I am likely going on a road trip this month in my MINI. First, from Austin to Florida, and then Florida to Chicago (I will be studying Chinese at the University of Chicago for 3 weeks) and then from Chicago back to Austin. Since I ditched my runflats about a month ago, I think I might want to consider getting a spare wheel/tire to put on the car in case I get a flat. I have 18" wheels, so does anyone know of any good deals for this type of thing?

Thanks!

The size of the wheel doesnt matter as long as it the total height is OK. As long as it clear your front brakes, just get a steelie wheel from MINI or Alex might have some? Put on the appropriate size tire for 15" 55 series? Dunno

I have a donut Mini spare and a cover from the BagLady if you are interested. I live about 30 miles East of Austin.

Dr. Dave is on the right track (and obviously a very friendly guy!).

Find a local club and ask around to see if someone has some track wheels or a spare set in their garage. Ask if you can borrow one for a few weeks and throw it in the back of your car. I had a full-size x-lite and tire for my trip from Dallas to the Dragon, courtesy of a friendly local club member who had me help him take his autocross tires off in return for the loan.

Like Dave, I just bought a second-hand space-saver spare and bag-lady bag for the MINI so I shouldn't have to do the loan thing again, but it was a wonderful comfort to have that spare in the boot.

If you want to go for a cheap spare tire, keep your eyes on the for-sale forum on your local club board. The Dallas club has someone who bent up 2 wheels selling all 4 wheels (2 good / 2 bent) and 4 tires (only 10k miles) for $200. Find a friend, buy the set, pitch the bent wheels/tires and you each walk away wil a full sized spare for $100.