Okay, I ride enough now and often drive to my squad rides (about 40 mins from home) that I've decided instead of putting my bike in the back of the car, it would be easier if I got a rear mount or roof mount bike rack.

What are the pros and cons for each?

If I get a rear mount, I'd also need to get a tow ball fitted to my car (its a Nissan Pulsar Hatch - 5dr). I don't know what equivalent car that equates to in the US.

If I buy roof mount, then I need to buy roof rack and the applicable attachment.

I've heard that roof mount is better than rear mount because the bike moves around less and is less likely to get scratched by passers by if its sitting on the rear of your car. Given that I live in Brisbane, Qld, Australia I don't need to worry about my bike getting wet too much either as we are in a drought at the moment.

I'm not too concerned about cost because I think getting a tow ball and bike carrier v's getting roof racks and bike carrier would probably be very similar cost, what I'm really after is what is the best option.

Oh, I'm also fairly short at 5 foot 4 and don't have a great deal of upper body strength (though I am working on this), so if anyone has any comments on how easy or difficult it is to mount and dismount your bike on a rack that sits atop your car, I'd be interested to hear your comments.

Mel