Is it possible to purchase a roof mounted rack capable of transporting bikes, either from a dealer or 3rd party which will fit a 4-door impreza turbo? If so any ideas how much this may cost?

Thule do a comprehensive system which will mount to your roof bars (if you have them)with lockable clamps, or a gutterless fixing if you don't have roofbars.
Any large Halfords branch should have at least a catalogue or even better try the Thule website, www.thule.com

I've got one of the "clip on the back" types which can take 3 bikes.

It was a bit tricky trying to work out how to get the pedal away from the bumper, bars off the spoiler etc but got there in the end.

I paid £40 in a local bike shop. It's some US design blah blah fits in your wallet type..

had a look at thule.com..yes theres racks for the 99 impreza..maybe should have looked round first duh http://bbs.sidc.co.uk/smile.gif

There's an official roof rack and bike carrier attachment in the accessories catalogue. Think its about £60 for the rack and about the same (maybe less) for the bike carrier.

Think it fits into the drain chanel.

Lee: - Have you ever seen the damage caused when one of the straps breaks or someone 'gently' nudges the bikes when parking, etc?

If you had I think you might ditch the clip on the back types.

Right up there with automatic roller brush car washes in my "ten worst things you can do to your car" list!

I've got a Thule rack on my 99, but the clamps attach to the plastic surround around the door shuts and puts small dents in it.

The plastic seems to be somewhat "self-healing" in that the marks virtually disappear, but I'm still not that keen on it and the bars have to be very close together due to roof line curvature etc.

Suggest you try to get a proper Subaru one (assuming a saloon).

Russ

Kimbo,both Paddy Hopkirks Mont Blanc range and Auto Maxi's range have fitments for the 4 door Impreza. Both ranges are v good quality and normally work out cheaper than Thulle,but dont know a price off the top of my head.
The cycle carriers are normally sold per bike and range from £10-£40 each depending on quality, fitting, locking or not etc etc.
Depending on how many bikes you are going to carry the cheapest and easiest way is to get a good quality 'high lift' rear carrier (unless you have are v large spoiler).
Hope this helps....James

Thanks for all the information. I'll check out some prices and let you know what systems appears the best value without compoimising the body work.

After scottie's warnings I checked out the subaru option..

£125 for the load carrier..
£60 per bike carrier (2 bikes)..

so thats er £245..no thanks.