Who's gonna order the spare tire kit & why/why not?

On the one hand, you've got the tire fix it kit, which should be good for all but the most serious tire failure. How does using that fix-a-flat gunk effect the tire as far as getting the flat fixed, and long term use of the tire after the gunk has been sprayed in the tire the first (and subsequent) time/s? Can it be cleaned out effectively?

On the other hand, I'm not really concerned about the weight of the tire. But I'm concerned about how much room the tire rack takes up in the trunk. But it would be a lifesaver to have that spare tire for road trips, just in case of a flat in the middle of nowhere that can't be fixed with fix-a-flat, and you don't wanna wait for a fix-it truck.

I can't justify spending $400.00 on a spare tire. I'm sure in a few months someone will be selling them on eBay for half the price. The other alternative is to buy one from a wrecked FD if they are compatible.

I did not order the spare tire kit because I plan to get run-flat tires.

I'm going with the spare tire option. If it's too big I'll take it out for local trips when necessary, but the security of having it on long trips will probably be worth it for me. The idea of sitting around a few times on a rainy or dark night waiting for the Mazda Service truck to show up is worth the $400 (I think). Plus, once I had a tire split on its radius, which I don't think fix-a-flat can fix.

Once you use the fix-a-flat stuff I think you've ruined the tire. They are a temp fix only and you're supposed to go to a tire repair shop as soon as you can once you use it. I think all the times I used it, it resulted in a new tire.

I'm curious about this road service that Mazda's going to have. Is Mazda running the program or are they going to contract it out nationally or regionally? If this is the first year (or early years) of the program, how many bugs have to be worked out. And you have to be able to call them from whereever you are. All in all I'm more comfortable with the spare tire.

a spare tire is really unneccessary imo. i have never gotten a flat and prolly never will. a tire repair kit is enough. and on top of that theres mazda's roadside assistance. AND on top of that i have AAA.

I don't plan on ordering the spare tire kit, but intend to buy snow tires and wheels soon after I get the car. If I'm on a trip where civilization is likely to be hours away, I'll bring one of them. I haven't decided if I'll build a mount, or just strap it in the trunk somehow. (there goes the room for the two golf bags! Uhh, I forgot, I don't golf)

Of the few flats I've had, in one case, an invisible chunk of metal jumped up off the road and slashed my sidewall so badly, fix-a-flat goo couldn't have saved it.

I decided to get the Kit. I agree with everyone, that the Spare Tire price is exorbitant (I hope I spelled that right). To say the least.

But I didn't want to be that poor soul standing next to his wife on a cold rainy night that the reason they are waiting for a tow truck is that he wanted to save $400 on a $32000 car.......

Soon after getting my 2001 Miata we were on a trip to central California, naturally we were on "back roads." While descending a very twisty road coming down from Fort Hunter Liggit to Coast Highway, I came around a turn and just nicked a small rock in the road. That rock split the sidewall on my right front tire. The split was about 1 1/2" long (pretty much the entire sidewall).

I knew I had a flat, but didn't realize that the sidewall was split until I tired a can of that 'flat fix' stuff and it shot out all over the road.

Had I not had a spare (as was the case with my previous Miata [a 1994]) I would have been SOL! Needless to say my Auto Club membership would not have helped out there, and even if they came I still wouldn't have had a spare to mount.

I can't even remember the last (previous) time I had a flat, but it only takes once. And Murphy's law says that when it happens you will be out in the boonies on a weekend.

My advise - get the spare. You can always take it out on those occasions when you feel adventurous.

i have a question. is the spare wheel just a donut spare or is it the same as the wheels?

Donut spare.

An 18 inch wheel doesn't have a chance in Hell in fitting in that trunk.

I'm curious about this road service that Mazda's going to have. Is Mazda running the program or are they going to contract it out nationally or regionally? If this is the first year (or early years) of the program, how many bugs have to be worked out. And you have to be able to call them from whereever you are.

Mazda is using the same Road Side Service Program that has been in place since 1998. Its 24hr and Nation Wide. All you do is call the 800# and someone who is contracted out will show up. how long it takes depends on when you are at in relation to civilization. Hopefully this helps.

Which tire repair kit is this, i know of two. The one you spray gunk into the tire, and the other actually fix's a hole, which would require a tire pump.

not.

Yes. I have never had a flat. Could that be from not buying cheap tires nor driving on bad tires? Don't know. But yes, problems with my RX-7's tended to be out in the boonies of Colorado/Wyoming, where a cell phone does not work.

like someone else said... get Run Flat Technology tires like Pirelli tires. I have 215/35/19 P7000s and I got a screw in mine, and it held up for 48 hours across about 50 miles going about 75 mph average... on like small amounts of psi... my tire is like 2 cm tall from the tip of the rim lip to the end of the tire... absolutely amazing tires... definately sold on pirellis! they are expensive but absolutely worth it. no wonder they uses these in the WRC!

boy for those of you who have never had a flat, dont go walkin in any thunderstorms. Beleive me murphy's law will bite you in the ass sometime or another.

The only problem with run-flats is they are generally a rougher ride then regular tires. But if ya got the $$$ for em, they are worth it.

I can't believe that you guys are really considering the spare tire. I assume you guys have seen the trunk. Anyway, the mounting for it looks awful and limits access to the trunk to even less than it was already. I have used BMW roadside service as well as Porsche Roadside service. Both are subcontracted to the same local nationwide network of contractors. I blew a tire in the middle of nowhere WV, and they were there in 15 minutes. No spare meant that they were not able to help me and the car was towed back to my dealer, but I hope you don't think that the local gas station is going to be socking the 18" Potenzas that go on this car! You will be lucky to get replacement tires from Tire Rack in 48 hours. So, save the headache, the time and the money and buy more minutes on your cell phone and get used to the idea that if you blow a tire, you are toast. $400 will buy you 2 new 18" tires at tire rack on special.

I took one look at the puncture repair kit and signed up for roadside assitance - here it's called JAF (like AA & RAC for UK guys)! If you do get the spare and put it in I doubt you'll get much else in the back. As with all things like this it just depends on your priorities.

I don't know... I don't think I want my car being towed just for a flat tire.

I've pretty much decided to go with the spare. There are some huge expanses down here in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, etc. that would take hours for someone to get to you. At least, if you're on a road trip, if the local tire store doesn't have the tire, with a spare, you can make it to a hotel, and get around for a few days while you wait for a new one to come in. I can take the spare out if I want more trunk space.

Originally posted by G-man
I can't believe that you guys are really considering the spare tire.Having roadside assistance is wonderful if you only travel in urban areas.

On the other hand, if you live somewhere like Colorado, cell phone service is spotty at best and in places is still unavailable even today.

Being 50 miles from the nearest shelter with a flat is not my idea of a good time, and if the can of fix-a-flat doesn't work because there's a piece of metal through your sidewall, it's a long walk and an even longer wait for help.

For that matter, even if your cell phone does work, in many of those areas I can imagine a wait of hours for roadside assistance.

I'm sure the same is true for lots of areas on the plains as well as central Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, etc.

If all you do is drive around the L.A. area, I'm sure things are quite different. :D

Originally posted by rooster
An 18 inch wheel doesn't have a chance in Hell in fitting in that trunk. Which, as with many cars, raises an interesting question as to what to do with the wheel with the flat.

In say a Porsche Boxster, if you have luggage you're out of luck as the wheel may just fit in the front trunk.

In the 8, the wheel's going to have to go in the back seat...

Good Point. Didn't think of that.

I'm sure if I stopped by my local tire shop, they wouldn't mind letting go of a couple of tire bags. That way, my interior wouldn't get destroyed.

Originally posted by rooster
Good Point. Didn't think of that.

I'm sure if I stopped by my local tire shop, they wouldn't mind letting go of a couple of tire bags. That way, my interior wouldn't get destroyed. I wonder if the spare tire kit comes with one; there's one included with the spare tires on most German cars (Porsches, Audis, BMWs...)

I doubt it. I didn't get one of those in my German car..

But, then again, it was a Volkswagon.....:)

Originally posted by javahut
I don't know... I don't think I want my car being towed just for a flat tire.

I've pretty much decided to go with the spare. There are some huge expanses down here in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, etc. that would take hours for someone to get to you. At least, if you're on a road trip, if the local tire store doesn't have the tire, with a spare, you can make it to a hotel, and get around for a few days while you wait for a new one to come in. I can take the spare out if I want more trunk space.

I agree! I also think having a spare is a very good idea ... maybe the word is "necessity" because of past experience ... (I've also have had an AAA membership since I first got my licence to drive there have been times when I didn't want to wait around or no cell or normal phone access, so having mobility by having a spare tire, has a been a good thing!)

... I remember a time (way back when it was some holiday weekend) I left San Francisco around 11:30 pm on a Sunday night to drive back down to L.A. on the 5 and had a flat just as I passed San Jose and there was no service station open and I had to be back to work that very morning ... so I really didn't want to leave the car or have it towed somewhere until the morning for some place to open (or worry about some chance for rip-off charges that usually occurs when you are stuck with an 'away' breakdown) ... so I drove the rest of the way with my space saving tire (doing about 55 miles an hour) looking for an open service station (never finding one) driving all the way back home to L.A. with no damage to the car ...

As other's have said before I like the idea of having a spare, but I also like and need the use of having rear trunk space!

No spare is fine for a toy that only gets driven on weekends around town...

:(

But I love to take "road trips"

:D

Still, I love almost everything else about the RX-8 but at moments like this I remember that the G35 coupe has a spare tire and still has the same size trunk as the RX-8 - plus the G35C also has rear seats that can fold down for more space if you need it ...

:confused:

Originally posted by bwayout
Still, I love almost everything else about the RX-8 but at moments like this I remember that the G35 coupe has a spare tire and still has the same size trunk as the RX-8 - plus the G35C also has rear seats that can fold down for more space if you need it ...

:confused: Yeah, but the G35C has those piston things and those valve things...

(Seriously, I don't think I'd even be considering the RX-8 if it had a normal piston-powered engine...)

Originally posted by bwayout


Still, I love almost everything else about the RX-8 but at moments like this I remember that the G35 coupe has a spare tire and still has the same size trunk as the RX-8 - plus the G35C also has rear seats that can fold down for more space if you need it ...

:confused:

The G35C is a sweet looking car but for in essence it is really a two seat vehicle. I'm 5'7" short and my head hits the backlight when seated. In fact, my head was not even close to clearing the backlight. If the seat can't come close to fitting an adult can it considered a seat? I say no. Maybe a parcel shelf, but not a seat.

damn 5'7" and you hit the roof in that thing??? i thought car companies used a common height like 5"10 to fit people. I'm 6'3" and i fit in the protege with room to spare and it's a third the price of the G.

Originally posted by babylou


The G35C is a sweet looking car but for in essence it is really a two seat vehicle. I'm 5'7" short and my head hits the backlight when seated. In fact, my head was not even close to clearing the backlight. If the seat can't come close to fitting an adult can it considered a seat? I say no. Maybe a parcel shelf, but not a seat.

Hey, I'm 5'8" and I posted my thoughts about the RX-8 I sat inside and my friend's G35 coupe here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?threadid=4134&pagenumber=2

RX-8 Forum > General Topics > General Automotive > Drove a G35 Coupe today :)

I agree with you about the looks of the car (IMHO there is nothing quite like it that's out there now), but I (sort of) only need the back seats for my young kids (where having more leg room is better than head room) and would't mind having a larger rear trunk space ... but I'm sure once I drive the car I'll be happy (I hope)...

Originally posted by BillK
Yeah, but the G35C has those piston things and those valve things...

(Seriously, I don't think I'd even be considering the RX-8 if it had a normal piston-powered engine...)

I agree, I'm also very interested and excited about the rotary engine and it's new future plus I love the sound it makes, but since I've never owned or really driven one, it more of a newfangled contraption ... that's small, simple and powerful that would be nice to have (or not)

Road&Track's Douglas Kott's recent 2004 RX-8 review hits closer to home for me: "With either RX-8, the novelty here (besides the rotary engine) is that you can take three friends along on your sport-car experience... provided two of them are children, or small to adverage-size adults ... in reasonable comfort..."

... yeah what he said!

:D

Originally posted by Farsyde
damn 5'7" and you hit the roof in that thing??? i thought car companies used a common height like 5"10 to fit people. I'm 6'3" and i fit in the protege with room to spare and it's a third the price of the G.

That's why when my Probe bit the dust last January, I got a MP5 (I came very very close in buying an almost one year old Acura RSX, but perfered the feel behind the wheel of the MP5 plus it was much less money) but really wanted (and was waiting such a long time for) the RX-8 - so the plan is in a few years, I'll trade up!

In another thread the subject of "fix-a-flat" and run-flats came up here:
RX-8 Forum > General Topics > RX-8 Discussion > Internal sales guide

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?postid=53572#post53572

Which raisies a few questions for me:

1). I wonder what the time frame or distance is considered safe (...less than 5 miles? under 50?) to drive around on for either "run-flats or fix-a-flat spray"?
(I spoke with a co-worker and he said with a "fix-a-flat" - he wasn't sure, but it had to be very soon after the gook went in and you will need to get a new tire, can't patch it after the gook goes inside. But the run-flats last longer, you can drive but you still need to get a new tire)

2). Can you reuse and repair a tire that had the "fix-a-flat" gook sprayed inside? (I spoke with the same co-worker and he said: "no - need to get a new tire")

When I did a web search, all I could get on the "fix-a-flat" situation was this...

http://www.abc-7.com/News/diw/fixaflat.shtml

Found this link and it only stated:
http://www.abc-7.com - By Heather Sullivan
"You need to take the tire to a tire shop immediately to get them repaired, checked over and repaired"

...and

"And there is a big warning - the can should never be left in the interior of a hot car. It can explode at 120 degrees. Definitely it should keep it in the trunk of the car and don't park the car in the sun eight to ten hours a day. The trunk is the coolest part of the car"

Here in Texas, that can be a problem here during the summer

Here's an other link:

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/TireWheel/tirewheelrepair.htm
Moral: After using fix-a-flat, choose a route allowing continuous motion.

... from what I gather they got their tire cleaned out than patched up

... But, I think that I still would like to get a spare tire ... but I also would like to have the trunk space too.

:(

Originally posted by Efini 8
like someone else said... get Run Flat Technology tires like Pirelli tires. I have 215/35/19 P7000s and I got a screw in mine, and it held up for 48 hours across about 50 miles going about 75 mph average... on like small amounts of psi... my tire is like 2 cm tall from the tip of the rim lip to the end of the tire... absolutely amazing tires... definately sold on pirellis!

OK, one vote for Pirelli! Thanks, Efini 8

:D

Does anyone know the spare tire specs for the RX-8 and the 3rd Gen RX-7. I think they are the same but I could be wrong.

So to remedy a blowout, either you give up most of your trunk space, or you lose lots of time by having your car towed (then you're prone to being price gouged)

Whether you go for the spare tire, or the fixaflat, it's going to cost you a pretty penny (since neither is included?).

No matter how I look at it, it seems like a bum deal... :mad:

the problem with fix a flat is that it is centrifugal based. Which means the crap acts like a tar on the inside of your tires and the motion of the wheel causes it to coat (hopefully uniformly) all cracks. However, the stuff does "pool" in areas and unbalances the tire which is why after about 100 miles the tire will prolly tear itself apart. I wouldnt drive the thing over 50 miles and that would be to go directly to a tire shop. The tire cannot be reused. I think fix a flat is a great idea but i really dont trust it.

Here's the catch 22 - you want the spare for long trips and not for local driving. Typically, your trunk is full for long trips and empty for local driving. Is anyone else seeing this???

maybe there is some slick way to bolt a donut under the chassis or dare i say cut a space for it in the back of the rear seats?

Originally posted by Farsyde
or dare i say cut a space for it in the back of the rear seats?

The kit comes with a frame that attaches to the back of the seat and even has a cover....ordered mine yesterday...

can you buy just the holder??? cuz 400 bux is extortion for a donut. I'd make my own holder and get a donut with the same bolt pattern from a junk yard for like 10 bux

Originally posted by Farsyde
the problem with fix a flat is that it is centrifugal based. Which means the crap acts like a tar on the inside of your tires and the motion of the wheel causes it to coat (hopefully uniformly) all cracks. However, the stuff does "pool" in areas and unbalances the tire which is why after about 100 miles the tire will prolly tear itself apart. I wouldnt drive the thing over 50 miles and that would be to go directly to a tire shop. The tire cannot be reused. I think fix a flat is a great idea but i really dont trust it.
Hummm...that is interesting seeing as how I've had two flats in two different cars and both of them have been repaired with fix-a-flat and both tires were driven for many thousands of miles more afterwards with no problems.

Actually, I have a staple in my tire right now and I put fix-a-flat in it about...two, maybe three months ago. With the way I drive that is at least 3,000 miles and the tire is holding up fine without any abnormal wear or sign of damage.

YMMV, but I've never had a problem with the stuff.

Originally posted by VWjet
Here's the catch 22 - you want the spare for long trips and not for local driving. Typically, your trunk is full for long trips and empty for local driving. Is anyone else seeing this???

I know I am.

:(

i was exagerating the fix a flat. However, it does happen....something to think about :D

Originally posted by bwayout


I know I am.

:( Given the size of the RX-8 trunk, I always figured the luggage was going to go in the back seat(s) anyway...

RX8 is very impressive. :D

I'd like run-flat tires and a tire repair kit or two.

Does anyone know anything about the Slime tire repair kit? I have a tire to repair on an SUV and have a bottle but not sure if I should use it.

If it does its job and won't damage your wheel I think Slime would be good to have. You are suppose to pour it into your tire at an angle then after you air up and begin to move the Slime will cover punctures by spreading over the inside of the tire during the first mile.

Theoretically you could drive up to around 50 miles on a run-flat, dump the Slime inside, air up, drive on it for the rest of its life. I just read that the Fix-A-Flat is very flamable and should be in the trunk (deeper=cooler=safer).

I always seem to come across a nail, or this time, about 4 inches of strong metal wire. Mostly on dirt roads or new construction in neighborhoods. Remember this, and who knows why I spaced, but, don't pull out the piece that punctured your tire until you are at an air source! Not even two blocks away! ;)

I've been told that here in the UK the my RX-8 is going to be supplied with 225/45/18 run flat tyres as standard. I hope this is correct.

Does anyone really know how much space is going to be used up with the spare???

From looking at a picture diagragm, the spare looks like most of it is being tucked into the cavity in the far back.

Are there any pictures showing the true trunk space with the spare included?????

-Rooster

Ok. Let's think about this donut spare that cost $400. First, there are undoubtedly some folks on this site who are actually getting an RX-8. Are they buying them because they are "non-risk takers"? If they are, then they make no sense at all. This is a sports car with some practicality and non-risk takers should look elsewhere. So, let's say you opt for the spare and you're in the boonies (hopefully on pavement anyway) on a trip. The spare is good for a while at 50mph, but you've brought along two friends and their stuff. Are you gonna leave luggage or the big 18" wheel on the side of the road? Leave a friend or relative to mind the stuff? Whatever decision, you get to Brownspot, USA where they have no idea what the car is, know nothing but Goodyear and Firestone tires and their tire mounting machine will destroy your wheel (experience!). So now you have to drive another 300miles to get somewhere BIG that can deal with your tire. IMHO it makes no sense to fret about the fix flat. I took the spare out of my Miata, threw in a can of goo and my small Sears compressor.
If anyone can think it through, logically, then concern for the fix flat should disappear. Who will carry a spare engine part in the unlikely event there is a problem with the RX-8? You won't find parts or even anyone who can diagnose a problem with a rotary engine around the corner. Oh, and let's not for get that you'll be replacing the OEM tires very quickly...with a 140 rating, 10-12k will probably be the max mileage.
If this concerns some so much, then buy a car/truck/SUV that has a full size spare...the only real security for those unwilling to accept some risk. IMHO:D

Originally posted by TybeeRX-8
This is a sports car with some practicality and non-risk takers should look elsewhere.Puh-leez...Are you gonna leave luggage or the big 18" wheel on the side of the road? Leave a friend or relative to mind the stuff?Realistically, are you really gonna have the car so packed full that you can't get the extra width of the real wheel over the spare wheel back in the car?...and their tire mounting machine will destroy your wheel (experience!).The tire mounting machine would have to be pretty archaic to not be able to fix a flat on the RX-8's wheel.Who will carry a spare engine part in the unlikely event there is a problem with the RX-8?An engine part will probably not be damaged beyond functioning by nearly invisible debris in the road.
...let's not for get that you'll be replacing the OEM tires very quickly...with a 140 rating, 10-12k will probably be the max mileage.Seriously? I've never seen any road tires that were shot after 10,000 miles.

Also, you didn't account for having a flat that could not be repaired by fix-a-flat. You just gonna wait for a tow truck? Or leave your car on the side of the road?

I think I'll stick with being as prepared as possible, and choose the spare tire kit. I'll have full insurance coverage, too... I'm not much of a risk taker!:p

(All just MHO)

i agree with javahut. While many flats prolly are caused by a nail or something that the fix a flat can fix, it wont fix any sidewall blowouts. And i bet dollars to donuts that it wont fix any puncture greater than 3/8 or an inch (i know this is gargantuan but a wood steak or big nail will do this). Im not sayin fix a flat is bad, but a spare is worth more than its weight in gold in most circumstances

Most common side wall damage is from sharp rocks when off-roading in a 4x4.

Correct me if I'm wrong but for a passenger car the likely hood is probably very low unless you've gotten a defective tire. It can happen but most likely it would happen in an urban area. Ie. something metal sticking out from the curb as was the case with someone I was with.

Again I think run-flat-tires and a couple bottles of Slime is the best setup for a sports car. Besides changing tires is a PITA. Easier to drive to the nearest air source, remove the object, dump in some Slime, fill'er up and drive off.

Originally posted by javahut
Puh-leez...Realistically, are you really gonna have the car so packed full that you can't get the extra width of the real wheel over the spare wheel back in the car?The tire mounting machine would have to be pretty archaic to not be able to fix a flat on the RX-8's wheel.An engine part will probably not be damaged beyond functioning by nearly invisible debris in the road.
Seriously? I've never seen any road tires that were shot after 10,000 miles.

Also, you didn't account for having a flat that could not be repaired by fix-a-flat. You just gonna wait for a tow truck? Or leave your car on the side of the road?

I think I'll stick with being as prepared as possible, and choose the spare tire kit. I'll have full insurance coverage, too... I'm not much of a risk taker!:p

(All just MHO)
"Puh-leez" what? It's a sports car! Just ask your insurance agent. Buy a diesel VW if you want practicality...I had one and they work.
I've run into several large tire dealers, e.g. Goodyear, that won't handle an 18" wheel in my metro area. If you're in the boonies where you'll need the new tire, you'll have trouble finding someone who can mount a tire on it assuming they have something approaching the correct size...225/45/18 is not yet a common size. If the fix-flat can't do it, I'll wait for the tow truck. Patience is a virtue! I would leave the car on the side of the road in the boonies? Walk 10-15 miles. Puh-leez!
And when I travel with wife and/or others to places such as the "boonies", I'll probably have a full trunk with golf clubs, etc., leaving no room for a dead tire and wheel. Maybe it would fit in the one empty seat, but that's little consolation if you have to drive 100+ miles on the donut.
One other little issue. If the flat is one the rear, you'd be best advised to put a front wheel on the rear and the donut on the front to avoid screwing up the rear-end if driving any distance. That's what Honda recommends for the S2000. That's two tire changes.
And I've driven my Miata 15,000 miles without a spare and no difficulties. It came with 140 rated Potenzas. After 11k miles, including 3 autox events, they were down to less the 2/32. And I rotated every 3k miles My ES100's are rated at 240 with a AA traction rating. Check the Tire Rack if you think the 040's are worth a damn.:o

Originally posted by TybeeRX-8

... I've driven my Miata 15,000 miles without a spare and no difficulties. ...

That sounds like a great set of tires!

I know that this may sound a little selfish, but I'm not to worried about my city/daily commute - but I want to also take the RX-8 out on one of those rare (but after getting the car - not to rare) family (wife and 2 children) outings and have a little driving adventure (part of this large desire is from Mazda's own marketing coments about the RX-8 catering to those with family lifestyles who desire to drive a sports car*) over some our country's great hilly/curvy stretchs of road/highway - far away from the crowds (and maybe even cell phone service) ... which makes me remember when I was single or didn't have the kids yet, those past bizarre and exceptionally incongruous times that I had a flat in the middle of nowhere and could not call AAA for a tow and get it repaired, but luckly had a spare with me and the day was saved!

:)

So, I'm one of those who plan on getting a spare - it might not stay in the rear trunk, but maybe inbetween the seats when we do our family trips!?

;)

* unless I'm confusing the RX-Evolv's hype about being a "family" sports car with the RX-8?

but I want to also take the RX-8 out on one of those rare (but after getting the car - not to rare) family (wife and 2 children) outings and have a little driving adventure (part of this large desire is from Mazda's own marketing coments about the RX-8 catering to those with family lifestyles who desire to drive a sports car*) over some our country's great hilly/curvy stretchs of road/highway - far away from the crowds (and maybe even cell phone service) ... which makes me remember when I was single or didn't have the kids yet, those past bizarre and exceptionally incongruous times that I had a flat in the middle of nowhere and could not call AAA for a tow and get it repaired, but luckly had a spare with me and the day was saved!

I'm single and I love going for a drive in the country of NC. Not only for the fun of driving but rubber necking at all the farm land and scenery. A part of me also misses living in a rural small community.

Unfortunately these days I'm usually driving my 94 Pathfinder SE so I don't bother doing any hard driving. And thats why I'm attracted to the RX-8. I also want to get a motorcycle (Buell XB9S). The downside is I could easily rack up miles so spreading my driving/riding between vehicles is good (the upside: More (affordable) toys the better). ;)

I'm still going to go for no spare, run-flats, and Slime. Would be mighty rare for there not to be some air within 50-75 miles.

Sorry, but I think putting a spare tire in the passenger areas might ruin some of the experience. I can see its value in an extremely remote area, but in NC these roads are dirt. This is where I got my flat recently and like normal the tire keeps air for a few days with no problems. I pulled out about 3+ inches of strong thick metal "wire". Didn't make it a block. :( Hehe

Originally posted by crouzer
... I'm still going to go for no spare, run-flats, and Slime. Would be mighty rare for there not to be some air within 50-75 miles.

I was thinking about driving around our great westen states ... like Texas (where I now live) and farther west and north west ... it can get pretty quiet in some of these here parts ...

;)

Originally posted by crouzer
... Sorry, but I think putting a spare tire in the passenger areas might ruin some of the experience. ...

Yeah ...

;) ;) ;)

... I believe that was the point! And your "point" is also well taken ...

:D

Originally posted by crouzer

I'm still going to go for no spare, run-flats, and Slime. Would be mighty rare for there not to be some air within 50-75 miles.


i dont think you can use slime on runflats; the ribs in the runflats make it impossible to flow in the wheel

Ahh thanks for the info. That kills that. :eek:

I saw the spare tire on an '04 for sale.....it looks exatcly like my 3rd Gen RX7 donut. It is even the same ugly yellow color.

Seems to me like you could get a machinist to make a duplicate of the spare tire mount. Sell it to owners reasonable-like. The owners just have to find an RX7 donut to mount.

I saw the spare tire on an '04 for sale.....it looks exatcly like my 3rd Gen RX7 donut. It is even the same ugly yellow color.

Seems to me like you could get a machinist to make a duplicate of the spare tire mount. Sell it to owners reasonable-like. The owners just have to find an RX7 donut to mount.

did you get a license from the city government to exhume this dead thread? :)

I wish I had one but I don't have one.

Why, because if I take a trip I'll need a spare...

Why not, cause it adds weight and space in the trunk...

So how come, because I got the base 6spd and I refuse to pay $500 for a spare tire.

I get flats on one or more of my vehicles every year. It's the nature of the environment I live in, so I WILL be getting the spare, because I WILL need it.

When I had my Conquest, the BF Goodrich Comp TA's in the rear used to lose the side wall all the time (4 of em, normal highway driving). They were special order ( I will never again buy BFG tires). The last time it happened it was -15 degrees. Suk'd big time. Truth is, it will never be a good time to have a flat. If you can buy a 30k (and put gas in it) car, you should be able to make a choice on a spare tire that you are comfortable with. Sooner or later, you you be tested on your choice. Oh, one more thing, you probably won't be driving it, it will be your wife, and she forgot to take the cell phone with her. Now your really f#$'d