can anyone recommend a Mazda technician or repair shop in Orange County, SoCal?

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Mazda Protege5
I have '02 MP5 that has engine issues. With 150K perhaps no surprise but I need to decide whether to keep it or move on. I'd rather keep it but I need to know exactly where I'm at before I can make an informed decision.
I am no mechanic obviously or I wouldn't be asking but I think it's got lifter tick (at idle) which I understand can lead to more serious issues. I used engine flush & Liqi Moly 20004 but it didn't last. Also the engine kind of judders sometimes when it's started and at the same time makes a noise like the belts are squealing. Drives me crazy. I had the A/C system checked out (different issue) and that was fine, they suggested the belts were at fault. The next mechanic told me that the belts are fine, it needed a new MFA. I got one from Rock Auto & fitted it, seemed to be fine for a few days, then was back to square one again.
Obviously Mazda service center 's are impractical for an old car like this and most shops around here seem to steer clear of anything bigger than a simple parts swap on my car. I've looked online for a garage that specializes in Mazda's or a qualified shade-tree mechanic type who would know about these quirky Protege's but I can't find a place or person to fit the task.
Hoping someone out there can help. I don't mind traveling a reasonable distance if I have to.
 
All Mazda specialists with great reps. Bring your wallet though.

Hopefully someone here on this club can help you out. If you were a little further north, I'd definitely take a look. The 1st thing I'd most likely do is give it s 30k tune up...02 sensor, change all fluids, a close look at all the belts and hoses, etc. Do you have a video of it running? It'd be easier to diagnose if we could hear the problem.
 
Not sure what an MFA is, but if you still need A/C help I can vouch for The Air Shop in Santa Ana. Just had my A/C repaired there. Older guy that knows what he is doing.

JC's Alignment for alignments or suspension and brakes.

Sadly I don't really have a good recommendation for a good shop for the random fixes. I've learned to just do most things myself. Mind me asking what's going on with your P5?
 
Thank you all for your great advice. Apologies for dropping this but I was on a work trip. I will respond ASAP.
 
Mmm, thanks but I can't afford the Mazda dealers & simply not worth it on this car. Fluids are all done, the belts look good but the O2 sensors have not been touched. I'm thinking a vacuum leak or a faulty sensor could be at least part of the problem. Aside from the erratic idling after some starts, I can hear some odd noise once I put it in gear. Hard to describe so I'll try doing a video & see if I can capture it. Good idea & thanks!
 
Thanks for this - a Master Mazda technician w/ his own shop is more or less what I was looking for. I already called him. Don (?) seems very helpful - he sure does like to talk! I'll take it up there when I can find the time during the week.
Awesome - thanks again!
 
Eric, many thanks for the tip. I took my MP5 to Don at OC MasterTec & he diagnosed a faulty IAC. New one fitted and now much better but still having issues. These cars are pigs to get running smoothly!
 
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