Guy tries to fix the 'world's most unreliable car' he bought sight unseen only knowing it's been sitting under a tree for six years
- A YouTuber bought a car labeled the ‘world’s most unreliable car’
- He to fix it and get it back on the road
- The car in question? A 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2
Published on Dec 16, 2024 at 12:37 PM (UTC-5)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Dec 17, 2024 at 10:28 AM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
A YouTuber bought a car that he labeled the ‘world’s most unreliable car’ before attempting to fix it and get it back on the road.
The car in question?
A 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2 bought for $2,500 sight unseen.
They’re notoriously unreliable – and this example is riddled with issues.
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The world’s most unreliable car
Famed for its unreliability, this 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2 isn’t deviating from the model’s stereotype.
Per YouTuber and car enthusiast, Jackson Kessler, aka Captain Crankshaft, issues include coolant leaks, rusting frames, failing electronics, and a problematic V8 engine that’s prone to backfiring and misfiring.
As with all restoration projects, the first thing needed is to give the vehicle a thorough clean – both inside and out.
After being neglected and abandoned for years, there had ben previous attempts to clean it.
However, the stench inside the cabin that seemingly came from the worn upholstry persisted.
Probably not as bad as this Ford Ranger that blocked a garbage area so was filled like a dumpster as punishment.
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Trying to fix it
While it was clear that the vehicle’s engine was severely misfiring – the problem needed to be properly diagnosed.
Kessler tackled the issue by systematically replacing and testing parts.
These ranged from O2 sensors to spark plugs and coil packs to catalytic converters, and injectors.
After extensive troubleshooting, damaged wiring to an O2 sensor was identified as the culprit.
Beyond misfiring, the water pump, power steering pump, motor mounts, cooling system hoses, and brakes, also needed to be replaced.
This was no small job.
However, after several days of trial and error, Kessler managed to get the engine running smoothly.
However, this was only the beginning of his journey to prepare the car for its uocoming cross-country off-road journey.
His hard work should be worth it.
One driver bought a cheap second-hand Land Rover Discovery to put it through its paces off-road, and was pleasantly surprised.
Similarly, a Land Rover Discovery once took on a 110-tonne road train and defied all odds.
With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
