I am very disapointed that no spare tire is included in my car. Sure they give us a little mending kit but what happens if I have a blowout in a place where a cellphone won't work?

Although the trunk space is relatively sparse I was planning on either getting a spare winter tire for all year round or getting mazda's spare tire kit. I'm used to no trunk since I used to own a 99 miata so I don't mind putting a full sized tire in there.

My question is what is included in the spare tire kit from mazda at $595? Am I better off getting just a wheel and tire on my own or their 'kit'? If their kit provides fasteners to secures the tire in place I might consider it, but if it's just a spare and a cover then they can shove their 600 bucks.

I've never owned a car without a spare tire, it's just unheard of. Is it just me or did mazda cut corners on us?

 

Full spare tire kit includes the mounting hardware (a bar that attaches to the top of the trunk behind the lid), the mini wheel with tire (in hideous yellow color), and a black cover that zips over it when its in place in the trunk. That's it. It does take up a significant amount of space in the trunk. There are other cars out there without spares. It is not that rare. Do a search on spare tire kit. There are many threads on this. You can even find pictures.

mm

 

I saw the pics thanks.

I'm now thinking that I'd be better off with the kit. I'd rather pay more and have it tied down than to pay less for a full sized spare and have it flopping around back there.

 

The spare was the one option I bought when I got mine. It's pretty lame though. When stored, you can say goodbye to any access from the back seat to the trunk. The spare just blocks it.
It also blocks the trunk light so that light becomes absolutly useless. Not well thought out at all.
But I expect to be taking the odd long trip and a blow-out would mean an expensive tow.