New cars that still come with/have space for a spare wheel?

[MonteCarlos1]

Cars that can fit spare wheels of any form are continuously getting rarer nowadays, but ones that fit a full size spare must be even harder to find.

My Toyota Corolla touring (A dull car by PH standards, but a fantastic daily driver) has space for a full size spare in the boot, which I've fitted as I do a lot of long trips. Stuff waiting 10 hours for the AA man to help you when you can sort it out yourself in 15mins and be on your way!

The thought crossed my mind when I was thinking what I'd replace the Corolla with, as one of my car buying rules is that it must always be able to fit a spare wheel. That means my range of choices keep narrowing down every year as manufacturers don't provide the space as A) it saves weight and B) a lot of people seem to be afraid (or don't know how to) change wheels themselves so manufacturers feel the space would be better utilised for additional storage or a "lifestyle" waterproof box (looking at you Ford).

Given the fantastic conditions of UK roads meaning that punctures are more prevalent than ever, I honestly think this trend should be reversed.

Can anyone think of any other cars that still have that option? Obviously larger SUVs such as Defenders and G-wagens have them on the tailgate (Do new Range rovers still have them?) and I think a few VW group cars still have space for a space saver.

[FarmerJim]

Given the state of our roads, I would say that a spare wheel of some sort is essential now. I have had two tyres shredded by potholes in the past six months and, due to having no more than a compressor and a can of gunge in the boot, I had to be recovered both times. No space even for a spacesaver spare in the Benz due to the AdBlue tank being where the the wheel would go.

Maybe not necessarily a full size, but I will definitely be looking for a spare wheel of some sort in my next car.

[Drive Blind]

a quick interweb search says only 3% of new cars come with a spare wheel

[georgeyboy12345]

In the past 5 years or so I don’t think I’ve had to replace a tyre through wear, they always end up coming a cropper from potholes, nails or screws. Anyone else in the same boat? I think it’s worse as I live in a city (Manchester)

[TomTheTyke]

This will be tempting fate but I must be due a flat tyre. I’ve been driving 18 years and never had to change a tyre at the roadside. Been all over the UK and Europe and always drove to work every day.

That said I’ve never had a car without a spare wheel and wouldn’t want one either.

[Mr Tidy]

The last car I had with a full size spare was a 2000 Seat Leon Cupra.

I replaced it with a BMW E46 Compact in 2005 which had a space-saver stored under the boot floor, but when I got a puncture the wheel I took off had to go in the boot!

Since then I have only had BMWs, mostly with run-flats, so no spare wheels. My current fun car didn't have run-flats, just a "Mobility Kit" which translates to a can of gunk and a compressor.

I went on a driving trip to Wales with a mate in 2021 and we decided a ripped tyre and/or buckled wheel were the most likely "show-stoppers" so I put a full size spare in the boot and it is still there.

OK it takes up so much space it means packing is restricted to squashy bags but that's a price I'm willing to pay if it means I can complete a trip and drive hundreds of miles home. Heading 400 miles North to Scotland on Thursday!