Take all of the drive belts off and see if the noise is still their. If it's gone spin all the pulleys by hand to see if any feel dry or grind instead of spinning smooth. If the noise is still their You need to find out if it's a bad timing belt or chain problem before you end up bending valves.

Remove all the belts, spin each accessory pulley by hand to see of any bearings are bad, then start the car for a minute to listen for the noise.

My son's car makes the same noise, he just had the timing belt changed and was told he needs the valves done.

HI take about a piece of hose say 3ft. long and put one end to your ear and run the other end around the motor and you well be able to hear exactly where the sound is coming from.

good luck

tim

Hi as this car has reached it's expect life length yes sadly the modern cars are designed to have a life of only 8 years. so what ever the noise is wear will most certainly have a lot to do with it.

AC compressor clutch, best guess... Or badly worn water pump bearing..

I'm not sure . . . . but same sound my AC compressor makes as it cycles on and off.