1988 Mazda 323, barely starts only once a day, no power

Thank you very much for the reply.

I've actually heard that idea from a friend but since that seemed impossible for me to replace myself I was hoping it was something else. Now with your qualified opinion it's starting to feel unfortunately plausable.

Is there any kind of simple test to prove one way or another if it is indeed the "cat"?

Sounds like from this point I'll need to get it towed to a shop :(

I really appreciate your help, thank you.

Sorry to be so clueless but can you give me a general idea where the o2 sensor might be located?

>> BTW How long since you have this car and when
>> was the last time it seen a major tune-up.

I've had the car for two years - it's never had a tune-up under me, but the previous owner was a mechanic of sorts. I barely drive the car twice a week for 10-20 miles tops (total per week).

I managed to find the oxygen sensor wire and disconnect it, but absolutely no change at all in behavior. What's really strange is that even disconnecting the battery for hours to reset any computer interference does not give that first "catch" (run) that I get every other morning or so. I literally have to wait days for it to work again.

It's been suggested to me that the timing belt may have slipped a notch which would make it lose power the way it did on the way home and on rare occasion when I get it to start now. If so, it's a task well outside by ability and outside the cost I can afford ($500-$600 quoted to me by local shops)

I just wish I could know for sure if it is the belt before giving up completely - no shop will even look at it for less than $75 and I hesitate to throw that much away if it means it's hopeless.