Spare tire removed for better MPG?

[subbus]

I have removed the spare tire for city driving close to the house. The spare tire represents approximately 0.8% of the total curb weight.

I recommend the exercise of removal to every new owner of such car. It took me a while to release it from the cable. Now, I know how to do it. :lol:

I would also recommend carrying an emergency flat tire repair kit and a pump regardless.

Anyway, now I have a second thought since the spare wheel bay area is not protected by the black "asphalt" coating.

Is there a risk of rocks and other elements hitting the wheel bay area (normally protected by the spare tire) which would start the rust process? The bay area is much higher than the underbody.

[SimonD]

What you need is a circular steel thingy with some rubber on it to protect the underbody ;).

Seriously, I've had a couple of punctures on ours (having never had one before in 25 years) and wouldn't be without the spare. You'd save a lot more weight by removing the seats you are not using!

[subbus]

Or just attach some bug window screen.

You are right about the 3rd row. That is why I was looking for 5 seat model one and that is what I have got.