on condition. The author himself mentions an approximate range of 3.5 to 8 million rubles (about 18.5–42.3 million tenge). More affordable options can also be found here: for example, a 2001 Land Cruiser 100 with a 4.2 diesel is selling for 7 million tenge.

Earlier, Kursiv Auto explained why a Land Cruiser 200 at the bottom of the market can become a dangerous trap.