HELP!!- No Spark

[kiteman]

Having a bad run with my '96 Probe. Been running a bit rough for a while but some injector cleaner in the fuel "seems" to have it running better. Only usually plays up after 15km or so drive. Not too bad though.
One morning it wouldn't start and I found the fuel cut-out at the rear had tripped....!!! Reset and all was fine.

One day I drive home, 20km, but only on 5 cylinders all the way. Never happened before. I try and find which is the faulty plug with engine idling. While checking the second plug the engine stopped. Called RAC, no spark, tow to workshop. Found that the distributor need replacing and that will be $940 fitted for a 2nd hand one or $2,500 for a new one!!!!! DUHHHH!!!!
The guy says that usually the 2nd hand ones are just fine so I go with that. I pay up, ask about warranty on the part and told ummmmm..... "maybe a month".
Car runs just fine.........for 2 days... then.....no start. No spark. Less than 100km driven! I call RAC, tow to workshop........... One week now.....

Anyone else had this problem?? Could it even be a computer glitch??

I called Ford Spares and was quoted $3,100 for the distributor alone! The car must only be worth $6K!!

all suggestions greatly appreciated!
cheers
Neil
kiteman