88K in my 2004 S. There is this noise that I don't know how to describe. Like a metal creaking noise. It appears anytime there is engine load, when I go over a bump, when I come to a stop and usually in 1st and 2nd gear. It is quite annoying especially since my radio is broken now. I'm guessing it's the engine mount and bushings, but I wanted a second opinion? If it is, I'll just DIY them myself instead of taking them into a mechanic.

 

You can tell a mount is going (gone) bad when you drive it semi-hard and shift gears - it will thump or bang when you let out the clutch; you'll actually feel it from the driver's seat and through the shifter.

Maybe an exhaust "deterioration" issue?

Any difference in the clutch pedal action?

 

Hmm, it's definitely not a thump or band. There is no difference in clutch pedal action.

I never heard of exhaust deterioration. I'm also wondering if it could be a bad throwout bearing or crank pulley.