My 2007 Tucson 2.7L V6 has a rattle like noise for a couple seconds when cold starting. She's getting on, has about 225,000km. A mechanic suggested that it might be a 'lazy lifter'. I always thought lifter noise was more of a tapping or clicking where as this is more of a rattle. Any suggestions out there as to what might be causing this noise?

 

Some 2.7 engines have variable valve timing on them. If yours does it could be coming from the VVT system.
Regular oil changes and the correct grade of oil have a great deal to do with how long the engine will perform without some serious problems.