Anyone else hsve this problem? My car makes a knocking sound sometimes, and it always makes a ticking noise when I give it gas. Also, it idles really rough. Its a 2003 with about 48,000 miles...I have kept on the services, and hasnt been wrecked.

yes, exact same symptoms, I have a 2003 2.5S with ~54,000 miles.

It is more apparent when the car is cold.

do you have any mods to the car (ie, intake)? Are you using the correct gas?

maybe go up to the 89 octane and also make sure you're using a top brand and not that watered down crap.

i have the 2.5S, the owners manual specifcally says 87 octane, i also use name brand stations such as Hess or Mobile.

Its just another issue with a car that has several annoyances.

yes, i know the manual states 87. i am only asking because you could try the 89, and if it goes away, some thing else could be wrong, or you have done a mod. even a cold air intake can make your car need 89 octance to prevent knocking, if that's what's going on.

if it doesn't help, just go back to 87. wont hurt your car.

ah ok, i have not done any modifications. My mechanic is not concerned, he'd rather wait until the new england winter is over and see if the cold temps have anything to do with it.

I'll try the 89 octane for a sanity check anyway.

A ticking noise can be caused by a leak in your exhaust manifold. Timing or low octane problems usually manifest themselves as a rattling of valves(Diesel sound) vs ticking sound.