Engine Noise - Please Help

[me_myself]

I recently bought a 2003 corolla for my wife. I have a CRV and have driven many cars before. When i start the corolla and drive it, i feel the engine noise is very high compared to crv and other cars i've driven. I am not sure if engine noise in all 9th gen corollas are high or is it something to do with my car's engine or belts.

Can someone please let me know?

Thanks.

[mikered30]

Could be belt tensioner.

[Bomix]

I have driven 4-5 corollas, I can say that they all make similar loud noises.. you should try to get with somebody else who has a corolla and compare. I would say it's normal.. Unless the noise is louder when you press on the gas pedal.

[Ohiowa]

I seem to have what I would consider to be bad valve noise. It's worse when the engine is completely cold, but it's still rather pronounced when the engine has warmed up, too.

I've tried full synthetic, changing the oil more often, and putting in a new tensioner to no avail.

Could it be something as simple as a valve clearance adjustment?

Underbody exhaust seems to be noisy on mine as well, but it's a distinctly different sound than the valves.

Anyone have any brilliant ideas?