trumpet1

Just wondering. Would anyone be interested in having a get-together for a weekend evening to meet and greet each other in person? I was thinking about getting together somewhere centrally located in the east like Louisville, KY after the winter weather season is over possibly in May. Anyone interested?

This would be a 6 hour drive for me, 6 hours from Chicago, and 6 hours from Atlanta, and probably close to that from the D.C. area and parts of PA and Michigan, Ohio, etc.

If so, I was thinking we could all stay at a common hotel with a restaurant/bar area and have a good time talking. Show off our variously equipped cars, maybe visit a local MB showroom for kicks, etc.

MrTracy

I haven't really put this car on the road yet. I think that may be fun.

Red Marko

I would be interested very much,
just put the distance on yahoo map - 11.4 hours (one way). Might be a bit too much.
But the idea is very interesting.
Mark.

JohnH4260

A great idea... but I live in New Mexico, so a bit too far to drive. Thanks though.

trumpet1

When I was a Phaeton owner, several GTGs occured throughout different regions of the country and the ones that were closest were fun to go to . We all are still close friends as a result even though I went back to Benz.

drksuh

I would be interested in going to Louisville for a get together.

trumpet1

I'll see about posting a couple of dates in the future and we can vote on what would be good for the most of us. Hopefully if we plan this early enough, we can all be happy with the date picked (or at least the high majority of people).

transferred

Sorry to be off topic but how did you find the Phaeton? I test drove one, the W12, and it felt too heavy with regard to braking and acceleration but it was a quality product. I nearly got an A8 (aluminum version of the VW, basically) and then turned my attention to a used 760Li but then my friend decided to give me a great price on his W220 and the rest is history. I do love the W221s though, beautiful.

Hope the meet works out well for you guys out east/central/south.

trumpet1

I saw it in mags long before it really come out and fell in love with it. The build quality is incredible but the electronics of it were very fickle and out of date from the get-go. For example, the nav system was slow and CD based, not DVD based. The ride was great on open highways but along rough/bumpy roads it didn't absorb the little things too well. The car had too many fault codes generated, no phone compatability in the US (On Star was only available and it SUCKED!), ride height too high (wheel well gap was almost SUV like) but overall the car was enjoyable. I got scared about long term servicing as VW infrastructure could not support the maintenance of these cars and the US buyer snubbed their nose at this car about its price because VW shoppers were in shock. For me, it didn't matter.

If they had treated it and built it the same as a Bentley FS, the car would have survived as they were/are built in the same factory but the VW just came up short on a few things to keep it distant from the Bentley and with the Audi A8 hanging around, it was just too difficult for Phaeton to survive.

cjf_moraga

Love to join you Trumpet... alas the drive from CA to KY is going to take more than an overnighter! In fact I have never done it... how long is it?

Mind you I cannot think of a more comfortable conveyance than an S600 and gas is cheap...

Chris

trumpet1

As much as I'd love to see you with us Chris, that would be a serious committment to come over this far (3 day trip one way).
If you want a great vacation trip to see a good bit of scenery along the way, this would be a nice journey though. I've done it.

transferred

Nice write up. Also, seems like you've found "the one" with that beautiful W221 S600 of yours.

Mat

Brilliant idea - I will be there indeed

AustinGuy

Good idea trumpet...........

I'll probably be able to make it.

trumpet1

Can we plan for May 9th??

drpasteur

let's choose a place where I can go too! I'm from Seattle, WA

cgjungdds

i'm in -- a close drive for me

trumpet1

Good, right now let's mark May 9th down on the calendar.

trumpet1

Since you live in the area, I may try to coordinate with you the best hotel to have this meeting. Something nice, but not extremely expensive. A large gathering space would be nice with a bar/restaurant, etc.

After we get a few committments from the members, we can decide on which weekend in May would be best. I suggest May 9th or the weekend after that. It's about a 6 hour drive for me to Louisville.

drpasteur

Louisville is too far for me too bad i can't make it with my wife being pregnant....otherwise, i think it'd be fun road trip.

trumpet1

There will be more occasions in the future. I went to one about every 9 months when I owned the VW. What state do you live in?

drpasteur

WA state

SonnyJ

Sounds like a great idea! Im thinking of coming from Toronto. Show off Canadian Style!

trumpet1

Oh my. Maybe some folks can have one on the Pacific coast somewhere closer to you.
It's really fun joining with people who have the same passion for these cars.

drpasteur

i know!!! but i posted a thread about Seattle meet...and no one responded!!!