NC spare tire options?

Hey all,

I'd like to take some longer trips with my 2013 mx5, but don't trust the factory sealant/inflation kit and would like to get a spare tire that will fit in an empty but unmodified trunk.

I hear cheapest/newest option for the spare is from a mazda 3, but I don't know what mazda 3 years are applicable, and can I use the stock mx5 lugnuts with the spare?

(Extra credit questions: anyone know the stock spring rates / shock damping rates / sway bar rates for a 2013 mx5 club?)

Much thanks! Paul

You have tons of options. The hot ticket is the alloy spare from an RX7 or RX8, but these can be spendy. Go here and search for 67.1 (which is the wheel center bore) within the page, then hit up eBay or a local junkyard. Also, see this thread for a pic of a compact spare in an NC trunk.

One thing you'll have to contend with is what to do with your flat tire if you have a passenger. Miata trunks are tiny. You may want to keep a ratchet strap and a towel so you can secure the flat to the trunk lid.

Thanks for the info jeff, and great point re: flat tire positioning.

We bought a plug kit and compressor to supplement the stock set. And have AAA.

Packing an NC for a trip is problematic enough without adding a spare to the trunk.

I've never used our kit for our NC, but I did once get a friend's 997 Porsche up and running with our kit after a puncture. It was good enough to get him to town for a real fix.

If you can't find a compact spare wheel with exactly the hub diameter you need, just get a spacer. I've been doing that with my M3 E92 for about 4 years now. I used to order compact spare tires directly from the Maxxis web site because they had a good selection of sizes.

I've had zero luck with tire sealants (in the form of 'slime'). Never seen the mx5 kit in action, but it's a 2013 car/kit, and I believe it has a 4yr shelf life.

It seems like 16" mazda 3 and 6 spares (w/a T125/70/16 tire) will fit, just have to get a little more info re: what years for the 3 and 6, and do I need to use other lugnuts for the spare...

With either option, I'll play it safe and order a tire plug kit for the car.