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Old 11-29-2012, 12:39 PM   #1
BradX978
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Location: Leominster
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I searched a little on this but I'm confused so ill generalize all the questions I have in this thread. I'm looking for a roof rack to hold my snowboard(s) but I want one of the Thule style ones with the black front plate on the front. I think they look nicer and I'm not really into stickering my car, but the roof rack I wouldn't mind.

I have an 08 wrx hatchback. Questions;

Anyone selling one that will fit my model?
Can anyone point me in the direction of getting a new one?
Better? More practical racks? Lets hear em!
Are they easy to install? I'd like to take it off in the summer months without dedicating a whole day to it.
Any other info is appreciated.

Also post pictures of your racks!
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Old 11-29-2012, 12:56 PM   #2
amart21
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OEM roof rack is my fav for 08-13. I have one with a Yakima (Subaru) cargo basketon top. Perfect for camping.
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Old 11-29-2012, 01:23 PM   #3
OldBlueSuby
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Go to the Thule website and use the fit guide. That will answer all your questions.

Goodluck.
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Old 11-29-2012, 02:29 PM   #4
BradX978
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldBlueSuby View Post
Go to the Thule website and use the fit guide. That will answer all your questions.

Goodluck.
Thanks man
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Old 11-29-2012, 02:44 PM   #5
Snowphun
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There are a couple massive rack threads in one of the suforums, I think interior/exeterior mods. Your choices are Thule, Yakima or OEM, all can be purchased so they use the threaded holes under the rain rails instead of messing with the door jams. Go to a ski shop, EMS or even LL Bean to see the parts and get some advice. Be prepared to spend serious money for Thule or Yakima, OEM bars and feet can be had for ~$160 but they do not lock to the car.

I have the OEM bars, they are fine. A bit flimsy but I only use them for boats as I can fit snowboards inside the car.
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Old 11-29-2012, 02:45 PM   #6
OldBlueSuby
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Go on craigslist after you find the parts you need its much cheaper. I just recently pick up a kayak hull-a-port for 20 buck which cost 150 brand new.
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:29 PM   #7
leach0789
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldBlueSuby View Post
Go on craigslist after you find the parts you need its much cheaper. I just recently pick up a kayak hull-a-port for 20 buck which cost 150 brand new.
+1, or in the classifieds. I got crossbars and ski racks for $150.
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Old 12-03-2012, 08:05 PM   #8
wagonsarewinners
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I got the bars for free and used a sawzall to cut to length, used the new caps, and got a fit kit. Use the front air dam for sticker mount (many more than pictured now):

Last edited by wagonsarewinners; 12-03-2012 at 08:06 PM. Reason: Improper Link
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Old 12-04-2012, 08:54 AM   #9
RR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BradX978 View Post
I searched a little on this but I'm confused so ill generalize all the questions I have in this thread. I'm looking for a roof rack to hold my snowboard(s) but I want one of the Thule style ones with the black front plate on the front. I think they look nicer and I'm not really into stickering my car, but the roof rack I wouldn't mind.

I have an 08 wrx hatchback. Questions;

Anyone selling one that will fit my model?
Can anyone point me in the direction of getting a new one?
Better? More practical racks? Lets hear em!
Are they easy to install? I'd like to take it off in the summer months without dedicating a whole day to it.
Any other info is appreciated.

Also post pictures of your racks!
I have done both Thule and OEM and IMO, OEM is way better because of the built in mounting points. To do the front fairing, you have to DIY it, there is a write up on how to do it on here somewhere.
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Old 12-04-2012, 12:35 PM   #10
Legatron02
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you need a footpack and load bars before you acceserize them, if you have the factory raised rails you need the 450 foot pack ($179.99) new, and the 50" load bars ($79.99) new. the fairing is $79.99 new as well. if you don't have the raided rails you need the 480 foot pack ($179.99) and the fit kit for your vehicle $79.99. Thule products are expensive but are the best roof rack's you can get, i believe they have a better system than Yakima. I work at a dealer in southern RI but all the dealers are located on the Thule website
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Old 12-04-2012, 02:08 PM   #11
RR
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Or you but the OEM bars for $150 and you are done.
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Old 12-04-2012, 03:07 PM   #12
Snowphun
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RR View Post
I have done both Thule and OEM and IMO, OEM is way better because of the built in mounting points.
Thule and Yakima can mount to those points as well.
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Old 12-04-2012, 03:52 PM   #13
P-Train
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I've got a Thule set up on my 08 WRX hatch. Not looking to part with it but it is very easy to install. Just leave everything loose until you've got everything lined up. I spent a lot of time piecing my rack together in the classifieds and made out like a bandit. Very happy with the look and functionality but be ready to lose MPG's.
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Old 12-04-2012, 08:29 PM   #14
nhmtns
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BradX978 View Post
Also post pictures of your racks!
Subarus are meant to have roof racks!

My '09 WRX 5-door



My '06 WRX wagon

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Old 12-05-2012, 01:45 AM   #15
Pedaling
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I feel the aero cross rails flex significantly on the OEM roof rack. I use a Yakima roll-on bike mount clamped to the OEM cross rails and my mountain and road bikes wave around when making turns and hitting bumps. Any of my kayaks cause a definite dip in the rail. I will resort to using the Thule adapter rail and my Thule accessories if I am taking the Impreza any distance with bikes or a kayak on the roof as the adapter sends the loads (forces) to the outer edges of the OEM cross rail.

The slightly thicker, stiffer rails on my wife's outback don't have any of these problems.

The Impreza rails are admittedly very quiet, and the flexing is not bad enough to make me spend the $$ to buy a complete Yakima or Thule replacement.
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Old 12-05-2012, 09:13 AM   #16
P-Train
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Here's an old crappy cell phone pic
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Old 12-05-2012, 10:26 AM   #17
nodecaf
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I don't have experience with OEM, but have used both Thule and Yakima on various cars. (I'm using Yakima feet bolted directly to the roof on my Subie.)

Depending on the weekend adventure, my '08 WRX hatch carries 1-3 bikes, a Yakima Rocket box, my wife's kayak, or any combo of the 3. It has super solid attachment points and I really load it up - I've never had any issues.

The rack can be removed in 30 seconds using the quick release between the tower and the the foot, but then you have 4 black pods sitting on your roof that may or may not detract from the aesthetics (you may or may not care).

Things to consider:
  • DO NOT attach via Y-clips on the door jambs - they will eff up the rubber seals. Use the feet that bolt to the roof
  • You will lose 2-4mpg running the the empty rack with no toys on top
  • You will lose another 2 or so mpg with a full rack, bikes and boats seem to be the worst offenders
  • The Yakima fairing helps with mpg, noise, and looks
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Old 12-05-2012, 11:18 AM   #18
sport6
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Location: Ashburnham, MA
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2012 Impreza- Deep Cherry

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Quote:
Originally Posted by nodecaf View Post
I don't have experience with OEM, but have used both Thule and Yakima on various cars. (I'm using Yakima feet bolted directly to the roof on my Subie.)

Depending on the weekend adventure, my '08 WRX hatch carries 1-3 bikes, a Yakima Rocket box, my wife's kayak, or any combo of the 3. It has super solid attachment points and I really load it up - I've never had any issues.

The rack can be removed in 30 seconds using the quick release between the tower and the the foot, but then you have 4 black pods sitting on your roof that may or may not detract from the aesthetics (you may or may not care).

Things to consider:
  • DO NOT attach via Y-clips on the door jambs - they will eff up the rubber seals. Use the feet that bolt to the roof
  • You will lose 2-4mpg running the the empty rack with no toys on top
  • You will lose another 2 or so mpg with a full rack, bikes and boats seem to be the worst offenders
  • The Yakima fairing helps with mpg, noise, and looks

Which of the Yakima mounts do you have?
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Old 12-05-2012, 03:14 PM   #19
nodecaf
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You'll need to check Yakima's website for the model #, but it's the Landing Pad which bolts to the roof, and the Control Tower then mounts to the Landing Pad. The quick release is between the Landing Pad and Control Tower. I took some photos at lunch but apparently I don't yet have attachment privileges.
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Old 12-05-2012, 04:41 PM   #20
Aceyduce
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Landing pad 11 and control towers. 58" bars. Do not over tighten the screw that holds the LP11 into place. Leave it loose. Place the control towers in the LP11 on both sides. Remove towers and tighten the LP11 down. This will prevent funky angles and poor fitment.

Edit if you want spiffy look into Yakima's WispBar setups. More aero more cool same load rating.
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Old 12-06-2012, 12:13 PM   #21
sport6
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2012 Impreza- Deep Cherry

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Quote:
Originally Posted by nodecaf View Post
You'll need to check Yakima's website for the model #, but it's the Landing Pad which bolts to the roof, and the Control Tower then mounts to the Landing Pad. The quick release is between the Landing Pad and Control Tower. I took some photos at lunch but apparently I don't yet have attachment privileges.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aceyduce View Post
Landing pad 11 and control towers. 58" bars. Do not over tighten the screw that holds the LP11 into place. Leave it loose. Place the control towers in the LP11 on both sides. Remove towers and tighten the LP11 down. This will prevent funky angles and poor fitment.

Edit if you want spiffy look into Yakima's WispBar setups. More aero more cool same load rating.
Thanks!
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Old 12-07-2012, 03:16 PM   #22
hnasko
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OEM racks with a roof box that I paid $25 for from CL. Noisy and decreased gas mileage and noticeable car movement in high winds on the HWY. I don't love the setup but it is cleaner and safer than having your gear inside.
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Old 12-07-2012, 03:23 PM   #23
A. G. Pym
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TP Stage 1

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I have an 08 WRX hatch and picked up the OEM roof bars off eBay for cheap and got the Fairing and a bunch of other Yakima racking stuff through a friend/dealer. I had to modify the fairing mounts to attach to the OEM bar but it was super easy. I always have on my car: crossbars, fairing, and two of the Yakima Raptor Aero bike racks and monitor my fuel mileage on every trip and haven't noticed any decrease at all. With both my bikes on, yes, but not just with the mounts. I also drive my car like an old man and at the speed limit, which makes a huge difference for fuel economy.
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Old 12-10-2012, 05:35 PM   #24
Santa_
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I have OEM with Inno flair.

I have a spare flair BNIB if you want to buy it.

I have no other experiences with Thule or Yakima.



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