Winter Tyre's depends on where you live and usage. We have always put them on my wife's car as she does the uphill and down dale runs (we live in quite rural Yorkshire). I decided to put them on my old car as I travel a lot and a few times, early morning, have nearly missed flights. What made me switch was one morning the motorway was covered, and keeping the car in a straight line was a nightmare. I found out after I got back somebody died on that stretch about 15 minutes after I went past. As we have now moved upto the top of a hill, which is a steep single track road I am glad I have them, although last year they were unnecessary, but most of the tyre places nearby do a tyre hotel and only charge £7.50 per tyre to swap over and store. So for £30 twice a year it's a bit of no brainer.
With Regards Rattles and things, the Lexus is the only car where I have ever had to do anything. It is such a shame it has disappointed me, but courtesy cars when mine has been in for services have been fine, so think i'm just unlucky.
My Previous car was a 2006 Mazda 3, did 120,000 miles in it, and when I got rid didn't have one rattle or squeaky door seal.