I like my 350 very much, but the "funny spare" seems like a really cheesy accessory on a car this expensive.
If I bought a full sized spare, would it fit in the funny spare space?
If not....where does one put the full sized flat tire while using a funny spare?

 

No... won't fit. Get a cargo basket for the roof and put it up there. It's your only option. Suspension is different than previous gen which came with a full size spare so it won't fit underneath.

 

Surprising that my 99 RX-300 had a full sized spare and much more trunk storage space..room for jumper cables, chains, and a few boxes of ammo

When I have a flat, two things are certain: the trunk will be full and the car will be in a place without cellfone coverage.

Any recommended cargo baskets?

 

the new suspension actually makes more room for the cargo area. it is simply cost cutting, nothing to do with space

 

There is more than 1 dimension you need to look at. It's a depth issue, not just surface area. Sure there's more room for golf clubs to sit in the back.

Have a look under a 2nd gen RX and a 3rd gen.

 

Do you have any info on the depth? For example, in those rare instance where I might have a flat, I wouldn't mind the lid over the funny spare space sitting up a little. I wouldn't want to risk the upholstery by putting the flat in the back seat.

I asked these questions of my Lexus dealer, and frankly they seemed too embarassed to discuss the issue. I would be amazed if Lexus doesn't drop the funny spare pretty soon.

 

Take the initiative... get a tape measure and measure the width of the tire on your car, but I believe, assuming you have 19" wheels, that a 235/55/19 tire is ~9 1/4" wide. Then measure the depth of the area where the spare tire sits.

Donut isn't a big deal and it's going to be easier to pull out than a full size spare. They've been around forever and tires in general are a lot better than they used to be even 5 years ago.

Get a can of sealant and put it in the storage area next to the donut.

 

If you look in the owners manual it shows that a full size tire will fit it the space. It shows a different piece on top of the tire to cover it. Cost saving measure I'm sure. Had my last car for 5 years and never got the spare out. More than likely I would take it in and have the flat fixed immediately.

 

I actually went and measured. The diameter of the tire is fine, so it will fit in the hole where the spare is. The problem is the depth. You will not be able to put the floor back down with a full size tire in the hole. At least you don't have to strap it to the top of the car or set it on the carpet in the back. There's always Roadside Assistance.

 

Im guessing you would have to change the plastic base where the tire is held.

 

Unfortunately under the tire is metal. I guess you could always hammer it out bigger. NOT!

 

I'm still amazed that Lexus put a funny spare on the car. This has the potential to turn a 30 minute problem into a full wasted day of vacation. After all, you can't drive the funny spare at freeway speeds. My wife has a Volvo with the funny spare, and they are not immune to problems themselves.

 

While the weather is still cool, I'll just give it a try some afternoon. I do drive the car offroad, and need to know what is in store with a flat in a remote location. Assuming the test happens....I'll post the results here