Hiring a mustang in California
Discussion
It's a while ago now (2008) but I considered a Mustang for a three week road trip (Miami to San Francisco, via Indy, Chicago and Route 66).
In the end I thought an extra 100hp was a good idea, and got a C6 Vette convertible, cost me £1300 all in (with Hertz), Avis are pretty good too - had a 350z convertible for three days on the same trip, cheap as chips!
You can get the nice cars in the big areas, but as others have said I'd (personally) go with the Camaro out of the two.
Andy
In the end I thought an extra 100hp was a good idea, and got a C6 Vette convertible, cost me £1300 all in (with Hertz), Avis are pretty good too - had a 350z convertible for three days on the same trip, cheap as chips!
You can get the nice cars in the big areas, but as others have said I'd (personally) go with the Camaro out of the two.
Andy
What a coincidence, I'm just planning our US trip this year and it looks like Hertz is the one to go for, the Adrenaline collection allows you to reserve actual models etc. A Mustang GT is coming out at about £950 for 2 weeks in June.
Crook said:
If you are flying with Virgin you get 50% discount off Hertz.
Really? I just checked and it actually came up as a 10% discount...Another vote for Hertz. Rented a Dodge Challenger from them in San Francisco in September of last year. My only gripe was the ENORMOUS queue at their rental desk.. I'm not kidding when I say it took me nearly two hours to get to the front and get my car. But from then on the process was entirely painless both getting and returning the car, no hidden surprises, and the car was superb. They do Camero's and Mustangs too so..
Captain Muppet said:
I was told this when I did my 3500 mile Mustang road trip. Mrs Muppet took a suitcase, I used a rucksack. Both fitted in to the boot just fine with enough clothes for three weeks, plus enough spare room for a crate of bottles of water (Death Valley paranoia), cool bag full of food, presents (cowboy boots and arrows take up quite a bit of room) and our big winter coats too.
The boot opening isn't a friendly shape, but the actual volume inside is big enough. The same luggage totally filled the boot of Mrs Muppet's Civic, and thats a boring sensible hatchback.
I loved the Mustang. I really must get around to doing a thread on the trip.
I'm interested to read about your trip, I lived in the US and owned an 1100hp s197 Mustang, and another that I bought back here with me. Unfortunately I'm still fairly young and it'll be another year before I can rent without the young driver charges, so looking to put a western states road trip together sometime around Summer '14, ideas welcome etc.The boot opening isn't a friendly shape, but the actual volume inside is big enough. The same luggage totally filled the boot of Mrs Muppet's Civic, and thats a boring sensible hatchback.
I loved the Mustang. I really must get around to doing a thread on the trip.
to the OP: Hertz look your best bet, with a reserve this exact model rental. If ever you arrive at the rental desk and they try and fob you off with something you don't want, don't be afraid to ask what else they have available even if you have to upgrade or change vehicle category. I remember CA is packed with rented Mustang convertibles, the tourist spots can literally be crawling with them, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting one.
Edited by FisiP1 on Wednesday 2nd January 17:30
Edited by FisiP1 on Wednesday 2nd January 17:32
We hired a couple of cars while over in California and Vegas and used www.usrentacar.co.uk
After reading about loads of issues with extra charges and what not, this company was really rather good at getting everything sorted out. If you go for the gold service you get the first tank of fuel too. I'm a bit fuzzy on my numbers as it was a while ago but I remember thinking that we'd paid something like £60 for the day, which included £60 of free fuel haha - awesome. We just upgraded our sedan at the airport to a Mustang and had a great time.
Just be careful that all of these websites say "Mustang or similar", and the "similar" turns out to be something really crap. Unfortunately this might be unavoidable because you'll just be chancing it on the company having a particular car that day (It might have been given to someone else earlier on in the day).
Have fun over there OP!
After reading about loads of issues with extra charges and what not, this company was really rather good at getting everything sorted out. If you go for the gold service you get the first tank of fuel too. I'm a bit fuzzy on my numbers as it was a while ago but I remember thinking that we'd paid something like £60 for the day, which included £60 of free fuel haha - awesome. We just upgraded our sedan at the airport to a Mustang and had a great time.
Just be careful that all of these websites say "Mustang or similar", and the "similar" turns out to be something really crap. Unfortunately this might be unavoidable because you'll just be chancing it on the company having a particular car that day (It might have been given to someone else earlier on in the day).
Have fun over there OP!
Mustang, Boat like ?
Sounds to me like someone didn't drive it right, was perhaps a bit intimidated, I had one a few months, back, a V8 manual and initially it did feel a bit cumbersome but lean on it a bit it makes sense, it shrinks around you and becomes quite agile, good turn in but a little bit numb around the straight ahead, before you know it you are wringing its neck and provoking it into hilarious slides, even with the stability control on you can have fun, turn it off and you are on your own, 400 odd bhp, rwd, not on home turf, the rear end can get a bit jittery on rough surfaces and tends to skip about, I recommend a session in a deserted car park, preferably a wet one to get a feel for it, plant it in third gear on a wet road with no electronics on and it can get a scary, lots of low down torque will unstick the rears earlier than the soundtrack suggests should be possible.
I wasn't as keen on the Camaro as the Mustangs I have had, but it was a V6, 300 bhp allegedly but didnt feel like it, plus the visibility is hopeless, Mustang isnt great in that respect but its a lot better than the Camaro which is like peering through a letter box.
Mustang is like a big daft, friendly dog, great fun but remember than it may still try to kill you if you take liberties.
Sounds to me like someone didn't drive it right, was perhaps a bit intimidated, I had one a few months, back, a V8 manual and initially it did feel a bit cumbersome but lean on it a bit it makes sense, it shrinks around you and becomes quite agile, good turn in but a little bit numb around the straight ahead, before you know it you are wringing its neck and provoking it into hilarious slides, even with the stability control on you can have fun, turn it off and you are on your own, 400 odd bhp, rwd, not on home turf, the rear end can get a bit jittery on rough surfaces and tends to skip about, I recommend a session in a deserted car park, preferably a wet one to get a feel for it, plant it in third gear on a wet road with no electronics on and it can get a scary, lots of low down torque will unstick the rears earlier than the soundtrack suggests should be possible.
I wasn't as keen on the Camaro as the Mustangs I have had, but it was a V6, 300 bhp allegedly but didnt feel like it, plus the visibility is hopeless, Mustang isnt great in that respect but its a lot better than the Camaro which is like peering through a letter box.
Mustang is like a big daft, friendly dog, great fun but remember than it may still try to kill you if you take liberties.
We did this a month ago. Booked a premium car for ten days from Dollar using CarHire3000. Cost about £250. Upgraded at the airport (SFO) for $12/day extra to a new V6 Mustang (opening offer from the counter guy was $30/day so bargain hard!). Nice engine, awful autobox, good seats and great to cruise about California in. Have fun!
Thanks for your replies so far. Id love to get a C6 or a Camaro but I think we are struggling as it is so I very much doubt we'll be able to afford one of those unfortunately.
One thought we have had, as a compromise is to hire something a bit crap for the majority of the trip and get a mustang for the Pacific Coast Highway. Its not ideal but it may be the only way we get to drive something a bit special.
Mrs Lemons isnt too bothered about fun cars and my stock of brownie points might be a little low since I have just booked tickets for the NASCAR in Vegas, she may use that as a veto to renting something more expensive although I have promised that I will spend as much time shopping with her as we spend at the race so you never know......
One thought we have had, as a compromise is to hire something a bit crap for the majority of the trip and get a mustang for the Pacific Coast Highway. Its not ideal but it may be the only way we get to drive something a bit special.
Mrs Lemons isnt too bothered about fun cars and my stock of brownie points might be a little low since I have just booked tickets for the NASCAR in Vegas, she may use that as a veto to renting something more expensive although I have promised that I will spend as much time shopping with her as we spend at the race so you never know......
24lemons said:
Thanks for your replies so far. Id love to get a C6 or a Camaro but I think we are struggling as it is so I very much doubt we'll be able to afford one of those unfortunately.
One thought we have had, as a compromise is to hire something a bit crap for the majority of the trip and get a mustang for the Pacific Coast Highway. Its not ideal but it may be the only way we get to drive something a bit special.
Mrs Lemons isnt too bothered about fun cars and my stock of brownie points might be a little low since I have just booked tickets for the NASCAR in Vegas, she may use that as a veto to renting something more expensive although I have promised that I will spend as much time shopping with her as we spend at the race so you never know......
We did this. We used a Chevrolet Sedan (Which was very good I have to say) around the roads in the Sequoia National Park, and then used the Mustang for the trip between Vegas/Hoover Dam/Route 66/Grand Canyon. It was a bit boat like but frankly I still get the hairs standing up, thinking about the roof off on Route 66 at sunset. Best holiday ever.One thought we have had, as a compromise is to hire something a bit crap for the majority of the trip and get a mustang for the Pacific Coast Highway. Its not ideal but it may be the only way we get to drive something a bit special.
Mrs Lemons isnt too bothered about fun cars and my stock of brownie points might be a little low since I have just booked tickets for the NASCAR in Vegas, she may use that as a veto to renting something more expensive although I have promised that I will spend as much time shopping with her as we spend at the race so you never know......
JDFR said:
It's my opinion having driven both. Not right, not wrong just different to yours. No need for the petty reply.
Describing current Mustang, or Camaro as boat-like is kind of delusional though. Sure, they both have their fair share of faults and limitations, but I feel compelled to challenge your comment, because it is so wide of the mark. Perhaps it would make a modicum of sense if you revealed what you are comparing them to....Captain Muppet said:
I was told this when I did my 3500 mile Mustang road trip. Mrs Muppet took a suitcase, I used a rucksack. Both fitted in to the boot just fine with enough clothes for three weeks, plus enough spare room for a crate of bottles of water (Death Valley paranoia), cool bag full of food, presents (cowboy boots and arrows take up quite a bit of room) and our big winter coats too.
The boot opening isn't a friendly shape, but the actual volume inside is big enough. The same luggage totally filled the boot of Mrs Muppet's Civic, and thats a boring sensible hatchback.
I loved the Mustang. I really must get around to doing a thread on the trip.
Very true. Every time I travel, I always use my trusty north face hold all and it's brilliant-it's been all over the world with me. However, for some inexplicable reason, I didn't take it with me that time and regretted it straightaway in the airport. Anyway, I loved the mustang-first time I've driven a v6 car. I'd get one again as a hire car. The boot opening isn't a friendly shape, but the actual volume inside is big enough. The same luggage totally filled the boot of Mrs Muppet's Civic, and thats a boring sensible hatchback.
I loved the Mustang. I really must get around to doing a thread on the trip.
Matt Harper said:
Describing current Mustang, or Camaro as boat-like is kind of delusional though. Sure, they both have their fair share of faults and limitations, but I feel compelled to challenge your comment, because it is so wide of the mark. Perhaps it would make a modicum of sense if you revealed what you are comparing them to....
I'm comparing them unfairly to BMW and Jaguar which I know cost significantly more money.I used to live just outside of Orlando and travel frequently to the States. When I move back there, no doubt I will end up with a Camaro because I think they look stunning. However handling and feel is not a reason to buy either. Maybe calling the Mustang boat like slightly harsh but the Camaro certainly is.
JDFR said:
I thought they were both dire and boat like, except the Camaro looks much cooler.
Agreed on the Camaro. Looked cool, but not all that fast in RS V6 mode and fairly dreadful handling on the twisties around Big Sur. Couldn't help but keep thinking how much more driving fun I'd have in one of my own carsNice when I hit the highway cruise again around Santa Barbara, roof down, although would have taken a Mustang GT Coupe instead if they'd had one available in SFO
The only reason the Mustang should feel like a boat is if you are used to VAG S-line type suspension/wheel combos or BMW runflats/Msport suspension. And that it is a physically large car at first, that shakes just from engine tickover.
Driving wise that comment is not really fair at all; it leans into corners but not overly so, and there is plenty of bite, good resistance to understeer and a tendency to controllable oversteer if pushed.
On smooth and good quality road surfaces there's not all that much to gripe about at all, its only 'enthusiastic' cornering on choppy surfaces that reveal its flaws and there that it must be shown respect or it will spin without too much provocation, and if really thrashed it'll bottom out over large bumps making it difficult to control at all.
They cope well with snow(test drove my first one on a race track covered in 4ft of compacted snow and ice), but are a hazard on very loose gravel-type surfaces or freshly surfaced UK roads because of their weight distribution.
Driving wise that comment is not really fair at all; it leans into corners but not overly so, and there is plenty of bite, good resistance to understeer and a tendency to controllable oversteer if pushed.
On smooth and good quality road surfaces there's not all that much to gripe about at all, its only 'enthusiastic' cornering on choppy surfaces that reveal its flaws and there that it must be shown respect or it will spin without too much provocation, and if really thrashed it'll bottom out over large bumps making it difficult to control at all.
They cope well with snow(test drove my first one on a race track covered in 4ft of compacted snow and ice), but are a hazard on very loose gravel-type surfaces or freshly surfaced UK roads because of their weight distribution.
I'm going to the US for a roadtrip with SWMBO in May this year. We're flying in to San Francisco and driving down Highway 1 to LA, then on to San Diego, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.
As per someone above, I'm the driving force (excuse the pun) behind getting a 'decent' hire car for our trip and really wanted to get a Mustang or Camaro convertible. Initially i looked at the Hertz adrenaline range as it was the most appealing. However, it's quite expensive and they wont accomodate 1 way rentals as with my trip.
Someone kindly suggested on another topic i created on here that Dollar were the most likely to provide a Mustang convertible as the majority of their fleet are Mustangs. Unfortunately, i left it too late and Dollar shows their convertible option as sold out.
Since then, i've made various enquiries and seem to have struck lucky with www.usrentacar.co.uk who informed me that San Francisco airport is one of the select locations where Alamo customers are able to select whichever vehicle they wish from the category they have booked. Although they have the (poorly regarded) Chrysler 200 and Mitsubishi Eclipse, they also have the Mustang and Camaro available. They weren't as cheap as Dollar but a cut under Hertz and Avis.
Fingers crossed that at 10am on a Wednesday morning in May, there will be a parking lot full of Mustangs and Camaros for me to choose from!
As per someone above, I'm the driving force (excuse the pun) behind getting a 'decent' hire car for our trip and really wanted to get a Mustang or Camaro convertible. Initially i looked at the Hertz adrenaline range as it was the most appealing. However, it's quite expensive and they wont accomodate 1 way rentals as with my trip.
Someone kindly suggested on another topic i created on here that Dollar were the most likely to provide a Mustang convertible as the majority of their fleet are Mustangs. Unfortunately, i left it too late and Dollar shows their convertible option as sold out.
Since then, i've made various enquiries and seem to have struck lucky with www.usrentacar.co.uk who informed me that San Francisco airport is one of the select locations where Alamo customers are able to select whichever vehicle they wish from the category they have booked. Although they have the (poorly regarded) Chrysler 200 and Mitsubishi Eclipse, they also have the Mustang and Camaro available. They weren't as cheap as Dollar but a cut under Hertz and Avis.
Fingers crossed that at 10am on a Wednesday morning in May, there will be a parking lot full of Mustangs and Camaros for me to choose from!
Polariz said:
We hired a couple of cars while over in California and Vegas and used www.usrentacar.co.uk
After reading about loads of issues with extra charges and what not, this company was really rather good at getting everything sorted out. If you go for the gold service you get the first tank of fuel too. I'm a bit fuzzy on my numbers as it was a while ago but I remember thinking that we'd paid something like £60 for the day, which included £60 of free fuel haha - awesome. We just upgraded our sedan at the airport to a Mustang and had a great time.
Just be careful that all of these websites say "Mustang or similar", and the "similar" turns out to be something really crap. Unfortunately this might be unavoidable because you'll just be chancing it on the company having a particular car that day (It might have been given to someone else earlier on in the day).
Have fun over there OP!
Good site, thanks. Seems to be the cheapest.After reading about loads of issues with extra charges and what not, this company was really rather good at getting everything sorted out. If you go for the gold service you get the first tank of fuel too. I'm a bit fuzzy on my numbers as it was a while ago but I remember thinking that we'd paid something like £60 for the day, which included £60 of free fuel haha - awesome. We just upgraded our sedan at the airport to a Mustang and had a great time.
Just be careful that all of these websites say "Mustang or similar", and the "similar" turns out to be something really crap. Unfortunately this might be unavoidable because you'll just be chancing it on the company having a particular car that day (It might have been given to someone else earlier on in the day).
Have fun over there OP!
If you go for the silver inclusive, you get all the insurance etc. but do they then force you to buy a tank of fuel from them at an increased rate? The gold one includes a first tank of fuel, but is nearly another hundred dollars on top of the silver price - a tank of fuel in a standard SUV won't be that much will it?
Edited by Tonsko on Wednesday 2nd January 19:40
We rented from Hertz and did nearly 3k miles around California and Nevada in a convertible mustang a few years ago.
It's not a particularly good car, bit wallowy and the V6 makes more noise than power. The interior was comfortable and quite well thought out.
Oh and they're not brilliant offroad!
However I loved it and was gutted when I had to give it back. Next time we go over I'll be trying for a challenger.
25 by Brent Leport, on Flickr
It's not a particularly good car, bit wallowy and the V6 makes more noise than power. The interior was comfortable and quite well thought out.
Oh and they're not brilliant offroad!
However I loved it and was gutted when I had to give it back. Next time we go over I'll be trying for a challenger.
25 by Brent Leport, on Flickr
Don't use Alamo if you have your heart set on a Mustang - they advertise this as their convertible but then offer you an "or similar" option such as a Chrysler Sebring (hideously awful) or Mitsubishi Eclipse (hideously awful, and cramped, worse ride than a MINI on 18" run flats). They were extremely difficult when I explained that neither of these cars was in any way similar to a Mustang except for the soft top, although they eventually caved and gave us a Volvo S60 T5 instead.
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