Roof Rack Jong - Is it Okay to Buy Them Used?

**wanghoeby** · 04-05-2007, 10:52 PM

Trying to be as economical as possible as I just shelled out for a car that put a huge dent in my savings. Opinions on buying used? Does brand matter? I know that most currently have a lifetime warranty on their stuff now, but isn't that only for like the last year or so? For what it is worth my car does not have gutters or stock rails.

Oh, and on a side note, is it worth it to upgrade to bike racks that attach to the frame rather than the front fork? Would that by any change decrease the mpg that I'll get?

**squirrelmurphy** · 04-05-2007, 11:00 PM

bought my thule rack on ebay, i haven't had any problems with it

**Lexi-Bell** · 04-05-2007, 11:00 PM

Just make sure you get the right size/model, but used are ok.

I like Yakima, Thule is good too.

Get the bike rack where you take off the front tire and bolt down the front fork. Dunno about the mileage advantage but way more stable.

**Conundrum** · 04-05-2007, 11:10 PM

Used is fine if it's the right one for your car and nothing is broken or missing. I would go Thule or Yakima.

**deliberate** · 04-05-2007, 11:46 PM

Did you install the rack yourself? Was it easy?

**fonixmunkee** · 04-06-2007, 06:18 AM

I know a few people who have bought their fit kits used on eBay, especially for older/uncommon vehicles. The only problem I've heard from them is missing parts (bolts, mostly) or really rusty parts that need a little TLC (read: WD-40).

Load bars are cheap ($50), so I can't imagine there is a cost-savings there if you have to have them shipped.

Installation is really not that bad, but bring two people. 99% of the instructions can be downloaded directly from the manufacturer if the used parts you buy don't have the paperwork with them:

Thule installation instructions: http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/instructions.asp
Thule tech manuals: http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/tech_manual.asp
For Yakima parts, you have to go to http://www.yakima.com and browse to the specific product, then click the "Instructions" link above it.

I'm a fan of Thule, only because I had one bad experience with a defective Yakima rocket box outside of Lincoln, NE on the way to CO. That's it though, and to my knowledge there's really no difference in price or manufacturing. Also, I have had great luck installing many cars with Thule systems so that's what I stick with. The square bars seem more receptive to different third-party attachments too, whereas Yakimas (I've heard) aren't so compatible. For instance, I have a Rocky Mounts bike rack for my roof rack with the square Thule bars, and there's no way it would fit on the Yakima round bars without buying a specific adapter.

I think Yakima used to make square bars back in the day, too.

Either way, I digress. To answer your question, buying used isn't too much of a worry. People sell their cars and their fit kits are compatible with their new car all the time. Reap the benefits!

**cj001f** · 04-06-2007, 06:55 AM

not a problem. also check the REI return sale for loadbars and bike racks being sold cheap

**Danno** · 04-06-2007, 03:06 PM

ask stupendous man.

buying used should be fine, but don't skimp and try to get the cheapest thing possible.

**wanghoeby** · 04-06-2007, 08:20 PM

Thanks for the info.

Any more thoughts on the bike mount?

**Blatant** · 04-07-2007, 10:53 AM

i use the fork mounted type on my yak, only because i drive like and asshat at times and also b/c i often load shit on the roof between the biks and the fork mount is on there like a weld. I've used the type that have the arm that holds the down tube, while both wheels are on the bike but they seem rickety too me, both yak and tooolie.

I like yak, round bars. go to yak and get your part numbers and then just be patient with ebay and you should be able to score a full rack for under 2bills id think, check craigslist.

what'd you buy? does it have a factory rack?

**hutash** · 04-07-2007, 03:29 PM

Used is okay, stick with Thule or Yakima since they are around everywhere if you want a mount for different gear. Only get a fork mount bike rack.

If anybody sees a used Thule roof rack for a Volvo S80 let me know.

**Blatant** · 04-07-2007, 06:03 PM

here is a rack i saw

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1229310

not sure if it'll fit your junk though.

**wanghoeby** · 04-07-2007, 07:10 PM

Got a Subaru Legacy Sedan. No factory rack.

I'm currently bidding on a setup, I might have overbid, but at least I'll be set up for everything.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ME:L:DBS:US:11

**bossass** · 04-07-2007, 08:16 PM

Yakima is weak, Thule.

**BakerBoy** · 04-07-2007, 08:48 PM

Unless you have a 20mm thru axle, fork mount is the only way to go. And even then, you can still get adapters.

Supposedly round bars would make more sense from a structural and fitting issue, but I've never used Thule bars. Thule boxes are much nicer IMO though.

**Lexi-Bell** · 04-07-2007, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by bossass

Yakima is weak, Thule.

Tastes Great!!!

**hrstrat57** · 04-07-2007, 08:59 PM

www.orsdirect.com highly recommended. Had same situ...2007 Impreza sedan needed roof rack.

Shopped ebay - bid on a few unsuccessfully. Got turned onto Onion River sports, cheaper than ebay used prices for a new yakima q tower set up....had it at my door in 2 days.

Can't recommend em enuff based on my experience.

**StoneCold** · 04-09-2007, 09:37 AM

I've had a combo of both Thule and Yakima roof and ski racks for the following vehicles: '95 Montero, '97 two-door Accord, '98 four-door Accord, and '91 4Runner.

I have never used a bike attachment.

I can say, from my experience using both, there is no real difference quality wise. They are both of high quality.

I've also purchased and sold each one I've had on eBay. You can usually get the stuff about half price of new.

I may have a Yakima set up at home if you are interested. I'll check my gear closet when I get home.

**danhikeski** · 04-09-2007, 09:43 AM

from my shop experience, thule is easier to install, but both are easy if you read the directions. I never liked yakima, but I do have one on my jeep.

edit: go with the setup that will work for your car, don't worry about brand, and used is ok. If you can get pics of any moving (clamping) parts, even better They do rust some and can be a pain if that way.

**birdboatboy** · 04-10-2007, 08:55 PM

Not to thread hijack, but I'm in the same boat as wanghoeby. Need a rack for my 96 Camry Wagon and don't want to pay full price. I have a thread over in gear swap, but figured someone here might have what I am looking for. Wanghoeby obviously gets first shot, but StoneCold let me know if you have a setup for sale. Thanks.

**StoneCold** · 04-11-2007, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by birdboatboy

Not to thread hijack, but I'm in the same boat as wanghoeby. Need a rack for my 96 Camry Wagon and don't want to pay full price. I have a thread over in gear swap, but figured someone here might have what I am looking for. Wanghoeby obviously gets first shot, but StoneCold let me know if you have a setup for sale. Thanks.

PMs sent.

**GapersGoHome** · 04-12-2007, 12:19 AM

I've gone with yakima on my last 2 setups; always has seemed super strong, durable, and pretty universal. Seems as though Thule and Yak have started to collaborate; I know my box, my bike racks, and my kayak J-bars (all Yak) have mounts that would work for square bars as well. So you're not marrying yourself to one rack company for the life of your vehicle, by any means.

-I got the Forester-specific closed-rail clamps for my 04 XT, and the jaws clamp down super strong. not a whole lot of rubber in between there to mush things up, either. Thule seemed to have a bit too much rubber, not enough metal, and were possibly more complicated (not setup, just more moving parts as far as construction went).Also, make sure you go with a system that will let you swap out load bars. What may work for you one summer with one bike and maybe a kayak may change the next season, when it's nice to have the extra width to fit a box, a kayak, and a couple bikes on a super-wide bar. Some of the Thules (see the Thule 440 http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/prod...t_id=2&sku=440), which are designed for subaru, only come with the bar the feet are permanently attached to. So you're fixed at one length. I wouldn't suggest that.

$.02