I'm thinking about the right rack for my Cooper S. I 'm not sure I like the idea of a permanently installed MINI rack from the dealer. Has anyone put a Yakima or other rack on?

 

If you order a rack from the dealer it's permanent?

 

I think it is permanent. The one car I saw at Mini of Hawaii with a rack was bolted to the roof (or looked that way.) It didn't extend to the sides of the roof so I can only assume it's bolted on.

 

from what I understand, the MINI rack does indeed bolt (!) to the top of the car. I have heard that there are some mfg in the process of building one that won't require drilling holes (!) in the top of your car.

 

The rack isn't permanent. It IS attached by drilling through the roof (!), but can be removed. Comes with plastic caps for the screws to enhance the roofless appearance, which apparently have a bothersome habit of flying away.

There's another discussion of it on the site somewhere if you do a search.

 

I had heard that Paddy Hopkirk Co.in the UK was going to be offering a rack for the MINI this fall that doesn't require drilling holes in your roof. Could be just a rumour though. I've heard no confirmations.