A roofbox can solve an occasional shortage of boot space without changing your car. But should you hire one, buy your own or borrow from someone you know?
We’re a hire business, so naturally we see the benefits of hiring. Buying can also be the right decision. The useful comparison is the complete cost, how often you’ll use the equipment, where you’ll store it and whether you want to handle fitting yourself.
Compare the complete cost
When comparing hire with purchase, include everything needed for your car: the roofbox, compatible roofbars, feet and fitting kit, plus any fitting charge.
Our roofbox hire includes compatible Thule roofbars and fitting kits where needed, as long as Thule makes a suitable system for your car. Professional fitting, removal during normal appointment hours, luggage straps and a demonstration are included.
Use our current guide prices for the hire comparison. The price depends on the equipment, dates and duration; October–March hire prices are 15% lower, including half term and Christmas. Delivery and collection are charged separately.
How often will you use it?
If you mainly need extra space for one or two trips a year, hiring avoids the upfront purchase cost and leaves you free to choose suitable equipment for each trip.
If you expect to use a roofbox frequently, buying may offer better value over time. Compare realistic hire costs for your planned trips with the complete purchase price, allowing for replacement fittings if you change your car.
There is no fixed number of trips at which buying becomes better value. It depends on what you buy, how long you hire for and how often you actually use it.
Where will you keep it between trips?
Roofboxes are large pieces of equipment. Before buying, check whether you have somewhere suitable to store the box, bars and fittings when they are not in use.
Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions for your particular model. Protect it from damage and avoid putting other items on top of it.
Leaving it on the car between trips also means living with the extra height and checking access to garages and car parks. Hiring removes the need to find storage once the equipment has been returned.
What happens if you change your car?
A roofbox may transfer to another car, but the complete setup needs checking again. The box must suit the new vehicle, roofbar positions, permitted loads and tailgate clearance.
Some roofbar components may be reusable; others may need replacing. Do not assume that equipment fitted to one model or generation will fit another.
If changing your car is likely, include that possibility in your purchase decision. With hire, we check a suitable setup for the vehicle you will actually use.
It is also worth asking whether you need a larger car at all. If your current car works well for everyday life, a roofbox or another suitable carrier may bridge the gap for occasional trips.
How important is having equipment immediately available?
Owning suitable equipment gives you more flexibility for spontaneous trips, provided it is ready to use and compatible with your current car.
Hire depends on availability for your dates. Booking ahead gives you more choice, particularly during school holidays. We have over 140 Thule roofboxes, but individual sizes, fitting kits and appointment slots can still become fully booked.
If you need equipment at short notice, ask us what is available. A quotation does not reserve equipment; your booking is secured when we receive the booking deposit.
Who will fit and remove it?
Owning equipment means arranging fitting and removal yourself or paying someone to do it. Consider whether you are comfortable checking compatibility and following the fitting instructions each time.
With our hire service, we fit the equipment, demonstrate its use, measure your car’s overall height and remove the equipment after your hire.
If you already own equipment, we also offer professional fitting, subject to compatibility and condition. Send us your car and equipment details so we can confirm whether we can help and provide a price.
Could buying used equipment make sense?
Used equipment can reduce the purchase cost, but check its condition, compatibility and whether all the necessary components, keys and instructions are included.
A low price is less useful if you then need replacement bars or a vehicle-specific fitting kit. Check the complete cost before deciding.
We sell new, as-new and used equipment, including ex-hire stock. Ask us what is currently available and suitable for your car.
What about borrowing from a friend?
Borrowing can be a sensible option if the equipment is compatible, complete and in good condition. Check the roofbox, roofbars, feet and fitting kit against your particular vehicle, and follow the relevant instructions.
Do not assume it will fit because your friend’s car looks similar. If you are unsure about compatibility or fitting, seek advice before using it. You can also ask us about fitting borrowed equipment.
Does a roofbox suit what you need to carry?
A roofbox is particularly useful for lighter, bulky luggage. If you need to carry bikes, a bike carrier may be the better choice. A towbar cargo carrier may provide another luggage option where your vehicle and towbar are compatible.
Whatever you choose, check the relevant weight and height limits. Our roofbox choosing guide and searchable FAQs explain the practical considerations.
Which option suits you?
Hire: worth considering for occasional trips, limited storage and fitting taken care of for you.
Buy: worth considering for frequent use, suitable storage and the flexibility to travel at short notice.
Borrow: worth considering when you can confirm the equipment’s compatibility, condition and correct fitting.
Tell us about your car, your dates and what you need to carry. We can help you assess a suitable hire setup or discuss equipment available to buy.
Request your personalised quotation — we’ll reply in less than two working hours. Prefer to talk? Call 01438 289030.
Advice from Nigel, Owner of Welwyn Roofbox Hire.
Based on our experience helping customers choose suitable Thule equipment and professionally fitting it for their cars and journeys.
Updated October 2026.