Thanks. I guess we need to find one! We'd used main dealers for servicing and repairs previously.

Is it possible to estimate how much it would cost to fit a replacement engine?

I've had a quote from local garage for fitting for £300-350, but they won't source engines themselves. They have recommended a reputable local breakers yard who apprently test engine and guarantee them for 6 month though so will give them a try.

If anyone is willing to advise on best and safest (ie no dodgy rogue traders!) way to find a replacement Mazda engine, I'd be really grateful to hear your tips...

The problem with supplying an engine you find is that if its no good you'll still have to stump up the labour charges involved.

Bound to be some enterprising place about who'll take on the whole job.

I'm with the Doctor on this one,

chances are all you buying is some time before the s/h unit goes like them all.

And I'm also worried,

in my experience Maazdas are good cars,

but no matter how good the body/paint look it's a different story underneath.

I have two on my books that I advised last year at MOT time to get the sold.

One's due in next month,

this car looks like new up top,under it looks like it has been used to trailor a boat into the sea lots.

Brown doesn't do the mess justice.

Hi Bluebird.

Say the car is worth about 2K if it is in working condition. By the time you,ve sourced and fitted a replacement engine, you will have spent about 1500 quid or so cheapest, I reckon. You'v already seen that it is a money pit, so you've achieved little. Best to sell it for spares and buy something petrol, Japanese preferably.