Anyone own a Ford Mustang convertible? Advice needed...

[Porsche]

Hi all

we're renting a car when we get to the USA later next month, and I was thrilled to see one of the options available is a Ford Mustang convertible.

I have trawled the web looking for information, and most of the reviews discuss performance, handling etc. That's great, but I also need to know about passenger and luggage capacity, and was hoping any owners here could help.

There's 4 of us, wife and I + 2 children (6 & 8). Are the rear seats big enough and comfortable enough for kids? We'll probably have a booster seat for Zac (6).

What about luggage? We'll be travelling relatively light. We're starting with one large suitcase and 2 small carry on bags. but will also do a ton of shopping, so trunk will fill quickly
(how many Rolex's can you fit in the trunk?)

The only other concern is more the comfort of wife and kids. If we get bad weather, or maybe they all just get tired of the "wind in the hair", does canvas top work well? Will kids have any kind of view from rear seats or will they be shut off from the outside world?

We driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, then on to the Grand Canyon with a couple of days sightseeing the surrounding areas (Flagstaff etc). Thanks to Hollywood, I have this mental picture of us cruising through the desert scenery, (Liz is thinking Thelma and Louise, I'm thinking Duel, ha ha), but is the reality 6 lanes of smog-choked freeway? Do I need a reality check

Any first hand knowledge would be much appreciated.

[Thatguy]

I think it would be a bit snug but doable if you really want to. Personally, I would get something bigger. The drive from la to Vegas is not bad. You will really be out in the desert. Have fun!

[Tools]

A Mustang will hold you, your wife and two kids just fine.. the back seats aren't for adults, but kids are fine..

You will have the top down for about 15 minutes before you get tired of it... Enjoy it when you get to your scenic stops, but at 80mph on the freeway... not much fun..

There is nothing between LA and flagstaff except some lizards, sagebrush and a few small towns to get gas in... No smog, and some stretches you may feel you entered the twilight zone and everybody left...

Except for LA to Vegas - that's considered commuting for Californians..

[Cesium133]

Originally Posted by Tools

Enjoy it when you get to your scenic stops, but at 80mph on the freeway... not much fun.. .

X2

When I was younger my aunt and uncle had a mustang convertible and I went on a 300 mile road trip with them. Riding in the back with the top down on a highway was miserable.

I spent the entire time curled up trying to keep my face from being wind burned. Plus the wind vibrations made me sick. Up front, they were having a great time. In back, I was just trying to stay conscious.

[Frosty]

...and if the wind picks up, the top will go up very fast.

When I go to Vegas I always try and arrive with a quarter tank, even if I have to put five bucks in to get there. I am always amazed how much cheaper gas is there so I fill up.

We did an overnight at the Grand Canyon and went out to the rim to see the sunrise. OMG, was that amazing watching the colors shift in the canyon as the sun came up.

Have a good trip!

[skypilot]

Tools -"You will have the top down for about 15 minutes before you get tired of it... "

Not necessarily ! My wife and I drove from Iowa to Los Angeles and most of the way back home with the top down on our Camaro. Now we travel mostly by motorcycle.
Going across the desert people thought we were nuts, we thought they were old.

[77T]

John
Now that you've got the Mustang luggage question handled - may I suggest something else? The kids will not be able to see much while sightseeing due to the height of the front seats and the high waistline of the sides.

The alternative isn't as exciting for the driving guy - but is better for the overall experience and holds a ton in the back...yep, you guessed it...minivan

[Linmorgan]

My 12 and 10 year old kids ride in the back of mine with no problems. Trunk is decent but not a big opening.

I would do it. The newest convertibles are great cars

[Porsche]

Oh no... I was hoping for a simple YES/NO answer, but like most things in life, a little more complex than I first thought.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone - both for and against. I haven't quite convinced myself yet, so I may end up just getting one of these instead!

The Wagon Queen Family Truckster!
What do you think Rusty???

[Cesium133]

Now there's a family car! In all seriousness, go with the Mustang. It will be fun, everything will fit in it, and it's a classic American car. Just keep the top up when on the highway. Once you're going under 50 or in a town, put the top down and enjoy the view.

[Lisa]

My two cents - as the mom of kids age 5, 9 and 13... the bigger the car, the happier all of you will be.