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Recommendation for compact spare for Prime

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by JasonG, Apr 28, 2017.

  1. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    It's $98.25 for a full size 195/65/15 tire and steel wheel package mounted and balanced from tire rack. There is no way I would pay more than that for a limited use spare.

    If the steel rim bothers you, there are 4 OEM Prius rims for sale here for $170. If you can work out the arrangements for the other rims, you'll still be at around $100 for a full size spare.

    I understand weight and space is an advantage of a donut spare. But it just doesn't make sense to me to pay more money for a less capable wheel.

    And for those thinking outside the box. We bought another Prius and we share the spare.
     
    HPrimeAdvanced and bwilson4web like this.
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    One thing with the TireRack steel rim: it'll be generic I think, meaning the centre hub opening will be oversized, requiring a spacer ring. You can get Corolla steel rim that's completely compatible, albeit more expensive: around $70:

    Corolla steel rim, part no: 42611-02471 (2003-2008 corolla or matrix, CE, LS, S)
     
  3. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    I'm totally with you; these spare tire/wheel donuts are just not worth the money. I plan to eventually get the factory optional alloys when I purchase my Michelin replacement tires, and so will have those extra 4 wheels/used tires as backups. Living where I do and having the free 3-year Toyota Safety Connect towing service, I can't justify purchasing a spare tire/wheel donut or otherwise. My main mission (expensive as it is becoming!) is to see what's involved in getting a new spare wheel/tire donut for this car. The idea being, if you take a long trip, you probably want to have one of these tucked away in your trunk. I could then recommend to others what to do. Using America's Tire seemed like a good idea, since they're nationwide and seem to be able to get all the correct parts. The Toyota dealer I went to, told me he could get the wheel, but I'd have to go to a tire store for the space saver tire. America's Tire said they could get both. I reason that if I have any problems with the spare, I could certainly grab them by the throat and....!! I did try the online connection with the Pik Your Part place someone recommended here for a used spare, but that was a dead end. Tire Rack was also a dead end for both donut parts and they're in Florida anyway, so no throat grabbing here!!. Hey Mom, I'm on a mission!

    .
     
  4. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    2009 Corolla and 2010 Prius and newer use the same spares. There are a lot more Corollas which will help with the used market search. I see a few Corolla spares for $50 every now and again on Craigslist.
     
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  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    #25 bwilson4web, May 5, 2017
    Last edited: May 5, 2017
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah when I got snows for our 2010 a dealership recommended:

    Corolla steel rim, part no: 42611-02471 (2003-2008 corolla or matrix, CE, LS, S)

    I've always wonder if there was any difference to the newer Corolla rims, suspect not. They do have much nicer wheel covers, which maybe won't fit the older rim? Wheel covers are something I never got around for getting, for our snows. Just seem a cosmetic money pit.
     
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  7. The Future-Plug In

    The Future-Plug In Junior Member

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    Please forgive me; my first post/reply to this post was not clear and to the point since I’m new here and I can’t post links for ease of reference.

    Can you please confirm, is the linked wheel (Toyota 42611-47630) a 17” wheel that fits the 17” tire you also linked to Tire Rack (Y870C - Size: T125/70D17)?

    Thank you
     
  8. JGC61

    JGC61 Active Member

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    I purchased a 2017 take off alu wheel from Ebay for $117.00 shipped and $100.00 for a matching tire.
     
  9. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    has anyone with a prime actually tired changing a tire themselves on the road yet?
    my last post here was over a year ago so it might be a while before i see any comments directed my way. hint!
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It should be Saturday morning exercise for new car owners, go through the exercise of swapping over to the temp spare, in the garage or driveway. That way you ensure you can do it, how the tools works, and so on. Oh, and that the dang thing fits, lol.

    Stow also in the car:

    1. Pair of wheel chocks (to secure the diagonally opposite wheel, keep the car more stable on the jack)
    2. A small square of 3/4" playwood, say 6" square minimum (to act as sub-base, when using the scissor jack on soft ground)
    3. Pair of insulated work gloves (no fun changing tires in winter)
    4. Pressure gauge
    5. Tire-sized plastic bag (to preserve carpet, upholstery)
    6. A few rags for cleaning
     
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