Thanks for the info about seat belts. That helps.
About that noise -- it seems to be coming from rear. I had all the brakes checked a month ago, and there was 80% wear left on the rears, so I don't think that is it. I called my mechanic from back home, and he said that it may be a buildup of brake dust from new pads that make a funny noise when it gets wet. Do you think that might be it? He also said I might have the bushings checked. I don't know what those are. At any rate, I decided to forego the $45 brake inspection, since I had that done only a month ago.
It is still making the noise today...it rained yesterday, but it rained pretty hard, so perhaps it has not dried out in there yet.
Was just doing some reading on another thread about a Camry with a similar issue, and what solved that problem was a sway bar bushing. Could this be my problem? Also, is it dangerous to drive with this problem, or is it simply an aesthetic issue?