Maybe the car needs a new driver.

every now and then the starter motor turns itself "over" when the car was moving, and on the opposite side (the left handside) grey smoke comes out where the coil is located. I d reckon that some how that whatever failsafe is built in has obviously failed and that a surge is coming back to the ignition and causing the fire.

I don't know if the charger belt is helping the "surge" or whether it is coincidental but, its the second time it will be replaced in 6 weeks. unfortunately i haven't recovered either belt thats snapped as I've noticed the charge light too late.

any genuine help/info would be appreciated. tanx

Shouldn't this be moved to "Technical?".

There is an easy solution.Next time it catches fire, leave it to burn.

yeah probably not the best opening lines I have to admit. and I prob should have wrote it out first and read it.

anyway the reasonn why i "posted first" is in my relatively small experience with MSL garages in ireland is they find more problems than you actually have. also if I could get in the general ball park area ie, alternator, coil or whatever would seem to be the closest.

To be sure I will be taking it to a qualified mechanic to fix it and given my shoestring budget after xmas it is easier to buy the parts first and then agree a labour price with a mechanic. sorry for any confusion. apart from the current electrical fault, and the odd small expenses like brake pads and normal wear and tear i have had plenty good moments driving my car without being a danger to anyone parking close to me in car parks or other. so tanx for the advice and in the not so distant future i will update the post on whether "daisy" still lives or has gone to the great breakers yard in the sky.

mazda dealers are just tooo expensive, €170 just to replace front brake pads.