Looks like I am buying a car soon, what is the best bike rack option

I like roof racks- as the bike is up and out of the way.

unless you've got a low garage to pull into

I've used different options. I think it would depend on how many bikes you want to transport, and how often/far. 

I have been very happy with my Thule Revolver (hitch rack for 4 bikes) and Saris Bones (trunk rack for 2-3 bike), and relatively happy with my Yakima King Joe 3 (trunk rack for 2-3 bikes). Each has pros and cons.

Most of the time so far it has been two bikes (mine and my wifes) either a few miles or up to a few hour drive. 

From time to time (ok only 3 times so far) I have taken my bike and left it on the rack all day then rode it home from work.

I suspect I'll be driving to most of my Tri events and while many will be within an hour drive others maybe more than a day drive.

Basically, I want something that is convenient and not a pain to set up, so that when I need to take the bike I just have to worry about it, not the carrier.

I'm not sure how tall you are, or how long your legs are, but my ex is a shade under 6'5" and has proportionally long legs and shorter torso. He's on his second VW Jetta, largely because of the long leg issue. Looking at him while he's driving, I would be surprised if it would remain comfortable for a person with legs much longer than his though. (Then again, that's just a guess, because possessing long legs has never been a problem for me.)

He also has a Yakima roof rack on his car with spots for two bikes, which he likes a lot. That works out fine for him, because he's tall enough to get the bikes on and off of the car. But it meant that I could never help with that, and just had to stand around waiting for him to take care of it for me.

If you can find something that fits your budget and lets you put your bike inside I'd go with that. We have traveled to a few races that require overnight hotel stays. It's a pain in the butt to pull into the parking lot late Friday night and have to off load the bikes and get your gear inside.

This summer, my husband built us a bike rack for inside our CRV and it was awesome. We'd just leave the bikes in the car overnight in the hotel parking lot. We even loaded our bikes the night before our races when they were in town to make the morning quicker thus giving us a few more minutes of sleep!

I installed a hitch on my 2006 Honda Accord sedan and use a 1UPUSA rack.  Easily the best rack I have ever used. Well built, super easy to use and quick on/off of bike.  Pricier than most but everytime I use it I appreciate how well it works.  Rack has a uniquely shaped hex type of bolt that secures it in the hitch so no concerns about the rack being taken.  If traveling I will use a cable lock to secure the bike for short stops when I am away from the bike.

Randy

the saris thelma bike rack is great. it wraps around your tires.

Agreed - I love having the ability to fit my bike inside the car because I rarely ride from my house.  I leave it in there 100% of the time I'm not riding during the spring/summer/fall months and usually take it out during the winter and leave it on the trainer.

Well, I ended up going with a Dodge Charger, got a used 2011 with only 6k miles.

I tried to get the dealership to throw in a trailer hitch, but apparently they don't put them on there.

So, I'm still leaning toward getting one added rather than a roof or trunk mount.  It will be more expensive, but I think safer.