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This year no such situation exists...There are no PHAETONs in any Port of Entry.
Current incentives on the PHAETON include $7500.00 for any non Volkswagen Credit financing arrangement, or a GREAT LEASE thru Volkswagen Credit...The equivilant APR is 26.4Basis Points...1/4 of 1% for 36 Months & 55% Residual @ 12K Miles. This will take the new PHAETON customer up to the 2007 Model Year refresh...
This is the only way to go, IMO...48 Months OK too if striving for a lower monthly payment and yet staying within Full Warranty & Maintenance coverage...0.00060
Rate, as opposed to the 0.00011 above, or 1.44% and a Residual of 48% with 12K Miles...These are V8 numbers BTW...2005 PHAETON
I have been following the phaeton forum for a while, and appreciating your wisdom especially. Here's my situation: I have been researching the Phaeton and test-drove it against the A-8: I happen to like the Phaeton better *if*, and only if, I can get the price low enough to compensate for the much faster depreciation. I have never leased before, and typically prefer to finance over a long time (normally 60 months) and keep my cars much longer. In fact, since I maintain them the way airlines maintain planes, I keep them very long (I have a 15-year old Acura in impeccable condition, for example).
My quandary for the Phaeton: I need the car for weekly commuting to a new job for a total weekly round trip of 800miles. Even assuming use of this car for only half of the year and the rest with one of my existing cars, I would need at least 20kmiles/year on the lease. For a new 2005 that includes the cold weather/comfort package and keyless access I am looking at the following terms:
1) lease w/zero down 48months/20kmilesyear selling price 68.5K and 969/month, residual value 29.5k. Or
2) buy: 66 months at 2.9%. In this case the monthly payment, also with zero down, amounts to a little less than 1200/month. This is close enough to the lease payment, and could get even closer by putting a few thousand down.
These terms were last month, when the marketing support was still 5500. I lean toward buying because I would not have to worry about the 20kmile limit, but I worry, in case the car proves not reliable (very complex electronics, air suspension, etc.) that I would be left quite likely upside down with an almost unsaleable, relatively high mileage trade.
Now for my questions:
1) should I decide now (the 2.9% financing is due to expire Tue) or wait until year-end for a better deal from vw? these cars are not going anywhere (the one I'm interested in has been sitting on the lot since February) especially with gas prices the way they are now.
2) Does VW have a hold-back?
3) I really wanted bluetooth and a dvd-based navigator in my next car. I hear rumors that there's going to be at least bluetooth on the '2006" model: is this true? You seem to imply that there will be no 2006, and a modified 2007 instead.
I'll be grateful for any advice that you or the other readers can provide. I love cars, and the Phaeton would really fit my current needs, but I have never bought anything this expensive, and it's a big decision for me.
Automobilista
P.S.: I've owned only one VW: a 1973 Super Beetle, which was great fun. I sold it two years ago for lack of garage space.
During the last 50 years of the 20th Century the changes to cars were mostly cosmetic...new colors, new fins, no fins, etc.The single most significant tech gadget was the Chrysler Push Button Transmission...Remember that?
Improved safety features have marched along steadily, but as one would expect, without much fanfare or buzz...airbags are not toys after all.
However; in this century, technology is key...Cell phones are ubiquitous and overflowing with features. Computers are now found in multiples in a large number homes...one is just not enough. And, here lies the dilemma.
VWAG made one critical error with the PHAETON...launching it before the new B6 Passat & the new Jetta V. That lost year created a multitude of financial woes, and trickled down to include PHAETON here in the US...No $$$ for Advertising or Marketing, no extra $$$ for immediate tech changes such as Bluetooth & DVD NAV. It is not that these items have been abandoned, it is just that other issues have greater importance. It is my understanding that the Dresden plant is operating at 90%+ capacity building the PHAETON with the V6 TDI engine, and that they cannot build them fast enough. Incidentally, all of the Turbo Diesels should be available for American consumption then as well, including the awesome V10 Twin Turbo.
In answer to your particular situation, I would lease your first PHAETON...You can buy down your overmiles up front...it simply lowers your Residual. The existing CD based NAV is certainly adequate to the task...as a matter of fact, I like it better than the Siemens DVD in the Touareg & B6 Passat. Bluetooth will be coming shortly, but OnStar will be gone. The car that your are looking at has OnStar and a great 3 Watt Analog phone system...no lost or dropped calls with that. There are, and will be 2006 PHAETONs...My reference to the 2007 was due to the fact that, by then, all of these tech toys will be available and more.
I also believe that by Leasing now and Buying later you will be in a much better position to make that commitment to long term ownership. And besides, Depreciation only holds significance in the short term, and by Leasing now that burden falls on the shoulders of Volkswagen Credit; not you...
Regarding the lease, is it true that better lease terms are about to be introduced for the 2005 models? I think someone else on the forum mentioned September 6 as the date for the new lease terms.
Re the analog phone amp in the current model, two questions:
1) is this standard or extra-cost option on the 2005 V8? if it's an option, I'm pretty sure that the car I'm looking at does not have it.
2) do I need to buy a special phone, or can I use it with my T-mobile blackberry 7290?
Finally, a question about accessories: do you know where I can find winter rubber mats (the usual after-market web sites do not seem to have any specifically of the Phaeton), and a roof bycicle carrier? I've seen one on the German VW site, but I don't think it has been imported here. By the way, I think you live in sunny California, where rubber mats are not needed, but here in the NorthEast they sure come in handy.
Thank you very much once again, and have a great holiday.
Motorista
No special phone is required...everything is built in. Your Blackberry should have a hands free, Bluetooth kit available thru your T-Mobile dealer...I know Cingular has one for my Motorola Razr...
Best mats available are from a Brit firm called Cannon...Brand name here is WeatherTech and available at link title
Being from the NY/NJ area I understand your situation...For Spring thru Autumn I reco link title
They make a great product and created the template for the PHAETON for my 2004...A great throw back look that is nothing but class...I can email you pix of the mats if you like...
I have been looking for a 2004 Phaeton myself. Can you direct me to your wholesaler?
Also, do you know if I travel to Germany if they can send a used Phaeton to me to a dealer in NY for a discount? I only ask because friends of mine do that with BMW's and they save about 20% on the lease and it takes just 4-6 weeks for the car to be shipped to the US to the dealer.
Any info is appreciated.
Thanks.
Jason
Please label the title of your email as "Phaeton GTG" so that I won't delete your message thinking it might be spam.
You click on the Img button, paste in the URL of the pic, then click on the Img button again. When you post that message, the picture should display.
I just thought of this solution or I would have mentioned it earlier. Email me if you need help with this.
Yes, it works! But step #3 is Close All, not Img again.
Also, VW sent me a phone to use with the $299 phone option on the 2005 models. I haven't been opened it yet but apparently it's a Nokia phone which will be totally integrated. I'll report after I put it in.
Every passenger I've had absolutely loves the car and the color (Cairo Gray).
I have had so many people ask what it is and of course unlike the BMW it does not attract discourteous responses from other drivers.
1500 miles in and its certainly a great car - returning 34mpg - remarkable for a car of its size and weight.
Next week my Chairman is taking a 4.2 V8 out for a test drive he was so impressed with my car.
Lets hope that many more people get the message and that VW launch the V6 TDi in the USA.
I'm not getting 34mpg yet more like high 20's but most of my driving this month has been in and around London.
I put it in sport mode and turned the suspension to full strength the other day. What a change, even with the V6 TDI. A V8 or W12 must be quite something in full sport mode.
:shades:
T Mobile activated me and the phone works fine. However, due to the cradle design in the console, no other phone model works.
Just taken ownership of a used V6 3.2 petrol. 2 years old, 11k miles in mint condition.(Crystal Grey, coucou grey interior) (used by Bentley management I have been told) list price £46K, paid £22k.
Now that is what I call a bargain! Now looking for any excuse to drive.
Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up an MP3 player through the sound system?
Anyone remember it?
You also would have to recode the computer because our steering wheels are coded for heated grips.
If they're talking about that all-wooden steering wheel they may have a valid point. I noticed that Audi for2006 has a more convential wooden steering wheel with two sections of wood compared to the all wood one from the A8 W12 last year. The previous steering wheel could be dangerous because it was completely convered in wood - and very, very tacky imo.
M
wood
Horrible imo. This would be very slippery if your hands were sweaty and it is just plain ole tacky imo.
M
I'd assume even deeper discounts to dump whatever inventory remains.
M
i year ago i told you that this was being discussed at the vw board in germany (not this one )
and 6 or7 months ago i posted that the decision to kill the phaeton had been made.
sorry vw dealer you may be a good dealer and a very dedicated one but the others are just not in your league.
this will be my final post on this board. and by the way ,just wait another 4 or 5 months when the vw board confirms that the phaeton's life is now ended in all markets.
and, as i posted ,(go back and read), the decision on which car to make in dresden was made 1 year ago. it should be announced soon.,or in 5 or 6 months. read my post for a hint.or is it a matter of fact ????
M
It is a V6 3.6 petrol and I wonder if any one could tell me where I can get a drivers hand book for it in English.
Or if some one would send me a photo copy of their own book.
I will pay any costs and postage.
Also there is no spare wheel only a compressor. Could some one enlighten me on the thinking and practicalities.
I see that you all like to reveal costs, this one is as new 30,000kms €27,000.00 plus delivery to Spain €950.00 Plus registration in Spain €7,000.00 plus sat location detector €1,000.00 Total on the road in Spain €35,900.00
it must be the used car bargain of the century.
Best wishes.
Bill.
Can't help with the compressor as mine has a spare wheel. I think this may be a weight saving thing for the V6 petrol as it does not give any more space.
try here
You got a great deal though.
William
I am about one year in to a 39 month lease with an 04 V8. Love the car, and if not for the cancelling of production for US might have considered buying it out, or at least leasing one again at the end.
I am curious if there is an upside to the car getting dumped in the impact to the residual value when I am up again in about two years? Given that the re-sale market is going to stink (who wants to buy a car that is no longer in production that has not reached the status of "collectors item"?!?) will that have the effect of driving down my true residual and possibly give me an incentive to buy it at the end?
Just looking for a ray of sunshine.
By the way, can you or any Phaeton owners confirm that you are supposed to get a Phaeton or Tourag if you get a loaner while being serviced? I never do, got a lovely Toyota last time.
Getting a PHAETON as a Service Loaner was always a VWOA "Guideline"...something they wanted Dealers to do...It was never policy. So it is kind of up to each and every Dealership as to how they handle this situation. My best advice is to request a T-Reg or a B6 Passat when you schedule your next maintenance...and do that a month in advance and follow up 2 weeks later and then again 5 days before the appointment...
Your residual is not going to change unless VWOA & VW Credit alter it downward when your Lease expires...No one here has a crystal ball...My best suggestion...Enjoy your PHAETON and don't worry about what will happen 27 months from now. Lease End Services will contact you 90 days prior to the expiration and your options will certainly be very clear at that time...
I understand that the residual is set at the lease inception. In situations where the residual was set below true market value at lease end you have the incentive to buy it out and either drive it or sell it, right? In this case, I can't imagine the set residual is going to be below market, so I also imagine VW will end up with a bunch of these back on their hands. Good.
I just hope the decision to pull it from the US won't impact service or support. If my dealership loses their Phaeton trained guys they don't have much incentive to retrain one, do they?
I will enjoy the car for sure, but it was the first and will certainly be the last VW I will ever buy. It drives like a wonderful Lux car, but it is the farthest thing from a Lux car experience dealing with VW corp, or my VW dealer. You can't leave the customer hanging and expect them to come back again.
Thanks again for you help.
Now, I cannot offer up any excuses for your Dealership experiences, for each store is different...Just as there are good Mercedes Dealers there are bad ones as well...
I will, however; take a measured stance when it comes to the Corporate side of things...
You should know, if you do not already, that all hands in Auburn Hills are new...at least the important ones. And basically the same is true in Germany.
Product Plannning, and those involved in 2001-2002, bear all the responsibility here. I started to write elsewhere, but never posted, the fact that the new Jetta V in it's full GLI configuration, should have been launched in Q4 of 2003 and the Passat B6 should have been launched in Q1 of 2004...2005/2006 should have been the year for the PHAETON.
If that plan had been followed all of VWs woes would be non-existent today. But one cannot unring the bell...
I have read not one piece that indicated that VWOA or VWAG was ever going to abandon the PHAETON customer, and I do not believe they will...
I have a couple of questions re the stereo. Is there anyway of changing CD from the steering wheel? Also I'm surprised that when you play a CD the title and song names don't show up on the screen. Is that normal?
Thanks Julian
Titles & songs are not displayed...I do not know if this is a function of the disc itself, or the system...
And congratulations...You have a fine automobile...