Have a Mazda 3 2l Sport 2007 and I love it

However, have a horrible tapping noise coming from the engine.

An independent garage have said that it may be the Variable Valve Timing Actuator, however, after searching the net, I don't think it it that

It sometimes makes the noise when idling, but mainly makes the noise when I hit the accelerator, if I ease of the accelerator it goes

Anyone know what this could be......one person has said that they thought the noise was coming from the bottom end and the garage have said its coming from the top end.

I haven't got a clue, Im just a girl!!!!! who really needs your help

 

so what does it sound like... metallic or plastic? and heavy like stomping your feet, or light like a tin can.
There have been problems with the engine mount located on the passenger side of the engine - it sits between the engine and frame of the car. you can look at it and make sure it isn't wet beneath it - indicating it's leaking.

 

It sounds metallic and it sounds like a tin can

Its sounds more to the drivers side and I cant see any wet beneath it

 

there could be parts of the exhaust shield that are rattling, you can look on the back side of the engine, there's a metal cover over the exjaust. You can tap on that (when the engine is cold) and see if it's a similar noise. It is quite common to have corrosion issues on exhaust shields, I haven't run into any on the 3 yet though.

If it's from inside the engine, there could be a bad valve or something, which is an expensive issue.
As for coming and going under acceleration, that again could be something physically hitting the engine / exhaust - since the engine does move around when accelerating.

Oh - there's an engine mount - basically under your brake pedal, and i've heard of people getting rocks stuck in that one causing rattles / vibration. Though i'd think that would be a heavy noise it's an easy thing to check / fix if something is stuck in there.