How about a Phaeton
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
How about a Phaeton
OK, I dumped the BMW 545 and have a 2004 Tectite E55 ready to pick up at Sindelfingen, but what about a Phaeton W-12? They actually cost less than the E55 (at least the way mine is equipped). I know it is apples to oranges- but what do you think?
I wonder how tunable the Phaeton W-12 is- there are so few out there I doubt anyone has chipped it or anything.
I wonder how tunable the Phaeton W-12 is- there are so few out there I doubt anyone has chipped it or anything.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
IMO, if you were going to look at the VW, may as well get the Audi A8L...more refined in my mind. I don't know how tunable it is because it's a different engine design, so i wouldn't think too many tuners out there as of now have something to offer for the W-design...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
The Audi is uncomfortable
I drove the Audi and could not get confortable in the seats for some reason. Also, I am intrigued by the 12 cylinder engine in the Phaeton and this is the cheapest car with a 12 out there.
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From: McLean, VA
S4
VW phaeton is an amazing car, probably with even more technology and gadgets than a fully equipped e55. Its more confortable and has a lot more room in the backseat too. The W12 has about 414 hp and tons of torque from what I understand. Its a great understated car...with that being said, there is no way I'd get one over a fully loaded e55, which IMO is hands down one of the best cars on the road right now; I'd say, stick to your order of the e55 
which options did you order??!!
which options did you order??!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
E55
My tectite grey E55 was ordered with nav, lighting package, comfort package, keyless entry, parktronic, trunk closer, CD and shades. The best part if that I get to drive it on the Autobahn! The first place I am going is over to AMG and drive the SL65.
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I have one word for you: DEPRECIATION.
That thing is going to sink like a rock.
And it's bland and unappealing to look at to boot.
Can you imagine how a $90K Volkswagen is going to depreciate?
Come on, it's an Audi A8 W12 with a cheap leisure suit of sheetmetal on.
That thing is going to sink like a rock.
And it's bland and unappealing to look at to boot.
Can you imagine how a $90K Volkswagen is going to depreciate?
Come on, it's an Audi A8 W12 with a cheap leisure suit of sheetmetal on.
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Thread Starter
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Depreciation and a discount
Quite true, there will be very little resale for the Phaeton. Of course, leasing is the way to mitigate this problem, particularly since VW USA guarantees the residual after 36 months to be 60% on the V-8's.
Once again this means that the cost to own the Phaeton is less than the E55. I have been quoted a total lease cost for the Phaeton W-12 to be $43,250 over 30 months, with a hefty discount off the premier pricing (which gets it down to $83,000). Same lease for the E55 is way more than $50K.
There is no question that the E55 is the ultimate Q ship and the best for baiting teenagers in Camaros, but what happens when you get tired of racing everyone and you just want to relax in your comfortable car?
Once again this means that the cost to own the Phaeton is less than the E55. I have been quoted a total lease cost for the Phaeton W-12 to be $43,250 over 30 months, with a hefty discount off the premier pricing (which gets it down to $83,000). Same lease for the E55 is way more than $50K.
There is no question that the E55 is the ultimate Q ship and the best for baiting teenagers in Camaros, but what happens when you get tired of racing everyone and you just want to relax in your comfortable car?
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sorry.. 12 cylinders.. but someone stole the power..
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Re: Depreciation and a discount
Originally posted by shoes
....total lease cost for the Phaeton W-12 to be $43,250 over 30 months...
....but what happens when you get tired of racing everyone and you just want to relax in your comfortable car?
....total lease cost for the Phaeton W-12 to be $43,250 over 30 months...
....but what happens when you get tired of racing everyone and you just want to relax in your comfortable car?
When I get tired of racing and want to relax in my comfortable car I simply let the supercharger unwind, slow down, and smile to myself knowing that I can have the best of both worlds in my E55.
Having owned an A8 previously (which was a very good car for its purposes) I can say with confidence that I enjoy the interior amenities of the E55 more than the previous or current A8.
The Phaeton is such a paradox.
It's like if Old Navy stores decided to start selling Armani. Who would want to buy Armani clothing made for Old Navy?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Image isn't everything
Engineering and value count for a lot. When Sony first started selling TV's I am sure many people scoffed at the nerve of a Japanese company trying to compete with good old RCA.
Super Member
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From: Irvine, California
C32 AMG
actually... when you buy cars like the S-class 7-series A8L or the Phaeton, you are buying the car SOLELY on image. These cars are a statement of wealth. I really really doubt theres a $40,000 mechanical different between the S500 and the infinity Q45, but it still costs that much more. Why? because of image.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Originally posted by IdriveFast
if u get a phaeton, S-class owners will laugh at you....
jk...... OR AM I?
if u get a phaeton, S-class owners will laugh at you....
jk...... OR AM I?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Newburgh, NY
2004 E55
I saw one on a dealer lot a while ago. Nice looking car and all, but when I saw the sticker price it just didn't compute to me. I could only see people loyal to Volkswagen buying them. Among the population it's a respected name, but not one that stirs passion or jealousy.
Super Member
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From: Switzerland
C 32 AMG (203.065)
That car is absolutley horrible. As other said before, with that price tag, I recommend you something else than a Phaeton.
The interieur sucks and VW can't build engines worth *****.. also the big VW-logo makes it worth less even more.
The interieur sucks and VW can't build engines worth *****.. also the big VW-logo makes it worth less even more.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
while you do pay a premium for the image, that $40,000 does reflect the research that MB has done, components of the car, but I think the MAIN thing is SAFETY.
MB is known for being one of the worlds most safest car. They dump a lot of money into researching and testing safety features and technology that helps minimize injury to the occupants of the car. I think I'd rather be in an MB than a Phaeton when an accident occurs.
Just my .02
MB is known for being one of the worlds most safest car. They dump a lot of money into researching and testing safety features and technology that helps minimize injury to the occupants of the car. I think I'd rather be in an MB than a Phaeton when an accident occurs.
Just my .02
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Chicago
Volvo V90 CC
I love the Phateon, and I don't think it is that expensive even if it is a VW.
Somebody please explain why it is OK to pay $ 52 K for a Tuareg V8, but it is not OK to pay $68 K for a V8 Phateon which is more luxurious than the SUV.
Somebody please explain why it is OK to pay $ 52 K for a Tuareg V8, but it is not OK to pay $68 K for a V8 Phateon which is more luxurious than the SUV.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,744
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From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Originally posted by pocholin
I love the Phateon, and I don't think it is that expensive even if it is a VW.
Somebody please explain why it is OK to pay $ 52 K for a Tuareg V8, but it is not OK to pay $68 K for a V8 Phateon which is more luxurious than the SUV.
I love the Phateon, and I don't think it is that expensive even if it is a VW.
Somebody please explain why it is OK to pay $ 52 K for a Tuareg V8, but it is not OK to pay $68 K for a V8 Phateon which is more luxurious than the SUV.
