Yeah, I'd definitely go for it. Mine has a clatter when I cold start it, lol. But, it has had a hard life. Original head, but the shortblock got replaced 100k miles ago, it uhh, broke. Proper broke. Car definitely got flat-bedded to the dealer when it was stock and under the 100k mile extended warranty. Once at 99,982 miles for a transmission. Service manager hated my whole family.
The tick is possibly not from lack of maintenance or beating, there is a known issue with the intake cam on 2002's not being properly heat treated and they get pitting. I'm sure mine are doing it, but it's ticked since 45k miles.
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