Quick recap.
I got a hole in the sidewall of the drivers side front tire on my 2002
IS 300.
I was told that I need to replace 2 tires at the same time, so the
tread will be even.

I just realized I dont need to buy 2 new tires.

The flat tire is in the trunk, and the "spare" tire (which is the same
as the other 4) is on the driver side front.
I will replace the flat tire.
BUT mount the replacement tire on the passenger side front.
Then use the passenger side front tire as a "spare"

So there will be 2 new tires on the front, and I only needed to buy 1.

Would this work?

Quick question. (I appreciate this guys!)
1. Is it bad if the new tire is a different brand name than the other
3?  I will buy the same style (tread rating 140, etc)
2. Do I need them to balance/align all 4 tires?  Or only the 2 front
ones?
3. Should I put the 2 new tires in the front or back?

I asked the guy to check my treads.
The new tire is "9".
The other 3 are "6"
He said usually when it gets to 3-4, then you should replace.
18k miles and the tires only went down from "9" to "6", not bad.

Thanks!