The car:
1997 Honda Accord LX 4 door

The situation:

I'm looking at possibly purchasing a roof rack for my accord. I was just wondering if the Thule 300 rain gutter would fit on an accord. The accord has rain gutters but I am not sure if they are the right kind that Thule is talking about. Here is a picture for reference

 

Why not buy the right feet for your car?

http://www.thuleracks.com/default2.asp

A good price on Thule 300 rain gutters is not a good deal if it doesn't fit your car.

MSRP is about $260 for the feet / fit kit / cross bars but you can find them from online stores for about 20% less or so with free shipping. Or do what I did and print off the prices, walk into a local bike shop and see if they'll price match. Or figure out what the right feet are and buy them off of ebay. Don't forget about locks, if you plan on leaving the feet / cross bars on the car.

And yes, the price of the roof rack may sound high, but remember than when you eventually sell the car you can sell the rack on ebay and get at least half of your money back.


Modified by Heat at 11:09 AM 6/25/2008

 

I wasn't sure if the rain gutter kit would fit, since it is a cheaper option it seems, but after starring at my car for an hour, I figured it wouldn't work. I could probably piece together a basic used roof rack kit ( feet, towers, and bars) on ebay for around $100 if I find the right auctions and bid efficiently. I just have to be patient and wait for someone to have a fit kit for sale. Thanks

BTW, any thoughts on Yakima? Which would you prefer as far as funtionability (sp?) and quality of parts?

 

As an FYI, I sold my complete kit (with locks) for $150 shipped.

That was bars, feet, locks, etc (no attachments)

 

Yakima and Thule are both very good brands. Thule has square cross bars, Yakimas has round cross cross bars. I've seen Yakima racks but not really that up close, but they have a very good rep.

Before buying used, check out the new price from Thule or Yakima, then do a google search for stores that are selling the new parts. From what I've seen you can save 10% to 15% (?) off of MSRP, with no additional costs like shipping; tax would be state specific. You would then have new parts and could sell them on ebay for a decent price when you are done.