Phaeton prices have tanked just like their sales numbers. I'm REALLY thinking about trying to score one for around $25,000 or a little more. Everything I've seen or read says they didn't sell because of the VW badge and the bland styling, but the engineering in it is exquisite.

Here's a little vid with Clarkson, says the W12 can run 201mph unlimited.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmGNR...277%26page%3D3

 

oh man, i'm going to love this..

the VW phaeton is probably the BEST car you can buy for under 100k

i sold them, as well as A8's, and now Bentley's

the quality in a Phaeton is just as good as the quality in a Bentley Flying Spur

just be sure to go for the W12 version.
it is silky smooth, the interior is top notch, and it's a very understated car, which is awesome...

Jerry Seinfeld owns one, and a guy who works here, who owns 2 ferrari's, and a few audi's SWEARS by his Phaeton...

the only thing i would do if i had a phaeton is put nicer wheels on it, and tint the windows

have you seen the factory where the car was built, they now built bentley's there

also, there are hundreds of "cool features" the car has. for example, i was reading about the HVAC (air conditioning system), and although i can't remember the specifics, i know if offered cool features

the car is really heavy, and holds the road pretty well...

i would go to PES tuning, and have them lower the air suspension a little, because the car sits a bit high for my taste

but like i said, try to opt for the W12

btw, and i never said this
compare an audi a8 w12 to a vw phaeton w12, and you will see how much better the phaeton is made ...

slam the doors, smell the interior, push the buttons..
it's such a great car

it's too bad it did so poorly in the state's

but then again, it's to be expected...
i mean, we live in a country where people really think that a chrysler 300 looks like a bentley

anyways, best of luck !

 

oh , another quick thing

the VW phaeton was the idea of Dr Porsche himself

VW initially designed the car just for him


i'm making a call right now to a friend to see what 2004s are going for at the auction

 

W12 is probably out of the question, I'm just a college kid struggling for an accounting degree. In Clarkson's vid he talks about the little A/C vent covers that disipate the air so it doesn't blow on your face, acts like central air. Simple, but just brilliant. Also, the dehumidifier is great.

How's the maintenance/reliability with them? I need to find one at an auction, I bet they wouldn't sell too hot there.

 

I believe that maintenance and reliability are good but am unsure about parts availability, that would be the biggest concern in my book. I would also make sure to purchase one with an extended warranty.

EDIT: Also there are no V8's or (V12's for that matter) scheduled to go through any of the big auctions anytime soon.

EDIT #2: Looks like the manheim search was down earlier, PM me your email address and I can tell you where the cars are, but wouldn't recomend buying one at auction -- at all.

 

the car will be cheap to buy, BUT will be expensive to repair , should it need any

i mean, the car is pretty much bullet proof, but is not made by God, so.. don't blow all your money on a phaeton to look cool, but then struggle to get something fixed...

example
if 1 xenon bulb goes out, youre looking at about $500 for parts and labor

 

mkell's dad has one.

 

doesn't Tomas also have one ?

 

Good grief, how's that possible?

I was an assistant mechanic at a shop all through highschool and have changed many regular bulbs, is that mostly cost for the parts? Labor couldn't be too rough.

 

Xenon

 

this isn't a lexus where u pop the hood and unscrew a cap...

i believe with the phaeton the entire headlight unit has to come out, and then they have to realign it and what not

when my Audi had to get a bulb replaced, i was looking at the warranty work , and it was about $340 UNDER WARRANTY , which means 1/2 the labor rate...

this car might not be for you then ... no offense...

 

I used to drive a V8 and the W12...

W12 hands down.

 

3 minutes later. hahahha great vid, thanks for posting

 

Drew-

Based on what you have already said, I agree with Steve. If you're stretching at all to buy this car, you can't afford it. Sure you might be able to write the check, but what happens when something breaks/goes wrong/etc? Although it is selling for a minimal price right now (because it says VW) you need to keep in mind that it is still an expensive (almost 100k) car.

Jeremy

 

It does come as the entire unit. And you are also correct in the fact that they do have to re-align it/synchronize it. Not cheap if the vehicle is out of warranty (and 99% of the time with an Extended Warranty it would not be covered; IE: general wear and tear type item).