October 2014
Two years ago I was starting to look at replacing my RAV4 with the announcement of a new version. I had previously had several with full size spare wheels, but the one I had at the time had a repair kit that had proved to be a total waste of time on one occasion because following its use the tyre had to be replaced.
Photos of the new model on line appeared to show a spare in the boot. However that only applied to foreign models. I tried unsuccessfully to get Toyota to supply a spare but they declined on the basis that there was no provision to secure a spare safely in the boot.
All of this was played out on Toyota's blog, resulting in several potential buyers cancelling their orders and others like myself buying a different make. I went for a Kia Sportage that comes with a full size alloy spare.
Two years down the line Toyota have seen sense and are now supplying their RAV4's with a space saver wheel in the boot.
I certainly wouldn't buy a new car in the future that didn't have a spare wheel. Read more
I fully agree that a spare wheel [or spacesaver] is a must have.
Even if you can't manage the wheel change yourself, someone else can [eg AA, RAC, Green Flag etc] and you are quickly back on the road until the punctured tyre is repaired.
As stated, the tyre repair kit has significant limitations on puncture size & location, and it won't repair a blow-out [eg caused by road debris].
If the tyre repair kit can't be used or it doesn't work, vehicle recovery will be expensive, inconvenient, and your journey cannot continue.
In addition to the cost of replacing the tyre repair kit, I understand that if used, some garages will not repair the tyre so it will also need replacing.
As for run flat tyres, can they be repaired?
Progress - I think not!!!!
Thanks, but no thanks, I want a spare wheel. Read more
I bought a new focus in 2016 it had the horrible repair kit in the boot.I eventually bought a full size spare exactly the same size and design as already fitted to the car.It cost me £80 on eBay and a new tyre for £100 total cost £180....a bargain well pleased.
It's also rather cold... Read more
iv had to change the battery but i did'nt have the code the serial number is m488571,any help appreciated ,cheers Read more
Just a suggestion. Forgive me if if this has recently been covered on here. May I suggest people don't have car and house keys on the same keyring. If you do and you have a satnav in your car, with a 'Home' option, don't be surprised that if your car is stolen you find your house broken into shortly afterwards. Suggest you don't have 'Home' as home, perhaps 'Home' could be a police station miles from home. 'Home' then becomes e.g. Machested United football ground or whatever rockks your boat. Personally, I don't keep my car and house keys together. Read more
I'm immune as I have no need for a satnav. I concede that delivery drivers and others who have to find unfamiliar addresses when driving alone have that need, but I don't. But since so many of the drivers trying to find our house end up on the wrong side of a railway, I think I'm pretty safe anyway.
Please, please, if you are out after dark, or commuting home from work, ensure you have working lights on your bike. Also, do your utmost to be visible to other road users. Lastly, this bit amazes me, why do cyclists ride there bikes on roads when there is designated cycle path running parallel to a road? Bromptonaut, perhaps you can help me out withis last comment? Thanks. Read more
Well said as ever, Alby. I agree absolutely.
Several months ago I was in the Bullring in Birmingham City centre and a new Toyota Aygo was on show. My wife and I were quite interested as she had just passed her test and couldn't help but eye up lots of potential small cars, even though we can't currently afford a second car (she's a student for another 18 months and catches the train to college every day).
Part of the stand was a prize draw to win an Aygo, so I entered as it was free. Fast forward to today and I have been selected as a 'finalist' to attend the local showroom on Thursday for the final draw.
My question is, is it worth going along? Or will I spend the whole evening being pressured by sales folk and bored rigid until the draw takes place? Does anyone have experience of anything similar? My cynical side says, don't bother, as chances of winning are small. My optimistic side says, got to be in it to win it, so it's worth an hour or so of my evening! Read more
Reminds me of a US radio station some time ago ran a competition to win a Toyota and a lady won it, turned up at the radio station for the big prize giving and was presented with a Toy Yoda. She sued and won!
Hi all,
Looking for a radio rest code for my Fiesta. The radio's serial number is M273757.
Thanbks in advance! Read more
try 9047 you only need serial no
Not been long since I passed my test.
My first time driving over the flooded tunnel twice (From and return). I was driving along the tunnel at the speed of 20mph or less than that and when I looked at the rear view mirror there was white smoke coming out from the back of the car? Does it ruin the electrics or cause rust to the exhaust or something since I have no experience when it comes to cars. Read more
I suspect this is another of those threads.
However my answer is, in order not to worry about doing things that worry one, if one doesn't do those things, one will stop being worried....
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Bring back the full size spare tyre ! I have had 3 punctures in 12 years. The last time was a Vauxhall Vectra which has skinny spare. A bit hairy going only 50mph on a pouring evening along the motorway but at least it got me home. However, had to wait a few days for local tyre specialist to order the right one.
20 years ago I had a BMW 325i sport with spare battery in rear right corner and full size spare below the trunk floor. Today, similar sized BMW X1 (based on a 3 Series chassis) has the battery bang in the middle of where I would put my own spare but because the battery is there, I can't....