Use caution that Could be a timing belt issue. Might want to use a hard
vacuum cleaner hose or PVC pipe to try and narrow down where the
sound is coming from. With engine idling hold one end of pipe to ear
and carefully position the other end in and around the pulleys and belt.
When the sound sounds its loudest you are close to the issue. Could
just be an idler pulley issue but could also be a timing belt idler/tensioner
pulley issue. If the sound sounds like it coming from behind the plastic
guards it's more than likely a timing belt/timing pulley issue. Ask them
when the timing belt was replaced. It should have been done around
100000 miles. If it has not been done I would definitely have it changed
if you buy the car. For $800 I would probably not be afraid to buy it just
as long as I knew when timing belt was changed or planned on changing
it myself.
1 people found this helpful.