Just got back from the dealership and inquired about ordering a spare tire as I intend to ditch my runflats and mount some conventional tires. I was dismayed to hear that it would cost over $800 to add a spare tire, and that run flats if punctured cannot be repaired, and need to be replaced at over $400 per tire. Sure wish Lexus had taken the time to engineer in a spare tire like everyone else. This spare tire fiasco for Lexus is like a pimple on a supermodel.

Why do you want to ditch the runflats?????

Holy 800 a tire???? Your dealer must be a CRACK dealer! The 23 inch tires I want arent even 800! My Runflat 295/40VR20s on my suburban cost only 340 a tire. Have you checked the Tire Rack or Discount Tire for size you need??? I'd tell your dealer where to stick that 800!

Ditching run flats for conventional tires will reduce unsprung weight and improve handling. Many C5 owners do this. No location for a spare was given to save money and allow the space to be used for other purposes.

The non runflat Dunlops are about $400.00 each and are just about impossible to get- at least until Dunlop gets them into distribution.

I got the regular tires instead of the runflats thinking that they would be easierand less expensive to replace when necessary, but this is not true.

But the car does run great with these tires!

I just made a long post last night about a bolt stuck in my run flats and that they performed fantastically. And the dealer said I needed a new tire. So I took it to my wheel guys to put on, these guys work on Vipers, Porsches, Ferrari's and racers all the time. And they said it couldbe patched...they confirmed this with Bridgestone and TireRack.com. It's been two days...and no problems since it was patched.

Exsilio ,

Its just a matter of time before I get a flat. Do you know if they just did a conventional patch or what? Is there any documentation on patching the tires?

F that dealer..i swear...theyll tellyuo anything to get to your wallet...

I agree. Lexus really blew it with the run flats. A real rip off and they are noisy and very hard riding compared to normal.

I think Lexus has gone the way of Ford, GM and Chrysler. My respect for them has diminished immensely since purchasing the SC430. Imagine having to pay $400 additional for the run flats (the car is not available without them) and then they hit you $800 for a spare tire when you switch from the run flats. A real rip off. Never will I go to a Lexus dealer for any service unless I have to.

I am selling 4 Brand New (100 Miles) 2002 SC430 Wheels.

Check this out here:
Click here to see the auction

I understand your frustration - I was just thinking people with IS, GS, or SC would be interested.

I know people on this board have been looking for some spare wheels due to damage / adding a spare.

I am just trying to help those out who are looking....