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Comments
This is not a Phaeton question, but it IS a VW question. Does the new R32 come with or have as an option On*star?
Search "Phaeton"
I'm waiting to see Road and Track's view on the car, and a individual test of the W12 model by anyone. Should be interesting. A comparo between the S600, 760Li and Phaeton W12 would be nice too.
M
Something is amiss.
Of course, this is past tense. The review was overall positive.
The Speed Channel -- also sat and cable often reviews cars like the Phaeton. The issue is, you have to search for the review. I saw the Audi S4 and RS 6 test on the Speed Channel, nicely done.
Other TV shows, also on sat and cable, test cars regularly -- again the problem is that you never know when "your interest" is going to be featured.
I stumbled across a test of the VW R32 recently -- and the test was impressive. The Car and Driver Telelvision test of the Phaeton and the Touareg put both of these vehicles in a positive light.
Something is amiss.
M
In today's Boston Globe, a Boston area VW dealer advertised a V-8 Phaeton (List was $70,200 or so) for $569/mo w/ $5,000 down. Terms were 36 months @ 10k miles per year.
That seems really low for a $70k vehicle. Of course 10k miles per year isn't great.
What do you guys think?
V8 Phaeton/Comfort-Cold/Upgraded Stereo
12K Miles/Year
$1500 Down (no other closing costs)
$775/Month
Rockin' ride!
It would seem there is not much reason for that here...:)
I have been participating on edmunds.com town hall forums and other Internet based forms for about 3 years now. It has been my experience that most people that contribute are "fans" of the brand and, with some notable exceptions, these forums discuss many facets of the respective brands -- not just rants and apparently mostly raves.
A week doesn't go by when my wife and I don't "check out" our local Audi and VW dealerships lots for new shiny toys -- and, although we do have, now and again, some critical comments about these fine cars, we generally consider ourselves and these forums to be [for the] cheerleaders.
Dateline Cincinnati: finally, I saw my first Phaeton on the highway this weekend, up until now, I could see an Audi A8L every day -- at least one time -- well now I have seen a Phaeton on the highway. Progress.
Also, my local VW dealer now has 2 Phaetons in stock, although the silver one ($66,000MSRP) has been sitting there "forever." Now, there is a dark grey metallic one joining it -- $72,000 which means it actually has a couple of options.
I assume when I start to see the brake rotors on the dark grey one turn to rust (like the silver one) that the prices will really plummet.
I've read nothing from an owner, on this forum, that makes me think these cars are anything less than as promised -- and the part of Cincinnati that this dealership covers is "where the money is" -- but they can't seem to unload any Phaetons or R32s for that matter. And the 3 or 4 W8 Passats they had have sprouted roots they've been on the lot for so long.
What gives?
I suspect the "deals" on Phaetons must be mind boggling, insofar as the leases are concerned, I mean.
Anyone with a V8 Phaeton - what kind of gas mileage are you getting? I saw a gas guzzler tax on the V8 and walked away. But otherwise, I thought the Phaeton was stunning. Maybe I walked too soon.
The Phaeton is much heavier and has much more power...335HP V8 and it is All Wheel Drive...
Drive first; then try walking...:)
That Lux Tax is negotiable, and if you are leasing; is moot...it really only affects the Residual...
Big bucks being spent...Be sure...And don't forget that the Phaeton comes with a full Maintenance Pkg. 48 Months/50,000 Miles...Not true with your LS...
without question...
Drive It!!!
Politics!
Great car, built like a tank. Lots of fun to dial up the suspension and fly around corners, too!
So where am I? Well the VW dealer had a gray V8 w/comfort, tech, keyless, sound upg with MSRP of 72,065 in stock. The LS430 I ordered in December has an MSRP of 70,010. The plan is to pick up the LS in two weeks when it arrives. If the dealer refuses to honor the December deal we struck because the trade has 3000 more miles and is 3 months older - I'll take that Phaeton for drive, probably love it and work a deal.
vwguild - I know you're going to tell me to drive it and that's probably sound advice, but since I already ordered the LS I feel compelled to follow through if he doesn't play any games. It's like that Friends episode when Jerry tells Elaine he should fly first class because she doesn't know what she's missing.
One thing I'll say is that the Phaeton gets lots of attention wherever I take it; car buffs are totally into it!
I actually think the NAV is really easy to use; I guess that you just have to get used to it. Enjoy whichever vehicle you end up with
For example, "OnStar" is Standard equipment in the Phaeton, and handsfree cell service is provided through the sound and built in 'mic' system...Services, in addition to the "Safe & Sound" pkg., are available through
www.OnStar.com
Perhaps, because I am a Baby-Boomer, I have the luxury of a bit more time, but I have not found the NAV system that difficult at all...merely a matter of familiarity and comfort level...
And, I certainly would not allow the actions of your Lexus Dealer, or any other third party, to
determine your decision...Drive the Phaeton; that will enable you to make a really well informed decision. In the long run you will be happier with your final choice.
On the other hand, Ed, maybe you'll want to try a Phaeton next time if they prove to be as good as VW hopes and are still on the market. They sound pretty awesome; wish I could get one . . .
On the money side, I decided it would have to be a 3 year 12K miles lease. There is a trade, but in the end he's offering a one pay lease of about $37,000. Seems a little high.
Have you driven the Phaeton?
I can assure you that you WILL be able to tell the difference between comfort and sport in the Phaeton...Just another reason to take the plunge...
It would seem that after all of these posts you are almost afraid to drive the Phaeton, fearing that you will actually have to make a decision based on experience...????
Had I known about the Phaeton back in December, I might be in one now, but alas that was not to be. I'll certainly keep watching the Phaeton and telling people to check it out. IMO, it really is the only true competitor the LS has.
Only kidding...Enjoy...
Now, however, therfore: I must say that I am becoming "interested" in the new for 2005 AWD & V8 equipped Cadillac STS, although, in fairness, it will be on a 116" wheelbase. But for comparative purposes, the Audi A8 short wheelbase version has been announced with a base price of $66K -- the Cadillac STS V8 AWD version should be about $49K.
Makes one wonder if, for a change, American cars may give the Germans a bit of competition.
Still, what -- TODAY -- even comes close to a $67,500 Phaeton (for the money)?
The car-buying times are getting more "interesting" every day!
the A8, of course, and perhaps the LS430
and Full Scheduled Maintenance...Dual Pane Glass and Standard Rear
Air Bags are just extras...