Peter Sawko

Does anyone have a spare tire kit in their RX8?

I've requested one from my dealer but he doesn't seem to be able to order it yet.

He says they're not available. Is he on the level or just not paying attention to me?

Thanks

eccles

I have one, but it was a port-installed option. I don't know of anyone who has purchased one as a dealer accessory - it's possible that Mazda is diverting all available stock to the ports at this point.

Genom

I got it at port as well.

Peter Sawko

Thanks for the info!

How do you like your car?

Mine seems great except for a lot of noise on start up... I.g. clutch not depressed, in neutral and warming up.

Do you have this too?

eccles

This car makes all sorts of noises at or shortly after startup. There's an extra throaty intake growl for the first 20 seconds or so when starting from cold, and a slight grinding from the ABS self-test when you first move away, to name but two.

Personally I consider them idiosyncracies rather than annoyances.

brothervoodoo

I was a pre-order and got mine with the spare tire. Their has been some interesting debate over whether to get one or not. I suggest a search and see if you can dig up some interesting threads.

I reqeusted the spare tire in my pre-order but just recently took it out of the car. The tire will take up a sizeable chunk of the trunk and also blocks the pass-thru. In addition, the tire covers the overhead light and severly limits your ability to see in the trunk at night. Mainly, I drive in city and metropolitan areas and feel well covered with the standard Patch Kit and 24/7 free Mazda Roadside Assistance. Yet, I am still happy I have the tire. If I go on a roadtrip, I would put the tire back in, there would be room for a couple modest sized bags for an extended trip.

emailists

I have heard from a dealer that using the blow up foam to fix a tire will ruin it- that the foam dreis inside and unbalances the tire.

any info?

brothervoodoo

There has been interesting discussion on this forum about that too, I don't know what the definative answer is.

Lex

I believe that the fix-it foam will *definitely* ruin the tire. You should have it replaced as soon as possible, and try not to drive more than 50 miles with the foam-ed tire.

I think this is just fact.

eccles

The fix-a-flat foam inflators in a pressure can may well be detrimental to the tires, but the goo that comes in the "Instant Mobility Kit" is not a foam but rather some sort of liquid. I presume it sets when subjected to the heat and pressure after it actually works its way into the injury, but I expect the remainder will remain liquid and easily removed once the tire is dismounted.

RX8Lover

I thought the car didn't have a pass through seat? Do the seats fold down?

eccles

No, there's a narrow passthrough between the reat seats; the center trim panel can be removed completely.

RX8-U-UP

We ordered and received the spare tire kit. We ordered it last Tuesday, and it arrived on Thursday. We have not installed it yet. It comes with a yellow rim, but no tire. We will be ordering the tire tomorrow and it will be on Thursday.

I haven't read the installation instructions, but will see if it does indeed block the access to the trunk. However, it is available to be ordered.

msrecant

Can you give me an idea of the cost of the tire needed (not the tire kit)?

Chuck Clifford

I think the tire through the dealer is just over $100.00, less that $110.00, I'm not sure of the exact amount.