2000 Jetta GLS 2.0 Engine Rattle?

Our Volkswagon has 50500 miles on it. The engine has a rattling or a sucking loose vacuum noise (that last one came from dh lol) coming from it. It's had it's 40k tune up 500 miles ago (late, I know). I am gonna take it into the shop, but honestly, you all KNOW how men are when a women takes in a car. They humor us and say, "I can't find the problem, it must be in your head." Then the engine blows. That's what happened to my last car anyways. No, sending dh in is not an option, he's way clueless in the car arena. He learned everything he knows from me lol.

Anyhow, any ideas what it could be, so I can go in informed and just tell the little mechanic people what the problem likely is?

TIA,
Jennifer