Engine Rattle

[comfort]

Hi,

I recently bought a new Avensis, 1.6 vvti engine (facelifted, 2007). After the first 1.000km maintanance, I started to hear a rattling noise from the engine. The noise is heard between 1.000-2.000 rpms. Mainly around 1.400-1.600.

The noise disappears at high (above 2.000) or lower (below 1.000) revs.

The noise stays whether the engine is hot or cold...

I first thought it was a loose plastic part in the engine compartment, however the dealer checked it and could not find any loose parts. The dealer says this is normal behaviour since the intake and exhaust parts on the engine are made of plastic, not metal as in other engines. Is this true ?

One other point I noticed is; the sound is more audible in the car's driver seat then when standing outside, next to the car !. :!Removed!:

Any opinions what might be the real case ?

[Black Knight]

Dealers talking rubbish. For a start I've never ever heard of any car having a plastic exhaust manifold! They tend to have problems dealing with 900+ C exhaust gas temperatures! The exhaust manifold is metal same as any other.

The intake manifold is plastic but again it's not something that's prone to rattle.

I'd suggest complaining to the dealer again. If they tell you it's normal get them to prove it by starting another car nearby so you can listen to the two back to back or drive them one after another