[Doug D]

If the "rattle" was similar to marbles shaken in a coffee can and seeming to come from the AC compressor, I'd suspect a cracked flexplate. (Don't ask how I know).

Fuel mileage for the 2.4L's in the minivan's was just a mile or two better than the 3.3L V6. Might be okay for commuting, but if you have to haul a sizable load of persons and/or cargo on a consistent basis, I'd pass on it and find a minivan with a V6.

 

[chuzz]

You sure the rattling is from the engine and not a loose heat shield on the exhaust somewhere?

 

[gusc]

Worn AC comp clutches and idle pulleys make a lot of noise.

 

[John Wood]

My sons 2.4 mini is noisy, especially when first started up. It quiets a bit when warmed up. That suggests hydraulic lifters not getting full oil pressure in my mind, but I never got involved with diagnosing it. He paid $100 for it and has put over a 100,000 miles on it. The odometer is reading over 300,000 miles. Supposedly the engine was replaced once in the lifetime of the vehicle, but before he bought it.

He is at the point where he says he'll junk the vehicle if something happens to the engine... yet it keeps going and gets him around town. . I think the noise is just irritating.

History: http://www.allpar.com/forums/topic/107713-my-sons-100-minivan/