That’s what I was thinking!! last battery I bought was £40, but then that was only a Peugeot 405 and it was quite a long time ago.

You need to consider yourself lucky. From memory, I contacted friends while their car bonnet was up with an RAC man on site. Special battery needed - one that accommodates re-starting before moving from stationary - £320.00

Few years ago, the first day back after Xmas, when I was right on my arse , I put my last £40 in my van , thinking at least I will be able to get about. The van was diesel, I put in petrol. Now that was a c*nt.

Same thing happened to my dad a tyre burst on a country road in Norfolk on a BH Monday. He got a tow to Kwik Fit who fair play to them stayed open until he arrived.

As a non driver that was the first I had ever heard of cars not having spare wheel the dealers had given him some rubbishy repair kit but the AA man just laughed.

One more point

This has became a nasty little trick from car manufacturers, we bought a new Renault 2 years ago and was told that all car makers are making the spare wheel as an optional extra, as boot space is a priority on all new cars. It also applies to some small and large vans

If this is the case,
As driving test practical states, you need to know the following: how to change a tyre in case of an emergency.
So why is changing a spare wheel compulsory in a driving test if your car does not have a spare wheel. The incident above the RAC/AA were called out the owner taken to a tyre centre got a new tyre and was fitted by the breakdown services.

South London & Proud
Sometimes I really wonder if family are really worth it.
Because it doesn’t matter how time and affection you give
It’s never enough

Drinking and driving was more acceptable back then.