ANOTHER Rack debate....
 

Im really in between purchasing a rack right now. Here is the down low

2010 Honda Civic 4dr
Free automatic car washes for life
2 adult bikes and 2 kids bikes must be carried

I do have an Allen 4 bike carrier for our Jeep. Its kinda shatty becuase it has cloth straps, like the ones on your backpack. lol It also weighs like 30-55pnds its all steel. Id probably have to buy a new light weight hitch carrier if i put a hitch on the Civic.

I have been looking at Yakima roof racks and trunk racks
Saris racks
Also possible going the hitch route also.

I have heard of people's roof racks being pry'd and stolen.

I dunno what do you guys think?

I kinda like the Yakima Super Joe Pro 3....

a small enclosed cargo trailer with the bike rack inside it.

^ This is definitely the best of all, especially if you're worried about theft, weather damage, or vandalism. It's also the most expensive, but maybe not if you're in a really high theft/bad weather area.

Other things to consider:

Top racks have a few problems. One is forgetting that the bikes are up there and driving them into a low entrance way. Another is bug guts getting on your bikes if you take them on the highway (trailer carriers have this problem too but to a lesser extent). Finally, you have to be careful with how you pack things--putting the bikes you need most in the middle will be a pain, as you have to remove the bike on the side to get to the ones at the center easily. Some rear racks also suffer from this problem, but it's usually easier to get bikes on/off them.

I'm guessing you'll have 2 adults and 2 kids in the car, so you won't be able to lower the seat back of the rear sears. But, if the kids' bikes are small enough, try and fit them in the trunk. Or, if you have a really nice bike (CF frame), put that one in the trunk and leave the other, less expensive bikes outside.