I recently purchased a 2010 Corolla S with 1800 engine. I get the know VVT phaser rattle at start up when it hasn’t been started in awhile. The question is do I fix it or live with it? Car has 150k miles. I only spent $1k with all the normal maintenance done before the purchase. I currently don’t have a mechanic I trust and don’t trust the local Toyota dealer in Arlington Tx. I plan on giving to my grand daughter for a first car. If she follows her mother steps I give it a couple years before it meets its demise.
Just let it go. It will probably run for 200k miles with that noise.
Just don't let it get to the point of phaser overload. Very dangerous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbN02JG-QGE
I agree with Cjbman. Plus, as you say you figure it isn't going to last very long in her hands, I'd rather an inexpensive car get beat up by a new driver. If she tears it up and she is without wheels for awhile, it might make her appreciate having transportation more. It certainly did me when I was that age, had to learn the hard way 🙂
