Space-saver Quandary

[romaro]

It’s not a particularly exciting dilemma but I’m at work in a state of almost comatose boredom, and I haven’t got any else worthwhile to think about!

We’re letting the IS stretch its legs a bit with a trip down through France to the Alps in a few weeks time and I’m trying to work out the best option with spare tyres.

I was considering getting a full-size spare for extra peace of mind. We’ve got the base model with 16” wheels – so at least it’ll fit in the boot – but I assume I’ll have to ditch the plastic tray, lose a bit of boot space, and devise a temporary floor to go over the top of the wheel??

I imagine that’s not a particularly cheap option – does anyone have any ideas of cost of an extra alloy and tyre from Lexus? Or could I just buy a.n.other alloy at the cheapest price, as long as it has the same dimensions and tyre fitted?

Of course the other option is rely on the space-saver, the RAC cover and perhaps throw in a can of tyre weld for luck. Anyone have any experience of the cover in France?

Thanks for putting up with my ramblings - I'll go back to sleep now -_-

[paulsmansfield]

if cost is an issue, why not get a steel wheel as spare. OK it wont look too great, but it will do the job as good as an alloy