General Cycling Discussion - Bike carrier for my car

I just bought a Geo Prism (my first car) to fulfill my driving needs and am going to need to be able to haul my bike home at the end of the semester and to good riding spots (nothing nearby). I would rather not go through the expense and hassle of a roof rack, and I would prefer something that requires no permament effects on the car. I am considering going with a trunk mounted rack, so I would like to hear the pros and cons and any recommendations for specific products.

Trunk racks can scratch your body and/or paint. You may have to use towels/shirts to "cushion the cushions" that come with the rack. :p I'd go for the hitch, but it is fairly spendy, however.

If you don't really care about scratches on your paint, then go for the trunk rack, coz it's the most cost-effective solution.

If you want no permanent effects to the car (including scratches) a receiver hitch is the way to go. You can bolt on the receiver hitch and then remove it if you sell the car. The rack can move from car to car. You won't scratch the car with the rack (like a trunk mount). With a roof mount it is a pain to take the bike on and off. You will probably end up with a scratch or two because of that. And one trip thru the drivethrough and you have a damaged bike, rack, and car.

I have a Saris Bones 2-bike trunk rack. It's some kind of strong plastic material with rubber on the arms that contact the car. No problems with scratching the car's finish yet. I mount mine on a Toyota Carolla. It's also incredibly easy to set up on the car.

I think I paid about $80 (on sale) at the lbs.

They also make a 3 bike model. My boyfriend has that one and loves it.

Do a search on bikeforums. There are lots of comments on the Bones and more than a few threads about trunk racks.

:)

Thanks for the comments. I considered a hitch rack, but means buying two things instead of one (don't have time to make either myself). I also haven't checked to see if my car's frame already has holes drilled to take a receiver.
I remember reading a comment in another post about stiffness in the hitch racks, anybody else had this problem?