i have an 04 mazda6 5sp 2.3l and it has this strange ticking noise so i took it into a shop and they told me it was the timing chain it costed about $1100 to fix it but now the ticking noise is still there and now the shop is telling me that my bottom end is gone. the ticking noise only happens when the car is warmed up and right before the car is ready to be shifted. my boyfriend wants me to sell the car but i really love it so if u guys have any idea what the noise could be besides the bottom end it would be really appreciated....thank you liz

 

First need to check your shop. Doubt a timing chain would go this early in life. A person on the Miata.net had a similar problem and after a lot of false proclamations like timing chain and blown engine, etc., it turned out there is a internal valve in the intake manifold that can fail, causing this type noise. One other thing to check is change brands/grade of gas and see if it changes. Lots of crumby gas with too much alcohol floating around. Don't panic and throw in the towel too quick.