"you could get an Astra K run out."

That's a typo by S40. He means the Astra J, which is the previous model from around 2010 on.

Tyre wise. A lot of the original Ks came with Bridgestone Turanzas. GM must have got them cheap as very few owners would have replaced them like for like. They last for ages though. At 38k on mine, I still have two of the originals with over 4mm. I've recently moved them from back to front to speed up their departure. The two tyres I've replaced are now Michelins. Better, but not silent.

My son's K had Nexan on the back and brand new ditchfinders on the front when he bought it in 2021. As a combo they were quieter than mine and the ditchfinders lasted well, but they were not good in the wet. Recently replaced with Michelin when one picked up a nail.

Let's be clear, you won't be deafened by whatever is fitted but just some will be quieter than others. Just go for something with a quoted low dB figure.

Regarding depreciation, that's one reason I bought a K. In 2017 I bought mine at 9mths/12,500 miles for £11,500. In SRi spec it was a lot of car for the money with over two years warranty remaining. I believe it topped the list of most appreciating (40%) cars following the lockdown price rises. Underated IMO. Unfashionable badge. Do I care?...

Edited by Chris M on 11/02/2023 at 08:33

The car says around 45mpg but it's optimistic by a couple of mpg. I do around 4-5,000 miles per year, mostly local but local for me often includes a few miles on the motorway where I go with the flow. I'm no boy racer, but I don't pootle. I've had high fifties on longer runs where I've kept to 65ish, but I get bored. So much easier to go with the flow!

My son does a lot more miles than me (20k pa), many longer motorway trips and his average is low 50's. Again no racer and sticks to speed limits on motorways.

And both of ours are £20pa RFL which is nice.