The situation is it is time to move on from my 300K P2's. I am looking at a '09 XC70 T6 with 50K mi.

Current owners are very honest people. They disclosed that when cold they hear what they describe as a lite ticking sound that goes away when the car warms up. According to them one hears it when turn the car on, backing out the driveway and for a short distance when driving then it goes away when warm.

When I went to inspect/drive the car it did not do it on the first drive. I then did the rest of my inspections. Can not find any issues. Then put the car in revers to back down the ramps and noticed with my foot on the break I get the car to make the noise in reverse, but not park, neutral or drive. Adding a little gas in reverse I could hear it. If I backed down the street one can hear it but then it goes away as one accelerates in reverse.

It sounds like it is coming from behind the glove box (passengers side engine compartment), I do not believe it is an HVAC issue as it only makes noise under load and is shifter dependent.

Any ideas what this is and the risk that I would be buying a lemon if I move forward?