Roof Rack OWNER Poll

[melbourne_mp5]

I like the look of the car with the rack on, but don't use it due to the crazy wind noise

 

[DrAsperigus]

Yeah I couldn't believe how much wind noise was caused by the rack until I took it off. I can actually hear the radio at a decent audible level now.

 

[tonkabui]

hmm... i don't hear any wind noise till about 85 with a strong head wind. maybe i should take it off to see how much of a difference it makes. d'oh! i don't have the plastic covers anymore because the body shop lost them! damnit. anyone know how much they cost to replace?

 

[DrAsperigus]

Dunno. But after looking at my P5 w/o the rack next to a P5 with, I like it off better.

 

[gman_P5]

No roof rack for me, it looks nicer without it, but for utilitarian purpouses it is something to have ....

 

[DevilsSi1481]

i wouldnt hear any wind noise with the subs pounding, hehehe

 

[Mike R]

I bought the rack and put it on my 03.5, I think it looks better. The wind noise isn't horrible, unless the sunroof is tilted. Open isn't too bad. I also needed the rack for storage for long trips with the kids. There's just not as much room as the Grand Marquis.

 

[Jack Daniels]

I like the rack on. It gets used all the time hauling oversize stuff. Matter of fact, I'm looking to buy one of those cargo tops for when we go camping and on trips. Anybody have experience with them?

 

[Coqui258]

Wow, half and half vote!

 

[Mike R]

I like the rack on. It gets used all the time hauling oversize stuff. Matter of fact, I'm looking to buy one of those cargo tops for when we go camping and on trips. Anybody have experience with them?

I am too. The mazda one is like 260 and made by thule (I think)

 

[Jack Daniels]

I am too. The mazda one is like 260 and made by thule (I think)

I found it here http://www.finishlineperformance.com/protege5/ for just over $200. I searched it on the net, but it happens to be a local dealer. I thought that was a little high though. (dunno) You can get them at Sears for a lot less. The ones at Sears are supposed to be made by Thule too. I don't know if they're comparable however.

 

[Dad]

I liked the rack on as much as off but it is so much quieter with it off and the sunroof open. Bad design putting the front rail right over the sunroof!

Right, Mopho. I really like the look of the rack but the noise is unbearable with the SR open. So they are off. But the big strips don't look as neat as the setup with no factory racks. And I ain't yanking my roof liner out to do it right!

Rock=>Me<=Hard Place

Dang.

 

[90210brandon]

In Canada it's different. We don't have 'em but, I leave mine on all the time. Thule bikes and fairing...I believe they add a unique look. I just came back from a meet in Canmore and no one else had the setup. I love em!

 

[Jack Daniels]

For those who want to know, I did a little more research. It appears that the cargo box sold by Mazda dealers specifically for the P5 is the Thule 667 Excursion. It's 55x18.25x35.25" (13 cu ft.). The cheapest I've found it online is around $240. Rosenthal Mazda has it for $210. I'm going to get one within the next few weeks. I'm going camping in October.

I would love to see a picture of a P5 with this box on.

 

[Protege52003]

I had the Thule rack and fairing on my sedan. I usually have something on my roof (skies, kayals, bikes, or misc stuff). I had it off for the past month but put it on this monday to get some wood for a dock extension I build today. Think it looks good both ways but almost like it better with it on. Gives the car a sharp, different look.

Anyone need to buy My old Thule Rack (9 months of use)?

-R

 

[Glauconite]

i've been thinking of looking for a rack... i've never really thought but what else do i need to put a bike or two up there?? thx thx

btw... i just called and canada dealership sells the rubber filler caps for 4$$cdn.. 4 pieces in us is about 15.. dunno if it's the same for US dealership...

 

[serpentkilla1]

I took mine off. at first i was kinda skeptic but now i like it. it looks much cleaner and sleeker. I'll take some pics tomorrow.

 

[SloPro5]

I took mine off the day after I picked it up at the dealership.

 

[sunlight_guy]

Here is a pic of the Mazda racks I bought and the 667 Excursion from Thule. I absolutely love the way it looks. The box is the same width as the car and sits slightly forward on the roof with lots of room for the antenna and hatch. That thing can hold a lot of sh*t! You wouldn't guess by looking at it though. Golf clubs, suitcases, whatever you need to haul. I once got four 16'' tires up there. Now the dog has the whole hatch to himself on trips. Didn't come cheap though, the whole thing ran me over $900 Canadian.

 

[mcstark]

I just picked up my P5 today and asked the dealer to not install the rack. I'm going to leave it off for the winter and then look for some bike attachments for the spring/summer/fall. The Mazda ones are made by Yakima, but the Yakima site doesn't match to any that are compatible. Regardless, the Mazda/Yakima mounts are about $130 a piece, which isn't bad and it's a higher end design.

For what it's worth, my car is Black Mica so the base plates and filler strips don't bother me very much.