We need help.

[@englishrightscomefirst5416]

Hi, Just watching this video, may i suggest getting some new gearbox oil for the Jeep. Drain the old oil and check to see if it is glistening (metal in the oil) Fill back up with new oil. If you can do this yourself it may save a few pounds. I admire your spirits and positivity. Another thing you can try that won't cost ypu anything Put the vehicle up on blocks so that all the wheels are off the ground. Then put in gear, see if you get the noise on acceleration. If you do then you can see if you can pin point where the noise is actually coming from. Just be careful and make sure it won't come off the blocks Or if the garage can put on a ramp and do the same. All the best Chris

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you so much! Great advice! We are definitely going to take a closer look now that we are borrowing a vehicle from someone. Thanks again! 👍

[@mindle4]

It's hard to tell from the video, but that does not sound like a transmission knocking. I have some years experience with overlanding and Jeeps and I once drove a 1999 Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 liter engine and automatic transmission which was going bad and it did not sound or act like yours. That transmission would slam back and forth between gears very hard with a rapid and loud banging sound every time it tried to shift up into the next gear unless you were soft on the accelerator. It was so loud and hard it made you want to see if it had left parts behind on the ground when it did that. Granted, there are many ways for a transmission to die, but out of all the transmissions I have killed, none of them had a knocking or tapping sound. Grinding, whirring, whining, or banging while shifting, but never a constant knocking sound. As others have said, I would find a different mechanic. 500 is very expensive for a torque converter. One for your Jeep is 250 where I live, and then you get 100 back when you bring the old one for a core. When Lee from Our Derelict Dream took their Mercedes in for repairs at their mechanic in VT, I was amazed at how cheap the bill was for the work that was done. Also, post your problems on a USA Jeep forum since they are very, very common in the US and less so everywhere else. Ant, you did such a good job working on the van back in the UK, I bet you can do the same with the Jeep. It's still just nuts and bolts, only this time they're American ones. That just means you shout different obscenities at it when you bust your knuckles. Until you get it sorted, breakdown service aka roadside assistance that includes towing is around 50 lev a year through SDI. When I used to drive an unreliable car I kept my bicycle in the back because a 4 hour walk is 1 hour on a bicycle. With the summer heat, keep a backpack with 3 or 4 liters of water in the Jeep at all times.

[@the_phoenixproject]

There is a very big difference between a cheap, Bulgarian mechanic and a highly experienced British mechanic. Also, from what we heard, sounds like Lee has had endless problems with his car. Anthony is very skilled but he has explored every avenue with the Jeep, including scouring the internet for answers. We have TWO British mechanics at our disposal who are highly trained. We asked everyone in the area and every single person recommended this mechanic. We can't afford to keep putting money into it. I think maybe you're mistaken about the price of the torque converter also, because with delivery costs etc. even a second-hand one was expensive. Thanks for your advice, we appreciate it all the same.

[@mindle4]

@@the_phoenixproject I'm very much not mistaken about the price of the torque converter. I'm looking at it right now on my usual go-to website for car parts. A remanufactured torque converter for the 45RFE transmission is $150, plus $100 core fee, and this parts supplier would even ship to Bulgaria for $108 via FedEx or $115 via DHL for a total of $360 or so USD, or about €330. If you have the 42RE transmission, the torque converter for that is $30 cheaper. A second hand torque converter for any of the Jeep transmissions can be had from my local parts yard for $50 and shipped to Bulgaria for $130 or so. Any part costing under €150 or less is exempt from customs duty. The $100 core charge is also exempt as it's a fee and does not reflect the cost of the part. I plan to bring my cars to Europe when I move so I've done extensive research on how to get parts for them. I understand you've made up your mind to move on from the Jeep, I also understand that your resources and options are limited out in rural Bulgaria, but just because your mechanic is British doesn't mean that he's infallible or appropriately priced. It also doesn't mean that everyone else must be wrong or mistaken. I wish you luck on your next vehicle.

[@udififkfkfck]

​@@the_phoenixprojectI have a serious & curious question! Why would you go free with Chanel4 not charge them any €€ it makes no sense what so ever?!?! They could've buy you atleast couple brand new cars, better house plus donating you a dissent size pile of cash stored in a dugout in the basement as they say in BG. That's not patriotic neither Bulgarian nor well mannered!

[@travellingarts93]

Hello there ,sorry to hear about all this car related grief ,living in that remote area you need to have a plan B and C, get yourself a small motor bike with panniers each side + or a push bike that can get you to the nearest shops to get the basics even if it requires few trips till you get this car situation sorted ,may be the prices of things are a bit higher but you are saving on fuel, all the best.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you! 😊

[@georgibraykov3715]

Айде бе хора, толкова ли няма някой майстор около Стражица и Търново да му погледне колата на човека да види какво й е? Кой го знае оня селски майстор колко разбира, освен че е добър монтажник на резервни части.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Не знам. Опитвам се.

[@r.a.3984]

@@the_phoenixprojecthe saying this to the viewers- hopefully someone who understand of cars will see the comment … I’m not good with that at all I know a good mechanic but it is very far… I have a right wheel drive car but not suitable for you I believe as you need like “jeep” or suv :/

[@FreeSpeech-q7v]

Buy a Dacia Duster SUV or similar. I'll help you. I've had so much car troubles and it's frustrating.... Being female every car dealer rips you off. ...

[@QuantumBraced]

I don't have sweets but I have crisps. This got me LOL.

[@SMWalkerAtelierDeCouture]

Me too!! Their kids are adorable 🥰 I wonder if we can send them a gift box for the girls? ❤❤❤

[@the_phoenixproject]

I think we can all relate 🙈

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you so much! 🙏😊❤️❤️❤️

[@alpaycavus7002]

I am so sorry to see you guys this sad😢. And i also do not understand why people find it necesary giving rude and hurtfull comments. I can not send you money because we are busy moving to Bulgaria our self. I will pray for you , and hope with all my heart, that this car problem soon be fixed.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Your prayers mean a lot to us. Good luck with your move and thanks for the lovely comment ☺️❤️❤️❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi we can all help by letting all the adverts roll and just leave the playlists rolling overnight with all the adverts.

[@futurekron]

I'm definitely entering, but not sure I can give a ton...will give as much as I can. Wouldn't expect you to put me up, but maybe I can just ask your opinion on a property when I'm getting close to buying.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you ❤️💕 And of course 😊

[@paulspenceruk1]

Find another mechanic! One thing I've have found over the last 6 decades is paying for parts that don't fix the problem is down to the mechanic. Dacia are a good buy, I have a Sandero and find it absolutely ticks the boxes for cost, reliability and usefulness. Go for the older model with the 1.5 diesel engine.

[@the_phoenixproject]

We are in rural Bulgaria. There is no better mechanic than the one that we went to. The car is buggered.

[@paulspenceruk1]

@@the_phoenixproject Fair enough ;)

[@MrBlueWRX]

Do you know Lee and Emily from Our Derelict Dream? I remember a video of his where he had his Merc repaired by a good garage in VT, maybe worth a shot?

[@the_phoenixproject]

Yes, we do, but they prefer not to speak to us. We can't afford to have it looked at any more. The two British, experienced mechanics would trump any cheap Bulgarian mechanic and we just can't afford to have anyone else look at it now.

[@JanetPearson-i9j]

I’ve been in the same situation my vitara died and had to be scrapped. My advice would be to buy a generic old banger a Vw or such like. Nothing new nothing flash just a basic car. The extreme weather and the terrible roads destroy cars and that includes the posh ones. Stock up for the bad weather so you don’t need a 4x4 like the Bulgarians do. Also don’t worry about breaking down generally the next car behind will stop and help it’s just the Bulgarians way. Also make the local mechanic your bestest friend take him cake etc lol. You’re going to need him over here. Xx good luck keep going xx

[@vencialeksandrov649]

Now you are proper Bulgarian , relax take your time and you will find the problem

[@miroslavangelov84]

Guys be careful when you buying car in Bulgaria, there are a lot of scammers trying to sell their wrecks . Also be careful with mechanics , there a lot of people who have no clue about repairing car. Thing is your car is not that famous in BG and not many people are aware how to repair jeep and auto gearbox . If youd like to buy another car dont go to dealerships , better stay away from them and try to buy registered car . My brother in law importing cars from UK mainly SUV (vitara and crv ) so if you wish you can deal with him and you can check the car history . Anyway good luck and dont trust the sellers , have a look for an older car im driving myself honda civic 2005 and can say its really reliable car .

[@the_phoenixproject]

Can you send us some details for your brother in law, Miroslav? We definitely need someone to help us find a reliable car!

[@hahorin]

Knowing how Bulgarian mechanics work I wouldn’t surprise if he just scammed you and never even bought that spare part. Be very careful when picking mechanics in future and only pick someone trusted if possible and always demand to take the old replaced parts with you.

[@the_phoenixproject]

It was a British mechanic and we bought the part.

[@addictedtoadrenaline979]

Guys, i can give you only recommendation for car to buy. Search for Suzuki vitara. It will be probably with LPG gas and it will be cheap to run and with small taxes its only 1.6 16v 90hp and its Japanese so basically will run forever 😏 its not heavy car so with good tyres its perfect for snow.👍

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you! 😊

[@iosilver9920]

Have you posted a detailed explanation on a Jeep forum/Facebook group? What those people don't know can be written on the back of a stamp. It's hard to diagnose from a noise on a video but are you sure that it is not a transfer box issue? Do these have filters on the gearbox and is it clean and not reducing oil pressure? Anyway, fingers crossed 🤞

[@the_phoenixproject]

This was the first thing Anthony did.

[@NewBulgarians]

Sorry to hear about the car trouble, we've been there and had to cut our losses in the end, it's so gutting when they go wrong and you definitely need one in rural BG with your girls. Hope you reach your target soon.

[@duncan4504]

Maybe actually light at the end of a long tunnel. The kids visa D application at uk embassy is free for kids under 12. And when u come over too do that pick up a cheap uk car and drive back.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Very good advice!

[@musichead1313]

Hope you get sorted with a car soon, it can’t be easy to be in your situation at the moment. Just to let you know, there is a bus from Kereka to VT every Monday and Friday (2 stops from Kaufland). Might be worth considering in the meantime.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Kereka is one hour away from us but thanks 🙏

[@musichead1313]

Sorry, thought you were closer to Kereka. Incidentally, I was on a train from VT to Tryavna this week and there were 5 Bulgarian women in my carriage talking about English people living in Bulgaria and you both got a mention. Hope all works out.

[@InquisitiveBaldMan]

Random but have you checked the fuel filter? Im assuming the Air filter/spark plugs have been done on a service at some point.... To me the issue sounds actual engine related if the issue is only when the enignes under more load. Ie up hill... Does it ever do it when idleing? If its purely when the engine trys harder id make sure the air/fuel are good for certain but im guessing you already did that..... Its probably been run on iffy fuel and needs the fuel filter unless you did it already... BIG list of things it could be, but thats engines for you.

[@dianethompson2458]

I am so sorry that this is happening to you. I live in Canada, and I'm so sorry I can't afford to help you right now. I am a senior on pension. I know your followers who can help will do so. This set up could be the start of a new passive income stream. See if having people camp on your land works for you. If so the income would be most welcome I'm sure.❤

[@carsol3084]

It’s either the transfer box which is easy to change or if it rattles upon revving when stationary take the rocker cover off and check a hydraulic tappet hasn’t come loose.

[@SMWalkerAtelierDeCouture]

Good luck , donated what I can afford. Rlly hope you sort a new car for your family ❤

[@duncan4504]

While doing out kids visa application in UK we have to stay until it is authorised and our kid is legal too return, we've bought a cheap diesel zafira to visit our family all over UK. Then when visa arrives drive back camping ob the way with a tent saving a fortune on fuel (60mpg)this time instead of lugging a heavy caravan with a thirsty 4x4. Plus Zafira is a common opel car out there so cheap to repair and also like a little handy van with seats down and a 7 seater for airport pick ups for people visiting us. Worth a try if u get enough funds.

[@the_phoenixproject]

It's a good idea! Thanks!

[@emmatomkins5582]

Check the prop shaft bearing and u joints. If there is play then that could be your issue. Easy fix.

[@the_phoenixproject]

@@emmatomkins5582 Thank you!

[@galinarostova1581]

Thanks!

[@the_phoenixproject]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@alreadyTAKENffs]

It was really brave to buy a car that had already been converted and tortured for hobby off-road purposes. I don't know how you come up with the idea of buying a V8 without financial reserves. I'm sorry you're in such a situation, but I really can't understand it. Good luck

[@the_phoenixproject]

I guess we are idiots then.

[@Iamusertoo]

Please heads up! Believe me there is always help in Bulgaria and you are not alone, despite some pickled people, it will be okay!

[@kuyumdzhiev]

Get a Toyota RAV4 , they are reliable and between 6-10k leva.

[@phildraycott738]

Sorry to hear about your car, sometimes old is better a vauxhall astra are simple to work on ( i mean you can change the clutch with out removing the gear box) simple single overhead cam im sure ant can keep it running with some good maintenance. Than getting something newer having to rely on others to plug in diagnostics and replace components. We used one for getting logs they are pretty bomb proof. good luck guys

[@the_phoenixproject]

This car is 24 years old! We always buy old and maintain vehicles. Our van is also very old.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi, can you put together a 'Bulgaria house' playlist so we can leave a playlist running overnight, letting the adverts roll and help you all with some Adsense income

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you! Great idea ❤️❤️❤️

[@anastasiakirachena1104]

Good luck you guys. I am sure you will manage to collect the funds. There is no point in putting more money in this car or taking it to another mechanic. Let’s just collect the money and you can buy a new reliable car. Good luck! ❤

[@parabola8933]

I have a 1998 Volkswagon Golf that I'm selling. I'm in Sofia. My father in law imported it from Germany in 2014. I've driven it to the Black Sea multiple times. The car is a tank and probably has another 200k KM on the motor. He wants 2000 Lev for it but is negotiable. I can give you more details if interested.

[@the_phoenixproject]

Thank you! 😊 We'll have a think!

[@parabola8933]

@@the_phoenixproject Definitely! We're in Bulgaria for another two weeks.

[@a4kata40]

Извикайте някой да почисти кладенеца. Не пиете водата нали? 😃.

[@the_phoenixproject]

ние не пием водата 😅🙈

[@newbeginningsinbulgaria]

Just a couple of observations ... On the Jeep front, there are many noises that can rumble on not causing problems for thousands of miles, so don't stress it too much. Even new cars can go "bang" unexpectantly. It's a shame people don't learn basic mechanics these days, but I appreciate if you don't know, you will be more worried. The other thing I'd ask politely (and maybe you already do) but please please pick up your dogs poop if it does it anywhere livestock eat or in a crop of hay. Neospora is a disease spread by dog poo and causes cows and sheep to abort. As a farmer, I've seen this only too often and sadly many people don't realise this is a real problem and not just farmers moaning.

[@the_phoenixproject]

I know you don't mean to be rude, so I'll do my best to reply 😅 I'm sure you must be unaware that Anthony is an absolute superhero when it comes to mechanics. He took our van apart and spent months learning how to rebuild everything. He has replaced everything from cam belts to clutches. He has more than a basic knowledge of mechanics and I'm very proud of him. The thing people seem to forget is that we have two small children, and Anthony is primarily the person who has them while I'm busy teaching. He barely has time to tinker. That being said, the car is struggling up hills and we can't risk it any longer. It's not coming from the front. Mechanics have said it is probably the gear box. Have you ever been stranded on the side of the road with two small children? We won't risk it, it's not worth it. About the dog poo, haha. The field you see in the video is NEVER used. The land owner mows it twice a year for absolutely no reason other than keeping it tidy. The nearest livestock is a single pig across the village. There is no livestock in our village, nor are there any farmers. Unfortunately, our village is a graveyard. The field is covered in wild animal poo and occasionally, Ivy contributes. She normally goes in the bushes, to be honest. Perhaps I'm a bit stressed, so I'm sorry to be a little short. Trust me when I say, the car is in a serious condition.

[@newbeginningsinbulgaria]

@@the_phoenixproject I wasn't trying to be rude, so I'm sorry if that's how it came across. My comment on dog poo was an observation and also a comment to your wider audience. Not everyone knows about how dangerous dog poo can be to livestock. Also not everyone would know that that field or the hay cut is not for forage, so it was information for everyone. Good for Anthony as far as mechanics goes and I'm glad he's not afraid to tinker. We had five kids and cars were even less reliable back when they were small. We were and are still are in a position where I've had to fix them myself so know how you feel. My point there was not to stress "too" much over gearbox rumbles ect as often (not always I know) those sounds can be accessed as you drive which is better than a major problem that can just happen to any car with no warning. Good luck with your problems and try not to over stress so much. Life has a way of working out if you don't over think things.

[@davedree]

How much would a Ford Ranger 2.5td 4x4 2002-2006 cost over there? or to get one registered after being brought over from the uk?

[@Thunder7179]

6000 - 8000 euro. But diesel cars are under heavy penalties in the new EU tariffs. Right now, a new package of eco-sanctions is entering. Cars outside the EU high duties. A British right-hand drive car, this is pure suicide, here the traffic is in the right direction.

[@flow8eraleutica]

I don't think its gonna cost you much. I don't know if you will need a new register number but its pretty cheap. I think to register import a car there is a tax like 20 pounds, insurance 150, mandatory first aid and fire kit - 20, there is also eco tax that depends on how old abd what type of car you have I would say around 100 on average for the whole year I think...to get a bulgarian register number would be 40 if you want to be fancy with choice of numbers if starts 150-3000 ofc the last means some fancy number like 0000😂 or XXXX

[@r.a.3984]

It is bad idea to import car from Uk now after Brexit it’s such a …. Unpleasant situation. I’ve been there done it once and wouldn’t recommend no one. I have Ford fiesta and it cost me more to register it than I bought it it’s not a new one but still

[@galinarostova1581]

I enjoy to see your steps to improve life. Please do not give up. God bless you guys.

[@sampotgieter6990]

Hi guys, just out of interest, you mentioned yesterday that you have Irish passports. Does this not qualify you as EU citizens and therefore an easy route to residency? We are also looking at importing our UK vehicle to BG when the time comes. We do have Swiss nationality but living in UK. Do you know if there is still import duties if you bring it in as a personal possession? Good luck with sorting transport out

[@paulb1951]

When did they mention passports? I watched their last video and zero evidence of anything of the sort?

[@sampotgieter6990]

@@paulb1951 it was in the live stream 37mins. I’ve since watched again and they do say that they are in the process of getting irish passports, being eligible. The visa D process sound like a nightmare!

[@the_phoenixproject]

We are in THE PROCESS of obtaining Irish passports which can take up to two years.

[@sampotgieter6990]

@@the_phoenixproject Got it. Wishing you all the best.

[@Milko.Enchev]

Me and my wife like your project, but I will probably be a bit hard in this comment. First, Bulgaria has thousands of cheap cars for around 700 pounds (opel corsa, nissan almera/primera, vw polo, golf, focus etc) buying a beaten jeep, used for hunting was a bad idea to begin with. Wish u best of luck.

[@the_phoenixproject]

If you liked our "project" you wouldn't have been so unnecessarily harsh. Bulgaria doesn't have thousands of cheap cars that you can RELY ON. What was the point of this comment? To make us feel bad? Well, you've succeeded. So thanks 👍

[@jarfullofbuttons]

Could an electric cargo bike help in the very short term while you’re raising money for the car? Then at least you might be able to get to the village stores.

[@jarfullofbuttons]

Also, donated a bit via GFM. Hope it helps! 💕

[@the_phoenixproject]

Aw thanks so much Kate. We just don't have the funds yet to afford something like that. It's really come at the worst time with additional visa expenses. We'll see what happens! ❤️

[@jarfullofbuttons]

@@the_phoenixproject Hoping for the best for you from the fundraising!

[@sarahsmith-iq6fn]

Laura have you got Patron set up as well?

[@the_phoenixproject]

Yes, it's in the description ❤️

[@marianamanolova6461]

Can you find another mechanic for the car ! Maybe it`s repairable !

[@the_phoenixproject]

This man is the best mechanic in the area. Bulgarians are not known for their mechanical expertise, unfortunately, and it is extremely difficult to find a good mechanic out here.

[@alreadyTAKENffs]

alot of good and trustful mechanics in Vt area.

[@rhondag9700]

Does your camper not work?😮

[@the_phoenixproject]

We are trying to import it, but it's VERY complicated. It's currently illegal to drive it. It could take months.

[@FreeSpeech-q7v]

First

[@udififkfkfck]

Have you already used & learned what Bulgarian TESLÀ (ТЕСЛÀ) is?

[@СтефанЕнев-в1б]

❤😅, Здравстуйте друзя очень рад увидет вас двоих удачи мои дорогие друзя я Стефан из Болгарии желаю здорове счастия и любов в твою семью ❤

[@lazypanda8906]

Why do you write in Russian?

[@a4kata40]

От България, а пишеш на руски 😂😂😂. Странно

[@baihui7349]

що пишеш на руски? ,те са от Великобритания

[@annehallett289]

It’s Bulgarian - Cyrillic alphabet

[@lazypanda8906]

@@annehallett289 It’s not, trust me.. I should know, because I am Bulgarian… both languages use Cyrillic, but the vocabulary and the grammar are very different

[@JanetPearson-i9j]

I’ve been in the same situation my vitara died and had to be scrapped. My advice would be to buy a generic old banger a Vw or such like. Nothing new nothing flash just a basic car. The extreme weather and the terrible roads destroy cars and that includes the posh ones. Stock up for the bad weather so you don’t need a 4x4 like the Bulgarians do. Also don’t worry about breaking down generally the next car behind will stop and help it’s just the Bulgarians way. Also make the local mechanic your bestest friend take him cake etc lol. You’re going to need him over here. Xx good luck keep going xx

[@newbeginningsinbulgaria]

Good advice, and probably the best here on this subject