If there’s one cliché I’d always wanted to live out, it’s cruising through Las Vegas in a convertible, blasting music, and feeling like the main character in an action movie. And what better way to do that than by renting a Mustang? It’s the kind of car that screams, “I make questionable financial decisions, but at least I look cool doing it.”
Of course, when four guys rent a Mustang, the fantasy quickly turns into a reality TV show episode, complete with bickering, logistical challenges, and moments of pure absurdity. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?
Step One: The Mustang Debacle
Renting the Mustang sounded straightforward enough. N booked using an app, armed with nothing but confidence and an overestimation of how much legroom a Mustang actually has. I remember going to the guys house to pick it up, he looked at us, a group of four guys. “You’re sure you want the Mustang?” she asked, in a tone that strongly suggested we were making a terrible decision.
“Yes,” we said in unison, as if we’d rehearsed it. After all, practicality isn’t why you rent a Mustang in Vegas. You rent it for the vibes, the Instagram potential, and the fleeting illusion that you’re living your best life.
Fifteen minutes later, we were handed the keys to our dream car, or, as we would soon discover, a two-door sardine can on wheels. It was sleek, shiny, and completely impractical for our purposes. Perfect.
Step Two: The Luggage Tetris
Now, here’s the thing about Mustangs, they’re not exactly designed for people who travel with more than a toothbrush and a change of socks.
Step Three: Hitting the Road
Once we were packed in, it was time to hit the road. And by “hit the road,” I mean crawl through Vegas traffic at approximately three miles per hour. Nothing kills the convertible fantasy faster than being stuck at a red light while sweating under the desert sun.
But then we reached the highway, and everything changed. With the top down, the wind in our hair (and, in one case, a slightly receding hairline), it finally felt like we were living the dream. The Mustang roared to life, the engine purring in a way that made us feel cooler than we probably were. Sure, we looked ridiculous, four grown men packed into a car meant for two, but we didn’t care.
Step Four: The Playlist Battle
No road trip is complete without a killer playlist, and no road trip playlist is complete without an argument over what to play. One guy wanted nickelback (yeah baby) another insisted on 2000s hip-hop, and I just wanted something that wouldn’t make me want to drive us off the nearest cliff.
After much debate, we settled on a compromise: a mix of upbeat tracks that ranged from Queen to Kanye West. Of course, this only led to more bickering. “Who skips ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ halfway through? That’s a crime!” “Dude, we’ve heard this song three times already.”
Despite the disagreements, there were moments when we all sang along in unison, horribly off key but undeniably joyful. It was chaotic, it was loud, and it was exactly what a road trip should be.
Step Five: Photo Ops and Pit Stops
No Vegas Mustang adventure would be complete without a few pit stops for Instagram worthy photos. We pulled over at every scenic overlook we could find, ie HOOVER DAM BOY striking poses that ranged from “effortlessly cool” to “what is that guy doing with his arms?”
One particularly memorable journey involved a stretch of road surrounded by nothing but desert up towards a skydive centre. Sick.
Step Six: The Sunburn Situation
Here’s a pro tip for anyone planning to drive a convertible in the desert, wear sun tan lotion. Lots of it. As the day went on, we realized this the hard way. By the time we returned the car, at least two of us were sporting impressive sunburns that made us look like we’d just spent a week on a tropical island without SPF.
The worst part? The sunburns were uneven, thanks to the awkward angles of the car seats. One guy had a bright red arm but a pale torso, while I had a streak of sunburn across my forehead that made me look like I’d been branded by the desert gods. Lesson learned.
Step Seven: Returning the Mustang
Returning the car was bittersweet at the end of our week. On the one hand, we were sad to say goodbye to the Mustang, it had been our chariot, our photo prop, and our source of endless laughs. On the other hand, we were relieved to finally stretch our legs and escape the confines of its cramped interior.
As we handed the keys back to the dude, she gave us a knowing smile. “Had fun?” she asked. “Oh, absolutely,” we replied. “Would we do it again? Probably not.”
Reflections on the Mustang Experience
Looking back, renting the Mustang was equal parts brilliant and ridiculous. It wasn’t the most practical choice, and it definitely wasn’t the most comfortable. But it was fun. It was silly. And it was the kind of adventure that makes for great stories.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes, but with a few caveats:
- Only rent a Mustang if you’re traveling light.
- Bring lotion. Lots of lotion
- Be prepared for arguments over music, seating arrangements, and whether or not to stop for yet another photo.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t about the car itself, it was about the experience. The laughter, the memories, and the sense of freedom that comes from hitting the open road with your best friends. And isn’t that what travel is all about?
Final Thoughts
Driving a Mustang in Vegas was everything I hoped it would be: thrilling, chaotic, and just a little bit ridiculous. It reminded me that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones where things don’t go perfectly. Because let’s face it, if everything went smoothly, what would we have to laugh about later?