Hi: 2018 NX300, base model. I want to get a set of roof rack cross bars. OE are over $300; aftermarket are about $125. Is there any significant difference in the appearance? I don't have any in front of me with which to judge. Thanks.

 

I have the aftermarket ones, and the thing I like about it is that it sits lower.

 

Do you know the brand? Where did you get them? Thanks.

 

I would be very wary of aftermarket. I bought a pair of aftermarket racks off Craigslist, JIEAO brand, not realizing what they were until I got them home. They were extremely noisy-audible at anything over 30 mph, dropped my freeway mileage by 20%, and then the bolts cross-threaded and broke off after 6 months of use. I bought the OEM bars on Black Friday and don't regret the purchase at all. They're very quiet to 70-80 mph, and maybe 10% or less impact on mileage. I also like that they mount to the rail holes, I didn't trust the pressure fit of the aftermarket bars. Purchased from Rallye Lexus, free shipping, no tax.

 

Thanks for the advice; much appreciated.

 

I have had cheap ebay bars for 3 years now, I use them to mount the largest yakima skybox and have not had any issues. Noise is minimal, there will always be a bit of noise when adding any roof rack. Also, my gas mileage has gone up when towing my camper, which I believe is mostly due to the way the yakima directs air over the camper.

 

Are there any aftermarket crossbars that mount with the pin system similar to the OEM crossbars? Thule and Yakima crossbars clamp onto the roof rails. I like the OEM approach, where the pins in the feet insert into the existing small holes in the rails. Seems more solid. That said, I’ve never heard of an issue with the Thule or Yakima system.

I have a 10% off accessories coupon a my dealer. As far as I can tell the OEM vs Thule/Yakima options are roughly equivalent cost wise.

Anyone have thoughts?

 

Honestly, the clamp ones I have are not going anywhere, they are very solid. Also, in my case, if I had to use the pin system it would not work for me because the spacing would not be what I need for my roof box.

 

Ah! Totally makes sense. I should look at my roof box. Kind of leaning toward just picking up some Thule feet anyway, because I already own Thule crossbars from my prior car.

I thought the pin system seemed like a good idea but hadn’t considered the line-up issue. Also, as I’m thinking about it, seems a little goofy to have OEM-branded bars. Thule or Yakima is just cooler. Appearance matters!

Thanks!!

 

Just picked up some OEM Lexus crossbars. I think I paid like $338 shipped.

 

They came in last night. Installed them this morning. Super easy to install... like 20 minutes:




Rooftop cargo box doesn't come in until Wednesday. All in all... super happy with these so far.

 

If you have the “Base” model, there’s nothing to attach the cross bars to?

 

Not true. Mounting strips are present on mine.

 

I just purchased the Brightlines Roof Racks off Amazon a week ago for my NX200t, and I love them, especially for $180. They do sit lower then OEM, which I really like.