No spare tire????

Its called "value engineering", GM has been infamous for this. Not a good omen for GM's future.

Perhaps, but I've vehicles without spares in the past, and never had a problem. I'd carry a plug kit/tool, small compressor, and the factory 'insta-fix' and be happy.

Sorry...maybe it is too early in the morning.. What is "factory insta-fix"?

If I were you and that is what you believe, I would order the tire/jack option.

That is like having to order pickles, lettuce, secret sauce, etc. It should already be there. A spare has always been an essential-at least to me.

before you get all hot and bothered about it, if you have bought a car lately there are many options offered, depending on the dealer you will find many or almost all with this option included. They can order it any way they want plus there are many tirm levels for the dealer to order

LOTS of others that don't have spares. Porsche, Corvette, Smart, BMW, Ford Focus, Dodge Challengers, Honda Fit, Pontiac G8, Toyota Sienna, Cadillac CTS, The entire Saturn line in 2010, Most Audi models, Mazda, Nissan, Jeep, Mini. Just a few of the current makers and models that don't have spares. There will be more added by 2011-2012 because the lost weight helps the CAFE numbers.

Ya' and so was a "choke" on a carburetor until technology made both obsolete. I can not remember the last time I had to change a tire, it has been so long. ;)

Yeah, but...but...but...but

--Vic

Personally I like the idea of not having a spare.

I HATE crawling around under a vehicle to drag out the tire, usually covered with dirt/rust. Beating the damn winch into submission to get it down. Then having to knock the crap off of it so it will fit over the hub. The lug wrench you get is usually one step above a torture device. Then you get the tire off. Install the spare and discover it only has 10 pounds of air in it!

MUCH easier to pick up the phone, call AAA or a local tow outfit. tell them the vehicle and what tire size and have them bring a spare out, or tow you in. 100 bucks or so. No sweating, getting dirty or having to fight with the damn thing. Works for me...

Fine. No one is in anyway impeding anyone from choosing that as an alternative to having and maintaining a spare. I suppose all cars could also be sold without passenger or rear seats, headliners, arm rests, window regulators, trunks ...

Then don't do it.

One can always easily pack and use the device of his choice.

Does one also wait until the other tires are that low or the oil light comes on, the vehicle runs out of gas ... before checking them?

Some actually prefer the idea of self-reliance, choosing their own fate, organizing and making the necessary preparations that such an approach requires such as having jumper cables (not only for yourself but others), a flashlight, small tool kit ...

Haven't had an under-carraige spare for a long time. Yep, a real PITA. I drilled the frame on my F-150 to put on a spare-holder, as I wanted it out of the bed. That one required a wrench to get the nut off so it would drop off, and to put it back you had to basically lay the tire on your chest first so you could muscle it up there. Calling AAA would work, though since I'm driving a car, when I'm on the road 10 miles from the nearest town, I'd just change it. Always check the spare kit before I hit the road on a long trip, and have a container of GoJo and rags in there for cleanup. Have my own 4-way lug wrench. When I load the trunk I always think "Hope I don't have to unload all this to get at the spare." But last time I used a spare was maybe 20 years ago, so I probably wouldn't miss it. Still get the option though. Just how I am.

--Vic

Point taken, I just fret a whole lot more if there is no spare.

That used to be the way you ordered them. Pretty much everything was optional. I have had two cars that were ordered from the factory with no rear set, no headliners, no door panel trim, no heater, no radio and a few other common items missing. They were COPO cars designed as factory built race cars.

The last time I had to use a spare was so long ago I cannot even remember it.

True, BUT if you don't use it what good is it?

Not usually, however I will admit I don't always check the spare.

Gee you mean I'm not considered self-reliant? Lets see, Jumper cables, Yep 2 sets (one set plugs into the socket on the grill) Small tool kit, Nope, BIG tool kit Yep. Flashlight, yep, somewhere north of 6 in my vehicle. Two tug straps, set of tire chains for all 4 corners

Add in a first aid kit, my medical bag (EMT) my turnout gear, one case of water, 6 MREs, mixed drink mix single packets (bottled water tastes like SHI& when it's warm), my fire police gear, 20 30min. flares, two cell phones and the two fire radios. Plus during the winter there is a chain saw, ice auger and a fire axe. Plus a few other odds and ends. All of this stuffed into the back of an S-Blazer! I'm really glad is has the split rear seat.

Stuff GM gives you in place of a spare...

I've done about one a year for the last few years, but that is a relatively 'large' group of vehicles...

Hm... and if you ask for one, taxpyaers, you, will have more debt to pay. After all.... it's

Government Motors, New USSR (United States Socialist Republic)

How very odd, you sound quite self sufficient and not at all like the type that would depend on, require or desire others to provide him with anything, let alone a spare tire.

I don't expect anyone to provide me with anything. That doesn't preclude me from calling for a tow if needed though, any more than being an EMT slows me down in heading to a doctor if I break an arm.