Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Got this 3 bike rack to put on my 2012 Prius V (the larger hatchback version). Amazon says it doesn't fit but it does according to the Allen fit guide on their website, and verified by real world use. It's been on several trips up and down the CA coast ranging from 70+mph freeways, stop and go city traffic, and windy mountain roads with no problem. It's a pain to put on your car so bring a buddy to help you hold it up and help do the straps. Here's some quick tips that I found from others that have worked for me: 1) Wrap the metal strap clips in Electrical tape or put pieces of rubbery cabinet liner between the clip and the car. Serves two purposes: protects your paint from scratches, and helps the clips grip to your car. 2) Use bungee cords to strap the bike(s) to the rack and to keep the wheels from spinning. More bungee cords never hurt anyone. 3) Alternate your bikes on the rack. I saw folks putting their bikes on in the same direction. Alternating them (one bike points one way, next bike is flipped the other direction) makes the bikes fit into each other better and evenly distributes the weight across the rack. 4) Retighten your straps after putting the bikes on the rack after you first mount it. Once the bikes are on there, you need to give those straps some more good tugs because the added weight will change the distribution and forces acting on the rack. Have your friend lift the rack/bikes while you do the tightening. Then you can neatly tuck away the excess straps in whatever way you see fit. I wrap the excess around the straps then tuck the last three inches back into itself 5) IF YOU HAVE NICE PAINT: Take the rack off frequently after long trips and clean in between the pads. I live in the dry and dusty California climate and I found out the hard way that if you keep the rack on your car for extended periods of time, dirt and grime will get up in there and scratch or stain your paint and/or bumper. It isn't too bad on my car, but it's definitely visible. With those tips go forth and enjoy your bike racks. If y'all have any additional tips I would love to hear some!