Probably have been other threads about this but haven't seen any: anyone had any good/bad experiences with the factory repair kit? Work alright or is it worth getting a spare?

I do make some long distance trips occasionally and don't want to deal with having to get it towed someday.

Thanks-

My IMS kit was a piece of shiat!!!....finally got it onto the tire and tube somehow ripped out of its place so when I squirted the fluid...all the crap squirted around the sides of the straw and went everywhere...still haven't been able to get the stain off my wheel!!!

Mine worked perfectly. One thing, though… opening that kit is like opening the minibar at a hotel. $$$ You'll have to replace—not just repair—the tire ($230), and get a new can of sealant ($85).

If you get the spare, you can simply drive—slowly—to the nearest gas station and get the tire plugged for $20. But the spare takes up space in the trunk. And where will you put the flat tire when your 8 is packed for a long distance trip?

IMS Kit:
+ More space in trunk
+ On your way faster than changing the tire (but not by much)
+ Don't have to deal with changing a tire (empty trunk/take out jack/remove spare/get dirty in business clothes, etc.)
+ Don't have to put dirty flat tire inside car (if trunk is packed)
+ For purists, car handles a bit better without spare hanging back there
+ Sealant-filled tire drives better than wimpy emergency spare
+ Sealant-filled tire LOOKS better than wimpy emergency spare
- EXPENSIVE TO USE!

Spare:
+ Saves over $300

I picked up a huge nail in edge of tire sidewall that came out on the highway. Used IMS and it leaked all over the place, and didn't seal the hole at all. Luckily I had an air tank as I was on my way to the race track, and was able to limp home, filling the tire 3 times to get 40 miles. I cannot justify $100 dollars for IMS replacement and am going to get a can of fix a flat instead.

Does a can of Runflat work better than the tire repair kit?

I talked to the rosenthal mazda guys and they say that fix a flat can stick to the wheel and not come off, this might ruin the rim.
I just bought a spare tire/wheel and the mount on ebay, problem solved!
Cheers

I talked to the rosenthal mazda guys and they say that fix a flat can stick to the wheel and not come off, this might ruin the rim.
I just bought a spare tire/wheel and the mount on ebay, problem solved!
Cheers

So what happens if you need the space in your trunk? Wouldn't runflats be a viable solution?

i like it.. the lil air compressor comes in handy @ autocross lol

So what happens if you need the space in your trunk? Wouldn't runflats be a viable solution?

How far do you want to go on a run flat. If they were that good DOT would mandate them. Spare tire was still cheaper than buying run flat tires at all four corners. If I need the room though, its pull it out and pray.

i like it.. the lil air compressor comes in handy @ autocross lol

Yeah, that thing sure is high output, you could adjust your tire pressure just before the compressor burns itself up. Oh did I mention that the stem core tool is a joke and broke in the stem? Yes, had to get a tool from a kid on a bike.

i dont' know, all i ever had to do was pump it up after autocross to go home... i dont' know about u, all i ever have to do during the race is deflate pressure, never had to pump air in.

I've only used the compressor in the kit to reinflate the tire after plugging up a hole with a camel strip. So I added the remaining strips and those screwdriver-like tools to my kit. I'm hoping to never use that sealant can.

Motorcycle guys use these. They're made for auto and moto apps. WAY BETTER than squirty goo slimy sealant. They work great on a tubeless bike tire, don't know how they'd do in a car tire.

http://www.stopngo.com/automotive.asp