my Tf i just bought has a weird noise. when you put your foot down it makes a muffled V8 kinda sound. definitely a sound that doesn't sound normal.
is this likely to be the timing belt? i was thinking of getting it replaced anyway as it has 180,000 on clock.

Aircon / Tension belt...Had the same problem,Take it to mechanic and get it tightened.

Hole in your exhaust? Your description is very limited