I happened to stumble across this transportation law for my state today:

§ 22-405.3. Spare tires.

If a new Class A passenger vehicle is sold in this State, the manufacturer shall equip the vehicle with a spare tire that conforms with the requirements in § 22-405 of this subtitle, unless:

(1) The tire-wheel system of the vehicle provides a run-flat capability by which a partially inflated driving surface becomes available in the event of a tire failure; or

(2) Technological improvements, consistent with applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, become available.

[1980, ch. 383; 1999, ch. 645.] http://198.187.128.12/maryland/lpext...s-main.htm&2.0

Since Porsche does not provide a spare not a runflat tire (and I have no clue what a technological improvement may be) ... are they possibly violating this law by not providing a spare?

I guess the Air Compressor and the Can of Goo is considered "Technological improvements"

I am pretty sure that PCNA's legal team checked on the legality of the can of goo and air pump and the Road Assistance plan as an acceptable alternative to a spare tire or run flats.

Don't be so sure. I have worked in the legal depts of some of the worlds largest companies, and well, lets just say they aren't all as diligent as one might expect in many cases. I can see this being a posible oversight given that there is no Federal Reg like this and I haven't seen another state w/ a similiar law...though there may be some.

The biggest question is is a Cayman S a "Class A passenger vehicle"? I didn't see a definition of classes in the section. If it is, print it out and bring it to your dealer and see what they say. It could be fun...

dave w

Several BMW's, most noticeably the E46 M3, have been sold since at least 2001 with standard summer performance tires, no spare, and the "fix it" kit. I am sure there are other brands before, currently, and in the future. Not doubting the veracity of your quote Chows, but surely the manufacturers have ironed this out well before.

Furthermore, one of the Cayman's attractions is its abundant storage space for a sports car, I wouldn't want to give that up for a spare. I've also had experience with the "performance" runflats on my MINI and they suck compared to conventional performance tires. I do believe Corvettes come with special runflats made to their specs that have good characteristics, but those are made just in their size for them and by only one brand. I wouldn't want to be backed into that corner.

Yes, absolutely. A class A passenger vehicle is a personal vehicle that car carries no more than 10 passengers. Different registration fees if under or over 3700 pounds. As to taking it to my dealer ... my salesman was mad everytime I mentioned something he didnt agree with. I mention this law, he's going to have a heart attack!!!

I mentioned the spare tire bit to him and the 996 parts and he made it so difficult I just gave up on him and will order the temporary spare when I take a cross-country trip.

Thats a personal choice. I personally find it inexecusable for a high performance sports car to not even have a donut. There are several threads here where people have bought a 996 temporary spare. Having gotten blow outs in the middle of the NV desert and no goop is going to fix it and no cell service ... its just inexcusable.

Option 447 is for a spare tire. It was in the original order guide but Porsche pulled it as its for ONLY those countries that require it. Thats why I am questioning this law.

I dont think you would HAVE to have it if its an option to order so you would be fine

many actually: most new Mazdas and Toyotas, includung a number of minivans with ample space, all hybrids, Mustangs, M6, M5...even a lexus or two are all sold w/o spares now, as is just about every 2 seater out there (crossfire, vette, z4, miata, solstice, RX8, etc...). All come with a compressor and goo...

dw

Chow,
Intersting stumble! Who will be the first? I would actually rather have less space and a real spare.

Russ

Add the SSR to the list....

__________________
Mike E
VA, USA

You don't know how close you are there Actually, I was looking up the state law on fog lights (e.g., they can only be so many inches from the ground) when I saw spare tire in the index and thought "Whoa" I gotta read that!

My fear is that the last sentence is SO vague it will let them out of anything. I'm guessing they are going to say that goop is a technological improvement consistent with federal safety laws.

Yes, I had a MCS too. Everyone hates the RFs, most ppl dump them when they buy the car and live with the goop. HOWEVER ... I actually bought a real spare tire and if going on a long trip, I could throw it in the boot.

No such option with the CS and that is sad