Or a reasonably priced roof mount, if there is one. Would like to keep the cost below $100.

Thanks, T

 

maybe a thread in the for sale/want to buy section?

 

No. I want suggestions from users that can give me solid feedback about different brands and styles.

 

i'd go with the trailer hitch style myself, that way you don't mark up the paint with straps and such

 

i bought an Xterra for stuff like this

 

I used one to haul my bike up to college last year. Borrowed it from a family friend. Put some rags underneath all of the straps to prevent it from getting scratched. Can't remember brand/model. But it should work if you get the right one.

 

What does it cost to install a hitch? Is it a diy project?

Thanks T

 

Trailer hitch is best, depending on the number of bikes and their weight.

+ less likely to get scratches on your car
+ can always open the trunk

Trunk-mounts (out west we called them strap-on bike racks) are nice, but they'll chafe at the contact points. You'll want to keep those spots clean, since grit (like having driven in the rain) will accelerate this process. Of course, when they're not on there your car looks better, and many will have weight just a tad further forward which reduces rear end sag.

Ones that are designed for trunk spoilers:

Saris Bones: http://www.saris.com/p-299-bones-3-bike.aspx

I have a Thule Speedway 3-bike for use on my Matrix that looks like it would fit fine over the spoiler of my Gen 5: http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/...oor/16200.aspx - I like the fact that it has gizmos on the bike holders that mount to the downtube to stop the bikes from swinging around.

 

Last I looked, a hitch kit cost around $200 from Hidden Hitch, depending on the options. There are four bolt holes on the back of the unibody frame rails of cars to accommodate a hitch mount.

 

I researched this to the death last spring. I ended up going the hitch method for the ease of use and scratchless approach it offers. I can attach the hitch and load up the bikes in under 10 minutes.

I bought the hitch used from a 4th gen owner for $100. Same model numbers. Install is definitely diy. Go through the holes in the trunk to install the bolts.

 

Saris Bones racks work great for cars with spoilers. I have a Saris Bones 2 that I've used successfully on both our I35 and Mazda3 (both have spoilers). Heck, it even works on the back of the Pathfinder for when I don't feel like emptying it out and folding down the seats.

 

Checked their website and the Bones models are not compatible w/ spoilers for my year car. The Sentinel model works...

http://www.saris.com/sarisfitresults...bmit=Find+Rack