Audi Repair: 2001 Audi A4 Quattro, fender washer, rattle sound

Question
Hello, I am purchasing this auto and everything looks and would sound great if it was not for on funky rattle sound it makes engine?.  the owner states that she takes it in feq. to get it maintained but the sound is very new and she hasn't had it checked.  it has 130k miles on it.  what do you think?

Answer
If it is a rattle it could be a simple exhaust heat shield; a fender washer and 10 minutes will fix that.  It could a crankshaft bearing which means $4,000 in engine overhaul costs.  Impossible for me to tell; the best advice here is to get it checked out by an expert.  This may cost $50-$75 but will be the best money spent at this stage.  Good luck,  Jan