If a spare really means that much to you then you should have probably looked to make sure it had one first. I don't think the Malibu is the only new car that doesn't come with a spare.
It comes with an air pump, fix a flat and 5 years (I believe) roadside assistance. I'm not worried.

 

Sorry to hear you're bummed out. On a brighter note at least you don't have to take your front bumper off to change a headlight bulb.






**Pun definitely intended.**

 

I would rather go out and pick up a used space saver spare and jack then have to pull the bumper to change a light like myrichrod said now that's something that would have made me not buy a car,having no spare in it is no biggie in my book.

 

Starting in 2010 or 2011 the Malibu had to have the spare ordered. When I got my '09 it came with a spare standard. When I traded it for my '11 the dealer I got it from has a standing order to build all of their cars with a spare tire. The only time they'll sell a new car without a spare is if it's a dealer trade from a dealer whose car doesn't have one. I have a spare.

I'd take not having a spare in this car if it was easier to change the headlights. I can always run and go get something to toss in the trunk but it's a horse of a different color to make the headlights easier to change.

 

For $350 you can feel good about your purchase again...
http://www.shopchevyparts.com/wheels/2013-malibu-spare-wheel-kit/22853022-p-92254599.html

 

I would have to agree with you. That is a stupid thing for them to do. Who would ever think that they need to check and see if the brand new car they are buying has a spare tire. Chances are your salesperson didn't have a clue that there was no spare, and probably wouldn't know where to look for one if you were to ask them. Then to be expected to pay another $350 for a spare and tire changing tools is just retarded. That would have to be included as part of the deal for them to make the sale to me.
Don't be discouraged by some of the responses here. There is good info to found on this site, but there are a few here who seem to take it personal if you talk bad about a Malibu.

 

My 2010 Camaro had an air compressor and can of fix a flat

 

I was lucky my 2010 had the $100 option for the spare already. I just went on the Chevy site to build a 2013 and I dont even see it as an available option now.

This reminds me of the time when pickup's no longer came with a rear bumper and became an option

 

Some of the reasoning behind no spare is that the majority of failures are leaks, not blowouts and therefore the sealant and compressor are adequate. If you are not going to buy a car due to there being no spare, you may as well buy a good pair of running shoes. Each year, more and more cars are going that way. For now the option to have a spare is there for all vehicles I'm aware of, how long that continues, remains to be seen. I do believe the fact that there is no spare is on the window sticker somewhere.

 

No spare tire and jack = lighter weight car = better gas mileage. And cheaper for GM to build.

My 2012 LT has a spare tire.

 

Just looked at my window sticker and it says compact spare Haven't looked in the trunk yet.

 

According to the Chevy site the 2LT and up come standard with the 17" compact spare.

If you go to "build your own" then click to "compare trims side-by-side" then click on the "all" tab you will see the info for standard and optional equipment with the spare listed.

 

I have a 2013 LTZ with a 17" compact spare, the tires are 19" wonder if that will be a problem if I have to use it.

 

I agree with the orginal poster about the spare tire. I just happened to stumble upon a forum like this that mentioned not having a spare, so I made sure to open the trunk and confirm for myself that mine had a spare before I bought it. Had I not been trolling around on a forum like this I would have never known to ask. I've had to change tires on the side of the road several times, its just a part of driving. I can understand the frustration of not being given the option before spending a ton of money on a car.

 

I have to check if I have one. I do know on the door sticker it does list the spare tire. I assume I have it? I've got a 2LT

 

My CPO '10 had the fix a flat and a spare tire in it, no jack. My window sticker showed it to have the fix a flat option, but I think one of the salesguys threw the tire in. I asked WTH I didn't have a jack to go with my spare tire, and 5 minutes later one was found in another 'Bu for me, LOL FTW! Mom's '12 LS has fix a flat, but that's okay because we will be taking the keys away from her in the next 2 years. Peace, John

 

This is just Un-American!

 

Actually it's very American. What can they do to make the car lighter, cost less, and get better mileage, all while raising the price and making a higher profit margin? Seems very capitalistic, aka American.

 

I'm proud to be an American!
Where at least I know I'm free,
and I won't forget to check my trunk,
if a spare means that much to me!

And I'll gladly standup,
next to you and defend my purchase here today
cause there ain't no doubt I love this car!
God bless my Chevrolet!



And now for the original...

 

The next step in car design will be to eliminate the space to even carry a spare. A flat floor is easier (read: cheaper) to make than a formed one, plus there wouldn't be any need to have a lift-off cover, either. Saving weight and money all at once - hmmm, what will I think of next? :wonders:

 

It would be nice if since they left the spare out of the Eco and since it has reduced space because of the battery, why couldn't they have made the trunk floor flat and eliminate the space for the spare?
I mean, you can still use that space where the spare is usually at but you have to lift the cover and if anything is in the trunk you have to remove it first to get to it. Why not just leave the lift off cover out and make the trunk the same depth of where the spare usually is, thus regaining the lost space from the battery back plus more.

 

I think because they acknowledge that many customers will put the spare tire in. They know how insane it is to sell a car without a spare but calculate the risk of the lost sale against the benefit of the lower sticker and higher mpg.

 

So you think they know it is insane to sell a car without a spare so they sell a car without a spare anyways? What do you think they are, insane? You would have to be insane to buy a car from a company that makes cars if you think they are insane...

 

Ouch!!!!!!!

 

You guys are insanely funny!

 

There is now way I would own a vehicle without a spare if I didn't have run-flat tires, which I also wouldn't own, because they are extremely expensive. I had a Cadillac ATS in the shop last week that didn't have a spare, but it had run-flats.

While it might be true that most tire problems are punctures, most people don't stop soon enough and end up ruining the tire from driving on it flat (at least that has been my experience working in a tire shop). Therefore, the inflation kit and fix-a-flat is useless. Also, I know many shops that will NOT repair a tire that has fix-a-flat in it.

 

I have a 2015 Malibu and have had two flats. One I could drive to Pep Boys, the other happened on the freeway (big spike through the sidewall) and I had to have AAA tow me.
I want to buy a spare, do I buy a spare and rim, or just the spare?
Thanks for your help.
Ellen

 

Ellen you are going to need both and the tools (Jack & lug wrench) Below is a sample of them that fit most if not all Gen 8 Malibus (I am not sure if the Turbo version with large OEM wheels Fit the standard kit, so check with seller and Dealer if you have 19" wheels) **Note that you can carry an extra piece of pipe to extend/obtain leverage to fit over the wrench.

2013-2016 CHEVY MALIBU COMPACT MINI DONUT SPARE TIRE W/JACK KIT/HOLD DOWN BOLT | eBay