Narrowed it down to two cars. VW Golf and Tiguan. I know, I know get the VZ Commie wagon and be happy. But I want the new car smell for the first time in my life, and VW are having a fire sale (they need something to quell their recent PR disasters).

Tiguan: 168 cm high, a bit short for an SUV. I measured 250 cm to the dashboard with the front seat down.
Golf: 149 cm high. I measured only 2.30 cm to the dashboard with the seat down and I don't think I could remove the headrest. Bummer.

The Golf is newer, cheaper and drives better. But it's a small car at the end of the day. Are roof racks really such a pain? Does vehicle height make a big difference? Is it safe to drive with the board flung over the front seat and equipment inside the car in general?

P.S.
Wagons are a dying breed.