I just bought a bike, and need a way to transport it. Here are the multitude of problems I have:

I drive a highly modified vechicle (audi TT) that I am anal retentive about being scratched. Having said that, universal racks that attatch with straps I worry too much about.
All roof mounts that fit my car have been discontinued.

I guess what I am looking for is a bike rack that can go on my trunk without scratching it.

ANY help? Please??

They don't exist. Look for a hitch rack. I've put receivers on every vehicle i have owned in recent years. With a hitch rack your bike, nor anything else should ever touch the body of your car.

unfortunately, I forgot to add the car is too low for a hitch.

Buy some crap car, use that to get your bike to the start place.

Is it lower than this?

You need a more practical car. I chose my car before I got back into cycling. It is a challenge to squeeze on bike into the trunk. For my next car, I am going to have my bicycle in mind. For now I am not going to worry about a few small scratches from my Sarris Bones.

I'll sell you my '94 dodge caravan complete with yakima rack for $500!!!

Portis, it is MUCH lower than that. Here is the car in question:

If a tow hitch will fit then go that way, however, I personally would not put ANY kind of rack on that vehicle. Get yourself a cheap 2nd runner to transport your bike.

Pedal?

I have seen several TT specific roof racks on Craigslist recently. Much cheaper than buying new.

Wow, excelent car! Any links to more info/pics?

Heres My Passat:

I just got one of the universal mounts for under $60 from Performance Bike. It looks like there is a chance for scratching, but haven't had any problems (yet). It fits over the spoiler, and is more secure than I originally thought it would be. I wanted roof racks as well, but they were so expensive I had to settle. Although my VW is pretty modified, its a few years old, so I am almost over the fear of scratches. It has so many already, but I still fear getting more than I need. I think the used rout might be the way to go, or call around to different stealerships in the area and see if they are offering OEM models. Have you tried any Audi forums yet? I bet with a little waiting, one will show up on VWvortex (Also has Audi stuff). Hope this helps.

yeah I'm going on my 5 year anniversary of joining vortex. Haven't found anything there yet, but really I'd rather just go to a store and buy something, but I have no idea of what is available.

I was in the same boat. I wish I could have found a roof-rack in my price range. You already ruuled it out, but there are some major advantages to a portable trunk unit.

1) You can remove it, keeping the clean lines of your car the way you intended.

2) Its cheaper. Money may not be an option, but if your like me, an extra hundred bucks can go towards some car mods.

3) It will most likely not scratch your car. If your worried, you could always use some 3m clear tape (the ones people have been putting on their front bumpers). You could put a clear strip along teh edges where the rack would attach. While your at it, throw some on the front bumper and protect that as well.

Just a few things to consider.