I've looked at mine at the dealer (who hasn't released it yet-should get it tomorrow), which has the pricey spare tire option. I was pleasantly surpised at the room in the trunk w/ the spare. I'd say you could get 3 airline legal carryon bags in it, or a seabag and several handbaggy kind of things.

Just to be sure I wasn't trying to rationalize a $400 security blanket I asked another preorderer who was looking at the no-spare trunk, and he too seemed surprised at how much room was available. So I think it's a good thing after all and I expect to live happily ever after now with security and space.

 

$ 400.00 may seen like alot up front. If you don't have a spare -Imagine if you get a small hole in a tire, one that can be patched later. If you use the fix a flat kit, that tire is now junk, have to buy a new one, what's that going to cost? What if you are in the middle of nowhere & your tire is not repairable using the kit?

It's worth the $ 400.00

 

Thanks for the first hand info, I ordered mine with the spare.

 

Since when? For quite a few years now, the fix-a-flat compounds have been water soluble - ie when the tire is dismounted, it can be washed out and patched normally.

Regards,
Gordon

 

Per Mazda, if you use the liquid, the tire can't be reused or patched. Maybe this solution is not water soluble? Maybe it bonds to the rubber?

 

OK, more of my rants & raves!!
What is so special about this particular spare?? is it collapsable? why can"t i use some other compact spare with the same bolt pattern? it's only for emergency/temp use anyway? And don't tell me it's because of the tire pressure monitor (I bet that's where the $400 bucks is: damn Tread Act!)---who cares..it's a TEMP! The offset?
I'll do some research at the bone yard & let everyone know what car's spare will fit/which is smaller/& which will provide a decent ride height for that TEMPORARY ride home or to a service station <50 miles away! In my humble opinion, don't buy the spare...let me do some research first, ummm, that is, when I get my car. O yeah, my car.....Hey Kyle @ El Cajon Mazda: where's my car...Hine's got there's? They're right down the street! What up wit dat?

 

I would agree; a single sidewall puncture will make that purchase way worthwhile.

However, a better question is, does the spare tire kit come with a jack? (This isn't as silly a question as it sounds; the BMW M3 also comes with a sealant kit and it does not come with a jack though there is a place set aside to store one...)

 

The jack is standard equipment on US cars.

 

Thanks for the beta! I feel much better about adding the spare!!