No Spare Wheel

I quite agree after having a puncture and being forced to fit the 'space saver' - and then being restricted to 50mph on a motorway because of the safety implications.

No. We did that when we bought my wife's Picanto- I think the wheel and jack kit cost about £85 (in 2008). Those "gunge kits" are not a good idea in my view for several reasons. Firstly, they will only deal with a small puncture- not a "rip" or destroyed tyre. Secondly, I was told that companies were reluctant to repair a tyre after having being "gunged" so a small puncture could effectively write off a tyre. I'm not even overly keen on the "space saver" wheels like I have on my MX5.

BTW, what is your issue with a new car? I accept the "loss" in value but I know the history and I tend to keep my cars quite a long time, and look after them. To me it is worth it.

Brian

Thing is, in an MX5, you can't really put a full size wheel anywhere.

We're off to Austria in ours in a week or so and planning to leave the spare at home so we can fit more in the boot.

What breakdown cover (if any) do you have? I know the AA may not assist if the vehicle was supplied with a spare, and you don't have a usable one.

Chris

So you have an MX5 now Steve. Well, funny how things change.

I think that is the case but how do Smart car owners get on? (I believe they don't have spares and that you can't carry one as the wheels are different sizes front to rear). I'm curious about this as we are half thinking of getting a Smart car to tow behind our Motorhome.

Brian

The AA's T & C's were altered when the new Mini was first on the market. As long as no spare was original fitment, you are covered.

Chris

These days our standing instruction when driving a hire car for work is to call for assistance if you have a puncture.

Same with most company cars - you're told not to try swapping wheels yourself, if you have a spare.

Covered by Aviva. Haven't checked the T&Cs... if they're a bit funny about it, I'll have to find some way to mount it to the underside of the boot rack.

In message , Brian Reay. writes

That's a very good point. My Ford Direct Moneo turned out to be an ex rental car, 9 months old, with 11,000 on the clock so it hadn't been serviced. It took a bit of hassle before they agreed to do an oil change. Only thing is - I'm 78, and each car I buy "is my last". ;-)

I'm reminded of a very elderly lady, who regarded her life expectancy as so short that she daren't buy unripe bananas.

I eat mine while they're still a bit green.