I'm considering acquiring a spare tire kit (with tire) for my 2004 6MT with 18" wheels. Forgive my ignorance, but do the AT and MT versions of the RX-8 take the same mini-spare? I know that the spare tire instructions warn against running very far with the spare, particularly when it's mounted on the rear axle, so I'm presuming that it isn't the same outside diameter as a regular wheel for either the MT or AT. I just wanted to be sure that the MT and AT take the same size spare.

Also, anybody know if there is a satisfactory aftermarket mini-spare wheel & tire available for the RX-8? You know, if you just wanted to throw it into the trunk instead of using the factory mounting kit? Thanks! MARK

 

The spare is the same for both the auto and manual.

 

After getting a flat last weekend, that's my plan too.

Not to hijack (really just a slight side-jacking)... does anyone know the part#(s) to get the Mazda spare tire and wheel?

My dealer swears he can't figure it out. I can get the entire kit (wheel, tire, mount), wheel and mount, or tire only. Can't seem to JUST get the wheel & tire.

 

Oryas, thanks. HeelnToe, I checked with Rosenthal, Trussville, and my local dealer, and none of them seems to be able to sell just the Mazda mini-spare wheel and tire without the whole mounting kit. Furthermore, my local tire superstore (Town Fair Tire in CT) tells me that there isn't much available in the way of aftermarket mini-spares. One of the Mazda dealers told me that the RX-8 mini-spare is a 17" wheel, I guess it's between the 16" and 18" OEM full-size wheels. Maybe we could use a skinny 17" or 18" wheel/tire (if those even exist)? Does anybody know what could work? Thanks in advance---MARK

 

Hey, that's a thought!!!

I wrote Connor at TireRack, BTW... I'll letcha know if they sell the minis.

 

FWIW, the installation instructions for the spare tire kit (posted elsewhere on this forum) show the wheel as Part No. 9965014070, and it takes a Bridgestone tire size T125/70D17 98M. Anybody know if Mazda will sell the wheel separately, with or without the tire? MARK