Volkswagen Repair: 2,0 16V vw engine, seat ibiza cupra sport, heatshield

Question
I have viewed a car (SEAT Ibiza Cupra sport 16 V) I understand the engine is basically a VW one.

The problem is this:-

A loud metallic rattle at approx 3000 rpm in neutral or whilst test driving.

The engine is quite and smooth at idle and also at other rev ranges.

I like the car and can get it cheap but this is the show stopper at this time.

Can you make any suggestions as to what the rattle could be?

Thanks

Answer
Not knowing the car I'll have to guess.

I think the car has a cracked heatshield, or a pebble trapped in the heatshield.  Try holding a screwdriver or pry bar against the heatshield on the catalytic converter, with someone reving the engine to make it rattle.

Hope it's not too big a problem. It sounds like you really want this car.  Good Luck!