How do you like the roof rack?

[dave108]

Hi,

Potential Mazda3 owner here. Took my first test drive today.

Any owners of the factory roof rack out there? How do you like the rack?

Also, I was wondering if anyone had removed and resinstalled their racks themselves... Would consider keeping the rack on for the summer only, as I need it to tie-down a kayak... is that do-able?

Cheers,
Dave.

[Wild Weasel]

It's easy as pie to put on and take off. When you first get it, you have to take care to cut the stickers that come with it, clean the roof, and carefully apply them to the areas where the pads sit. After that, it's a cinch.

Not only is what you're talking about doable, but I'd go a step further and suggest you only put it on when you need it. It's that easy to put on and remove and you'll waste gas if you just leave it on all summer.

I use mine only when I need to carry bikes around. Putting the rack on, putting the bike carriers on it, and putting the bikes up there is all a quick and easy process.

[Dyno]

Any pics of a 3 Sport with the factory roof rack someone can point me to?

Thanks

[Wild Weasel]

http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm4/20080601_RideForHeart/front_left_quarter_t.jpg (http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm4/20080601_RideForHeart/pages/front_left_quarter.shtml) http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm4/20080601_RideForHeart/loading_bike_t.jpg (http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm4/20080601_RideForHeart/pages/loading_bike.shtml) http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm4/20080601_RideForHeart/right_side_t.jpg (http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm4/20080601_RideForHeart/pages/right_side.shtml)

[dave108]

Thanks.


... I'd go a step further and suggest you only put it on when you need it. It's that easy to put on and remove and you'll waste gas if you just leave it on all summer.

Cool. The salesman referred to it as a "permanent rack", or something like that, and that kinda confused me.

[Wild Weasel]

Nah. There screws holding it down are meant to be turned by hand to easily put it on or take it off.

[Dyno]

Thanks Weasel!

Nice car btw :)

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Cool. The salesman referred to it as a "permanent rack", or something like that, and that kinda confused me.

Thats because your salesman has no idea what he is selling.

Note, do not have them install it when you pick it up, it comes with instructions that are easy to follow.

If they install it expect to pay $50 - $80 to have it installed. :loco

[Mike]

Here's an alternative I went with. Buy the Thule model. Pretty much the same product re-branded.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=22845 (includes pics of mine installed)
Either options are good and fairly easy to remove.

[CopperRouGe]

I have the factory rack and it's nice. It's a piece of cake to install and take on and off as you like.

I say go for it!

[Jetlag]

How much does the factory bike rack run?

[Wild Weasel]

No idea. I highly recommend the Thule Big Mouth carriers that I've got though. Very easy to put on and use.

You'll find fork-mount carriers for less money... but then you've still gotta deal with the front wheels, and I don't like the idea of lifting a bike over my car with no front wheel on it. That could make for some awful scratches if it goes wrong!