[Lukas]

Hi guys,

This Sunday I'm leaving rainy and cold Belgium and flying over to Sunny California for a 3 week-, 3000 miles road trip through 4 states. This is my very first trip to the US, and I have some questions...


The trip starts in L.A.; after two days we drive to San Diego and Tijuana. After that it's Palm Springs, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Page, to Las Vegas. From Vegas through Death Valley and Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe. From there we drive to San Francisco and back to L.A.... The whole route takes about 3 weeks, and is 2901 miles long, only counting hotel-to-hotel drives.


I have a buddy that did a similar roadtrip on the east coast, however he did it in a rental Toyota. Now, in my honest opinion, if you are a european petrolhead, like myself, and you are going to drive all those miles for fun then you really need a big american car, just like a Ford Mustang. To me, it's like a symbol of american driving, and I just love the car.


That being said, I reserved a Ford Mustang with Hertz at L.A.. I know I reserved a class, not an actual car, but I'm doing everything in my power to make sure I'll have a 'stang waiting on me, and not "Something Similar", as stated on Hertz' website. I called the Belgian office here in Brussels like 5 times last two weeks, reconfirming and re-checking my reservation, stating that my vacation is actually all about that car (don't tell my girlfriend) and they will screw it up entirely if the car wasn't a Mustang. The Hertz call center employees told me they'd do everything to have the car ready for me... but that's just the callcenter...


Did anyone of you rent anything on LAX? What are the chances of getting a Mustang? I booked it like 5 weeks ago, and it's driving me nuts... Should I call the LAX office as well?

Does anyone know what model they rent? '05 or '08? It's most probably the V6?

Does anyone know if there is a aux input jack on the car (I know the '08 model has it, but if it's a '05?)? If not, does it play mp3's?

What's the fuel consumption on these cars like? I'm doing almost 3000 miles in 3 weeks, and after doing some math I came up with about 300USD total cost for the fuel. Seems very cheap, but then again; I may be thinking in European prices; we pay about $6.03 per U.S. gallon here in Belgium.

I'm almost 6'3 tall, heard the Mustang has little head-room - is that true?

We are travelling with two large suitcases, and two regular-sized backpacks - do you guys think they'll fit in the trunk?

I know there are cops everywhere in the states, but I'd really like to speed with that car, if only once (65mph is soooo slow...). Any tips where that might be possible with very little chance of getting cought and very little (preferably none) traffic? It doesn't have to an open road. I was thinking about going to Salt Lake City, but it's just too far.


I'm thinking of buying a GPS device, as renting one with Hertz is too expensive. Any recommendations? It has to be less than 100$...


Anyways, I know this isn't a tourist-information point, but I think this is the best place to ask all these questions. Any remarks and additional suggestions are more than welcome...


Thnx in advance,


Soon-To-Be Mustang Driver,



Lukas

[smokeshow]

Originally Posted by Lukas

Hi guys,

This Sunday I'm leaving rainy and cold Belgium and flying over to Sunny California for a 3 week-, 3000 miles road trip through 4 states. This is my very first trip to the US, and I have some questions...

Sounds like a fun trip! I can't speak to a lot of the regional specifics, but I'll chime in with my best guess on some of your car questions.

Originally Posted by Lukas

Does anyone know what model they rent? '05 or '08? It's most probably the V6?

The 2005-2009 Mustangs are pretty much identical. I'm guessing the rental agencies will have newer model years. I believe Hertz just rents the V6 (or the GT-350H, but I think they only rent that to their "special" customers).

Originally Posted by Lukas

Does anyone know if there is a aux input jack on the car (I know the '08 model has it, but if it's a '05?)? If not, does it play mp3's?

It depends on the model year of the car. I believe (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that the AUX input jack started in the 2007 models.

Originally Posted by Lukas

What's the fuel consumption on these cars like? I'm doing almost 3000 miles in 3 weeks, and after doing some math I came up with about 300USD total cost for the fuel.

Fuel Economy

shows the V-6 automatic as 16mpg city/24mpg highway, with a combined average of 19mpg.

Personally, I find that a little pessimistic, since I usually get 22-23mpg combined with a V-8. I'd say that $300-$350 is probably a good estimate, depending on gas prices.

Originally Posted by Lukas

I'm almost 6'3 tall, heard the Mustang has little head-room - is that true?

I'm 6'2" and I don't have any headroom issues. The 2005+ models have a little more headroom than earlier models, which I DID have clearance issues with. Maybe some of the convertible guys can speak to the headroom in there, but I had the impression that it was slightly less clearance.

Originally Posted by Lukas

We are travelling with two large suitcases, and two regular-sized backpacks - do you guys think they'll fit in the trunk?

If you get the couple model, you shouldn't have an issue. The convertible trunk is a little tighter, but you also have the backseat. The backseat isn't much for sitting in if you're over 12 years old, but it makes a nice luggage shelf. The thing to watch is that the opening for the trunk is fairly narrow, although it has decent trunk space.

If you get the convertible model, make sure you wear sunscreen! When the wife and I eloped to Las Vegas in 2005, we rented a Thunderbird convertible (talk about no room for luggage!) and I got burned because we were driving around with the top down.

If have time when you're in Vegas, one of the fun things we did was to take a helicopter ride from Las Vegas out to the Grand Canyon (pictures attached). It landed at the bottom, and we had lunch, and then they flew us back. It was about $600 at the time, but well worth the money in my opinion!

Enjoy your trip!

[Lukas]

Hi Smokeshow,

Thank you very much for the info. We've planned a helicopter flight as well, but it's a late evening flight over Vegas only. Costs about 100 bucks per seat, and because we're visiting so many other cities, we figured this was the max amount of money we wanted to spend on a helicopter flight.

Pics look amazing, is that the Hoover Dam? I don't have it on my route, is it worth the while to drive through there? I'm really looking forward to Page and Monument Valley as well...

Man, by this time next week I'll be cruising L.A. in a Ford Mustang. Can't wait. So long, lil' VW Golf 5, see you in three weeks...

EDIT: ow, and we're not renting the convertible, it's the coupe... Figured to rent the coupe because it's only March, so it could get cold, and there is -logically- more space in the trunk.


Thnx again,


Lukas

[jim293]

Wow now that sounds like a fantastic trip. As far as renting a Mustang I would call ahead and see if you can get something lined up. Keep is posted and of course pics are a must.

[smokeshow]

Originally Posted by Lukas

Pics look amazing, is that the Hoover Dam? I don't have it on my route, is it worth the while to drive through there?

That is indeed Hoover Dam! My wife took that when we were in the helicopter. It's about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, and both the dam and the scenery along the way were worth the trip. When we were on top of the dam, some people were showing us how you could take a handful of water from the drinking fountain, drop it over the edge, and the wind coming up the valley (and up the dam) would blow it back up in the air!

Originally Posted by Lukas

EDIT: ow, and we're not renting the convertible, it's the coupe... Figured to rent the coupe because it's only March, so it could get cold, and there is -logically- more space in the trunk.

If you're tall and need luggage space, the coupe is definitely the way to go! You'll definitely enjoy it!

[paraquat]

The only thing I can say DO NOT Go into Mexico Its a bad place to be in ther is a lot of crime and things you may not get i one peace

[Lukas]

Hi guys,

Well, Hoover Dam has been added to the route, given the recommendation. I'm definitely going to try the water-thing.

Also, trip to Tijuana has been cancelled, also given the recommendation.

I was thinking about calling L.A.X. Hertz Office but I know from experience that calls to the US are suffering from delays and echo, and the line quality isn't always as it supposed to be, and I cannot find their direct number... (is it the number below, in the reservation details? How do I dial that from outside US?)

Jim, or anyone else, could you be so kind and give them a call in my name? Hertz reservation number is E257 247 244 9, car has been reserved via the Hertz office in Brussels, Belgium on the name of Miss T. Pauwels (my girlfriend owns our credit card for this trip).

I'd really appreciate the help.

Other details I have:
Renting
City: LOS ANGELES AP
Location: LOS ANGELES INT'L AP
Address: 9000 AIRPORT BLVD
Location Type: CORPORATE
Location Hours: 24HRS 7DYS
Phone Number: 3105685100
Date/Time: SUN 01 MAR 2009 09:11 PM

I can't find their direct number on the web, but the contact page for the US lists the following numbers:

For Local Reservations:Phone Number:800-654-3131
For International Reservations:Phone Number:800-654-3001
Hours of Operation:24 Hours, 7 Days
Miscellaneous:Simply Wheelz - 888-999-9078

Again, thnx for the replies, and all the help.



Best regards,


Lukas

[Lukas]

Originally Posted by jim293

Wow now that sounds like a fantastic trip. As far as renting a Mustang I would call ahead and see if you can get something lined up. Keep is posted and of course pics are a must.

Thnx Jim. =)

The pics will be made available through A Four State Roadtrip. The blog is written in dutch, sorry for that, but everybody is welcome to visit, as I will be updating it during the trip...


Grtz


Lukas

[Axes-Of-Evil]

hey that's gonna be an awesome trip!! In regards to your question about getting over 65 though.. heheh everyone in CA does at leas 80 on the freeway so don't worry and usually u can crank it to 90 and be safe as long as u dont look like ur breaking from the pack or draw attention to yourself.. well u are in a mustang but you should be good and on the roads between states u can easily top that baby out but be safe with it

[Lukas]

Great news!
I don't want to speed all the way, but I'd love to be able to put my foot down at least once...

[Lukas]

Hi guys;

I made it, and I'm driving a Mustang around California for the next three weeks!

I took a pic of the car, it's attached. Thnx again for the help and advice.

Grtz;



Lukas

[smokeshow]

Awesome! Sounds like you're having a good time! Enjoy the California sun while we're all sitting here in the cold and snow.

Translation of blog, courtesy of Google Translate:

Translated version of http://afourstateroadtrip.wordpress.com/

[Lukas]

Hi guys,


The roadtrip is going great; I love the car, I love the oomph it delivers... Let me share some pics with you. I know the car was dirty, but it's kind of hard to keep it clean on the road...

Grtz


Lukas

[Axes-Of-Evil]

Hmm i seem to like that satin silver color quite a bit for some reason glad you're having a great time man! the open roads are nice. I'll be hopefully heading to vegas this sunday and get to be out on those roads too although I won't be driving have a good rest of your trip though. where you at now??

[guitarist9008]

Looks like a good time. I'd sure like to go on a road trip like that.