Lifter Noise normal?
 

My 98 V70 T5 has a very faint ticking noise when the engine is idling, and it increases with rpm. I would say that it would not be noticeable to someone just standing next to the car, but if you listen for it, it's definitely there. Is it normal for these engines to have a slight ticking noise at idle (increasing frequency with rpm)?

check your oil

my 99 T5 has this issue but more serious and its simply down to engine wear/engine drinking oil

Nope, not using any oil. The oil level is just right.

A lifter might be going bad.

Ok, so what am I looking at if that is the case? It's not bad now. Will it last for 5,000 miles, 10,000 miles, 30,000 miles? How expensive is it to fix?

Thanks

Not sure exactly how long it will last hard to tell.
Does it only sound like one or more?
The oil pan o-rings could also be bad causing a lower oil pressure.

It definitely sounds like just one. It's very faint at idle, but can definitely be heard when revved.

When it goes dead you will get a misfire.
If more start making noise then it might be the oil pan o-rings.

Would you say that it would be alright to keep driving until I notice it getting worse? It's really not noticeable now, and once you're pulling away, you can't hear it at all. It's only when the engine is unloaded and revving.

An old mechanic's trick is to get a short piece of garden hose (like 3 feet or less) and place one end over each valve (through the cover, you don't need to remove it and make a huge mess), and the other end to one ear. If there is a ticking valve, you'll hear it louder when you're over it. Stethoscope for automotive engines, I guess.

If you don't hear any specific louder ticking, it indicates that the problem lies elsewhere. It could be, for instance, a timing belt cover that nicks the belt or pulley once per rpm, or somehow a tiny pebble got imbedded in a drive belt (happens on Harley drive belts fairly frequently). Or the sound of a fuel injector (which you use the garden hose method for, also) getting louder. They aren't necessarily silent. Unfortunately, you have to play doctor and rule out possible contributors to this problem until you find it.

Ticking from a car? It hasn't been in Iraq or Afghanistan, has it??????

I have seen people drive like that for years like that with no issues at all.

could the injectors be responsible for the noise? They noisy little buggers. :)

Could be injectors as well.