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Volkswagen Phaeton

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  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    That was then, November 2004; this is now, September 2005. In 2004 VWAG sent over more PHAETONs than VWOA wanted; so by Q4 2004 we had PHAETONs in the various Ports around the country and needed to find homes for them because 2005s were enroute...Volkswagen of America offered the Dealers here some fantastic incentives to take these cars...As a matter of fact, I would have taken more if I knew the whole program, but they kind of rolled the program out in pieces and by the time we knew everything the cars were all gone...at least the well equipped ones were.

    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
  • motoristamotorista Member Posts: 6
    Hello vwguild,
    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.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    First of all...Thank you for the kind words...

    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... ;)
  • motoristamotorista Member Posts: 6
    Thank you for your prompt reply - Precise and informative as usual!
    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 :)
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    "OnStar" Safe & Sound is standard equipment on the 2005 PHAETON, and includes 30 Free minutes of Hands Free phone service...additional minutes are available thru "OnStar" for various rate pkgs.

    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...
  • silverw12silverw12 Member Posts: 1
    I just stumbled onto this dg. Let me know when in Nov. I am in San Diego and the owner of a silver 12 cylinder 2004 model and would love to make the trip up. Bought it with 2800 miles on it. Other than the gas mileage, I love it.
  • phaetaccompliphaetaccompli Member Posts: 4
    VWGuild, I recently ordered a set of WeatherTech mats (should arrive any day). However, I am very interested in the Cocomats you provided a link for for other times of the year. If you get a chance, I would not mind seeing a photo of them in your car if it is easy to post a picture to the forum. I would especially be interested if you have the Sonnenbeige interior (I was too lazy to look back in the forum to see what color combo you have). Thanks for all of your useful info. :)
  • passatluvapassatluva Member Posts: 1
    Congrats.

    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
  • phaetaccompliphaetaccompli Member Posts: 4
    Hi. No idea about the travel program. The internet wholesaler I purchased from is located in PA and their web site is eimports4less.com. They also sell on ebay. I believe that they currently have a couple of V8s and a couple of V12s. Good luck with your search.
  • edspider1edspider1 Member Posts: 195
    I've been watching this board since the Phaeton came out and tell people about it all the time. Everyone really likes it. I was REALLY happy to hear VWGuild say the states might get the V6 TDI. Sounds like the technology will come up to par in 2007.
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    I will be hosting a Phaeton owners GTG (get together) Oct. 21-23 in Trussville, AL (near Birmingham, AL). A few have already responded with interest. If you would like to attend and get hotel info and a list of things we plan to do, please email me for more info.
    Please label the title of your email as "Phaeton GTG" so that I won't delete your message thinking it might be spam.
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    We will install another keyless start button (something you may want to see done) , lower suspensions a little bit, set preferences on the vehicles, compare each others accessories and just have a good time talking about these wonderful cars. Anyone is welcome to arrive on Friday and we will adjourn on Sunday afternoon.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I posted a link here to some pix, was mildly admonished for my goodwill...maybe you can try something else...
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    DC...Say Hello to all for me!!! ;)
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    I sure will Peter. Good to hear from you.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You could use the Img button beneath the post box to have them actually display in a post instead of linking to the site where they are now.

    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.
  • paldipaldi Member Posts: 210
    image

    Yes, it works! But step #3 is Close All, not Img again.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It's either one. Honest! ;)
  • pji44pji44 Member Posts: 12
    Still love it--no issues, except gas mileage and brake dust which I expected. Received a notice that dealers are getting 2006 Phaetons in (some already have). So much for the death sentence.

    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).
  • ukguy1ukguy1 Member Posts: 3
    Hello all - its now 22 days since I took delivery of my new Silver 3.0 V6 Tdi Phaeton and it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Having owned many BMW's over the years , we currently have a 2005 525d Touring, this car is VW's well kept secret.
    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. :)
  • culverwoodculverwood Member Posts: 4
    Like ukguy1 I picked my car up at the beginning of the month and have had a great time. Lots of stares "What is that?". Great interior and plenty of room even in the SWB.
    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:
  • pji44pji44 Member Posts: 12
    The saga of the hands free phone is over. Took the refurbished Nokia 6340i (or 6430i, I forget) to T Mobile and they inserted a SIM card and the phone works great--hands free integrated into the Phaeton's telematics. Apparently the only networks supporting the technology are Cingular and T Mobile. However, the Cingular store I visited (company-owned store) in suburban Chicago indicated that they no longer supported the technology.
    T Mobile activated me and the phone works fine. However, due to the cradle design in the console, no other phone model works.
  • jasonukjasonuk Member Posts: 1
    Gentleman,

    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?
  • detaylsdetayls Member Posts: 1
    Someone mentioned that there is a special VW number to enquire about the Phaeton.

    Anyone remember it?
  • bobm1bobm1 Member Posts: 26
    1-877-742-3866 I.E. 1-877-Phaeton. Don't call 1-800 or 1-888 unless you want a porn line. The Phaeton costs a lot more but is more satisfying. :P
  • kcmoverkcmover Member Posts: 36
    Anybody find a way to install in a 2004 Phaeton. Like to go thru the Radio / Nav system. Any advice is apreciated. I did see the link posted awhile back for the enfig.com site. Has anybody used them.
  • kcmoverkcmover Member Posts: 36
    You picture of the Wood Wheel on you Phaeton go me to think about seeing if you could add one to a car. Does anybody know what that might cost.
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    I checked into that 2 months ago and got NO for an answer. The regional Phaeton technician (or something like that) was in my local dealerships office when I asked the question. I got no price and they said that the woodgrain steering wheel was too slick for safety reasons and therefore would not order it. BS in my opinion.
    You also would have to recode the computer because our steering wheels are coded for heated grips.
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    When I said you would have to recode the computer, I'm only referring to the address for the steering wheel, not the whole computer. It may not even be necessary but I would imagine a fault code would keep being generated if it weren't coded properly.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I checked into that 2 months ago and got NO for an answer. The regional Phaeton technician (or something like that) was in my local dealerships office when I asked the question. I got no price and they said that the woodgrain steering wheel was too slick for safety reasons and therefore would not order it. BS in my opinion.

    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
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    I've never seen one in person and maybe that's a good thing :)
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    Paldi knows of a manufacturer here in the states that's better than OEM steering wheels. He may post that for us. I believe they take your existing steering wheel and modify it. It is wood at the top 1/3 and bottom 1/3 with leather remaining at the middle 1/3 for grip. Very similar to what you get on a stock Mercedes S Class.
  • paldipaldi Member Posts: 210
    Doesn't hurt to call and ask - can the Bentley wood kit be fitted?

    wood

    image
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    Thanks Fred.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    The steering wheel in question was similar to this one on the 2005 A8L W12:

    image

    Horrible imo. This would be very slippery if your hands were sweaty and it is just plain ole tacky imo.

    M
  • dcowandcowan Member Posts: 9
    I agree. The ones I like (on any car) are where it is divided up like in the first picture above. Leather in the middle 1/3 of the steering wheel for grip. Not a total surround of wood. Just too much wood IMO.
  • paldipaldi Member Posts: 210
    Not happy about it.
  • pji44pji44 Member Posts: 12
    The activity on this site mirrors that in the showroom. It's still the best car I have ever owned. I can see the errors---poor marketing; no upscale dealership strategy like Lexus or Infiniti. Nearly 7000 miles and not one blip. I'll continue to enjoy the ride. I understand the next Lexus LS will be all-wheel drive. I'm really glad I leased the Phaeton rather than buying it.

    I'd assume even deeper discounts to dump whatever inventory remains.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    It would bound to happen and we all know that no matter how great a car that Phaeton was it didn't make sense in a VW showroom. It was a grand waste of precious R&D for a car that was doomed from day one. Now maybe VW will be able to provide a better base engine for the Jetta and R36 versions of the Jetta and Golf. Maybe even a turbocharged R36 Passat with 340hp. A manual tranny for the V6 Passat, and a smaller, cheaper, entry-level SUV....you know the things they're supposed to be doing.

    M
  • bobm1bobm1 Member Posts: 26
    Allthough I'm upset that I won't be able to get another Phaeton at the end of my lease (12-06)I do feel fortunate that I was able to posses one of the finest cars on the market. I'm totally over VW though. :mad:
  • ffb13ffb13 Member Posts: 181
    well ,
    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 ????
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I'm sure they'd shorten your lease and put in you another one sometime next summer even if they have to get you into one of the last cars shipped over.

    M
  • phaetonbillyphaetonbilly Member Posts: 1
    I have just got delivery of my April 2003 Phaeton four seater from Germany.

    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.
  • culverwoodculverwood Member Posts: 4
    The handbooks are individual to the car and also have the car identification details in the first section. They should never have been separated from the car.

    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
  • lastwatcherlastwatcher Member Posts: 17
    Open to anyone, but VWGuild, you may be the man on this one -
    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.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I will answer the last first; it is quicker...

    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...
  • lastwatcherlastwatcher Member Posts: 17
    Thanks Guild. As usual, informative and helpful.

    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.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Watcher...wait and see about residuals & market values; time will take care of all that...

    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...
  • jb317jb317 Member Posts: 3
    Just took deliver of my Phaeton at the weekend having tested it against an A8...both my wife and I thought it a more responsive drive...so now we are owners.

    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
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Julian, Yes, you can change the CD from the steering wheel, as well as the track...all in your Owner's Manual...

    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...
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