jim, i just went through the whole process:


1. besides that it's expensive-- is there any reason I would NOT want the Yakima OEM set of bars that connect to the rack?
you pretty much don't have a choice, must go with OEM bars. Some people say the OEM bars are too short. You can possibly pick up the longer length wing bars but they are old and have been discontinued by Yakima.

2. do they require locks, or once installed, are they theftproof?
mmm, i'm not sure if a lock mechanism is even available. the OEM mounts are so specific i don't think there's another application, unless its the owner of anothe vehicross

3. I have a Thule ski carrier that connected to the Thule OEM roof rack of the Saab I sold to buy my Vehicross. Will that Thule ski carrier work on the Yakima OEM rack? The Thule bars were square, are the Yakima bars square or round? Am I going to have to buy a new ski rack?
My friend owns the thule ski rack and the screw mounts vertically though the assembly, the Yakima ski racks mounts by sticking a screw through the side of the assembly. You are limited by the Yakima Mighty Mounts. The horizontal mighty mounts could work.

4. lastly-- (worth a shot) -- does anyone have a set for sale?
you can purchase for $300ish at isuzuparts.net, thats what i did