2002 Mini Cooper roof rack & transmission booming noise
 

Hey Forum!!!
This is my first time in this forum because I just got a 2002 Mini cooper Non-S manual 5 speed and it is very fun so far. Only I have a couple of questions for you guys
1) I want to buy a roof rack (support bars) but I do not want to drill the metal roof so is there any good recommendation under 400USD? I have seen Yakima and Thule but I am not sure if they work, beside this, it is truly expensive for me, I have a tight budget (my wife does not allow me to spend too much lol)
2) I am about to get the transmission out of my mini this coming August to completely dismantle it and check the gears and bearings since there is a kind of booming noise when I am driving and this noise is noticeable even in 1st shift, of course, when I drive fast is a little bit more noisy when the sound is bounced from the retaining walls in the high way. Is there anyone who deal with this type of issue in the past? one possible issue also could be the thowout bearing that make noise when I push the clutch pedal in neutral.
Well, any advise please let me know asap, thank you for your support