10 Best VW Phaetons You Can Buy Right Now

"Andrew T. Maness" (theroadlessdriven)
08/28/2014 at 20:03 • Filed to: Car Buying, VW, Phaeton, Auto Trader, Ebay, Used Car, Bentley

100

I've made my list, checked it more times than I'd care to admit and now I'm ready to share. When I was in the market for a vehicle earlier this year I very nearly pulled the trigger on one of these fine examples you'll find below. It was to the point where I was ready to call up my grandparents in northern Louisiana and ask if the could have a trustworthy relative in Tennessee go check it out for me. The car of which I speak is number one on my comprehensive list of used VW Phaeton's currently for sale in these United States of America. Ultimately it was a friend with whom I go on frequent weekend drives that brought me back from the brink of luxury coach ownership. He made the excellent point that while this may be an insanely comfortable way to run errands and cover long distances, it sure as shit won't hunt down apexes in the canyons. With that in mind I turned my gaze towards smaller, more agile vehicles but the allure of the Phaeton remains and when I get to a point when two cars are viable, I know exactly what I'm going for.

Cars have been ranked using a highly advanced algorithm that takes into consideration mileage to price ratio, exterior color desirability and wear/tear based on location.

Happy hunting, recommended to consult spouses/significant others before purchase.

1.) 2005 V8 Marais Green Metallic/Tan Leather/59k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

2.) 2004 V8 Reflex Silver Metallic/Black Leather/95k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

3.) 2004 W12 Black/Tan Leather/73k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

4.) 2004 V8 Nocturne Aubergine/Tan Leather/50k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

5.) 2005 V8 Nocturne Aubergine/Tan Leather/102k mi(warranty)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

6.) 2006 V8 Black/Tan Leather/128k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

7.) 2004 V8 CouCou Grey/Black Leather/108k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

8.) 2004 V8 Waterworld Pearlescent/Black Leather/129k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

9.) 2004 W12 Black/Tan Leather/61k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

10.) 2005 V8 Black/Black Leather/91k mi

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

And one you don't want because someone went too far with the Bentley thing...

DISCUSSION (100)

HiMyNameIsJayAgain > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:22

#9 looks promising because it comes with an extended warranty until 2017 or 100k miles. And only a $100 deductible. And W12.

HammerheadFistpunch > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:22

How horrible IS the w12? It seems like the one to go for except the massive repair bills?

Meatcoma > HiMyNameIsJayAgain
08/28/2014 at 13:29

Looks like it gets about 15-17 mpg haha.

HiMyNameIsJayAgain > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 13:31

It seems like the one to go for except the massive repair bills?

The W12 Phaeton comes with 3 years and 40,000 miles left on the warranty.

HammerheadFistpunch > HiMyNameIsJayAgain
08/28/2014 at 13:34

I didn't ask about the warranty, I asked about the engine.

T off the New > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:34

Kinja'd!!!

lolololololol

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:34

Kinja'd!!!

Looks better than Chrysler 300s with the Bentley kits.

JayDeZ > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:36

Do these come with the legendary mid-2000's VW reliability too? That's worth an extra (-)$5000 on each car!

rogerthedodgerr > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:37

I dont understand A8 is nicer and same price

Andrew T. Maness > My X-type is too a real Jaguar
08/28/2014 at 13:37

This is true but that's not saying much.

UncleWalty > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:37

I love this post. #9 is Crack Pipe at $31K but #3 looks TASTY. Kind of weird that it has been partially de-badged, though. I'd want to advertise a W12, personally.

UncleWalty > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 13:38

The W12 isn't horrible at all. To the contrary, this is one of the best lumps you can buy. It is pricey to maintain, however. That being said, if I'm in the market for a Phaeton, it would have to be the W12!

mstrjon32 > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 13:38

I'm not sure how your question could have been answered any more directly.

Eisberg4k1 > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:40

I'd wait for a W12 to show up on a Carmax lot and buy their warranty.

Buckus > Meatcoma
08/28/2014 at 13:40

Downhill with a tailwind.

Andrew T. Maness > UncleWalty
08/28/2014 at 13:41

Agreed that it is overpriced which is why it's at #9. BUT to play seller's advocate, it does have the VW Platinum warranty good til 102k or 2017 and it's one of 300 W12 Black/Tan sold in America.

Keith O'Toole > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:42

#9 is both tempting and close. But even my nice, local bank where I have a strong history and great credit rating is going to balk at a $30k car that blue books for $13k. (And if I had $30k sitting around, it would be a poor choice for that reason.)

T5Killer > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:42

I said it when the Phaeton came out. MEH.

Slave2anMG > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:42

These cars scare the hell out of me...yow!

HammerheadFistpunch > UncleWalty
08/28/2014 at 13:43

Thats what I mean by horrible, horrible to maintain. I know its a great motor but I also know the W8 is a beast to maintain, just wondering if the W12 is in the same league.

HammerheadFistpunch > mstrjon32
08/28/2014 at 13:44

probably with an answer that pertained to the question. I want to know if the W12 has unusually high maintenance requirements and costs, not whether or not they will be covered with a warranty.

SMRZ > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:44

#7 is $6990.

What

Steal.

I wonder if it could suffer a $5500 part out and still be drivable. Has LeMons had a Phaeton enter yet?

360ad > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:45

This is all good, but what is the true cost of ownership? especially the W12. Just the thought of a tune up makes me cringe.

K5ING > rogerthedodgerr
08/28/2014 at 13:45

Nicer? The Phaeton is basically a Bentley under the oversized Passat styling. It's for those very few wealthy people who don't wish to advertise it.

sumfoo1 > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 13:45

let me translate "you're going to need the warranty" i think is what he is getting at.

BecauseRacecar > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:45

30k for cars that will be a pain to work on and expensive to fix.....and can we talk about what features you get on cars for 30k these days? shit if you want a cool VW go get a Golf R for close to what you will spend on one of these dinosaurs

mokum > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:45

Every one has automatic gearbox, are all US drivers really so lazy they can't change gear with a normal gearbox?

360ad > HiMyNameIsJayAgain
08/28/2014 at 13:46

And after 3 years or 40k miles, you'd be SOL. Then what? The question is broader than 3 years/40,000 miles. I think one of these bad boys would be a good candidate for the CarMax extended warranty ploy.

skurdnin > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 13:48

I work with a few of the VW dealer hotline technicians and I've only ever heard horrible things. I'd stay far away. The most expensive part would be paying someone knowledgeable to work on it. Most shops won't have the thousands of dollars in proper special tools/scan tool software to adequately diagnose and work on the vehicle. Plus, it's hard to get to a lot of stuff on it- parts and labor guides put valve cover R&R for both sides at ~13 hours.

SlabSheetrock > mokum
08/28/2014 at 13:49

The Phaeton was never offered with a manual transmission in the US market, mostly because the only engine with which it was offered (the 3.2 VR6) was not sold here.

rogerthedodgerr > K5ING
08/28/2014 at 13:49

But isn't the whole point of the phaeton luxury? If that's the case the A8 interior is worlds nicer. I've been in both and own a 04 D3. The phaeton still looks like a passat inside.

melikecars > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:49

I know these are treasured rarities...what about the V10 Tdi Tourag? Are they in a similar category?

UncleWalty > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:50

But #3 is also black and tan....

Meatcoma > Buckus
08/28/2014 at 13:51

If you're lucky.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:51

Nocturne Aubergine?!

Okay, we really need a QOTD for the most pretentious paint name ever...

William > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:51

Had a laugh when I clicked on #9. Not only is it overpriced, the listing rates the car at "0 MPG;" Not bad for a W12!

lit36334@toiea.com > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:52

Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail

———————————> http://www.jobs700.com

HammerheadFistpunch > skurdnin
08/28/2014 at 13:52

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for. These high feature engines are so cool...until they enter the used market and they are difficult if not impossible to maintain because of the specialized tools and training required.

UncleWalty > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 13:52

Yes, it would be more expensive to maintain.

AutoBeCrazy > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 13:58

Kinja'd!!!

This reminds me of the Tailgater from GTA V for some reason.

mokum > SlabSheetrock
08/28/2014 at 13:59

That is strange, why vw would only sell a car as an auto, it must seriously reduce the amount of potential buyers.

Stephen > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 14:00

The all-encompassing ECS Tuning catalog is missing some basic replacement parts such as belt tensioners, water pumps and valve cover gaskets. Now, they will order any part you need but if their standard catalog is missing parts for any given German car, that speaks volumes about that car's serviceability.

HammerheadFistpunch > Stephen
08/28/2014 at 14:03

wow, no belt tensioners or water pumps? Its not like scouring the scrap yards is going to do me much good, either.. I'm okay shelling out money on a unique engine if that's what it takes, but if I can't get parts (without special order or at all) that's another story.

Earl Snake Hips Tucker > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 14:04

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Rear-wheel-drive V8, American luxury.

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited

2011 Lincoln Town Car Executive L

2011 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited

2011 Lincoln Town Car Signature L

2011 Lincoln Town Car Executive L

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature L

Andrew T. Maness > rogerthedodgerr
08/28/2014 at 14:04

If you don't understand I certainly can't explain it to you.

BlackForest > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 14:04

Ugh. Stay far away. Potentially worse than a high-mile, poorly maintained 04-06 Audi S4. Awful cars.

SlabSheetrock > mokum
08/28/2014 at 14:05

You're talking about a very small number of cars to begin with (less than 1,000 were sold in the US in 2006) and honestly, the core demographic for a large executive car with a W12 engine (even in Europe) and three pedals is even smaller. As much fun as the proper three pedal manual is, its days are numbered, even in Europe.

Andrew T. Maness > Keith O'Toole
08/28/2014 at 14:07

Yeah they'd certainly need to come down on it, even with the Platinum warranty. The high watermark for what I consider reasonable, even with low miles and garage queen condition would be around $20k.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/28/2014 at 14:08

http://jalopnik.com/the-ten-weirde…

http://jalopnik.com/5285209/ten-ca…

AspenRS > UncleWalty
08/28/2014 at 14:09

By definition, I would say a great motor is one that doesn't break every time you drive to the grocery store. Groundbreaking, innovative, and powerful? Sure absolutely. Reliable and praiseworthy? No, It's terrible.

FauxhemianRhapshody > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 14:10

I think I'll skip the car and just give $10k to my mechanic. Seems like I would come out ahead that way.

UncleWalty > AspenRS
08/28/2014 at 14:12

Where are you getting that information? I've heard or read nothing about reliability issues with the W12, only praise. The simple fact is that it is more expensive to maintain because of its complexity. That has nothing to do with reliability.

StylistCC > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 14:13

I'm surprised parts for the W-12 are so scarce. Doesn't it share a majority of components with its sister the Bentley W-12 engine?

HEADLAU5 > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 14:14

I worked for a VW store for a few years...they are terrible to maintain and repair. They are however fucking amazing to drive. I suggest buying from Carmax with Maxcare or a similar comprehensive extended warranty. BTW front brake pads and rotors are going to run you about $900 at a dealership.

Stephen > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 14:18

Edit: I was searching for the W12 engine. The reason is probably due to a combination of extremely small W12 production numbers and (I'm guessing) a statistically smaller-than-average DIY crowd for that engine. Further, some of the maintenance requirements are probably too specialized for even an above-average DIYer.

The market is probably microscopic. Their standard catalog for the V8 engine is definitely more comprehensive.

AspenRS > UncleWalty
08/28/2014 at 14:19

The one's in the A8's were pretty bad. I can't imagine the Phaeton's is much different.

Mike Stuart > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 14:20

Ten best VW Phaeton's [sic] what.....?

UncleWalty > AspenRS
08/28/2014 at 14:24

There was a known issue on early models with the gearbox torque converter, but otherwise the general feedback on the W12 is very positive from a reliability standpoint. What are you basing your statement on?

KAG25 > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 14:25

It's a W style motor, but then again it is a rocket

K5ING > rogerthedodgerr
08/28/2014 at 14:26

Substance over style I guess. The Audi may look better, but the Phaeton IS better. I know which one I would rather have.

Andrew T. Maness > melikecars
08/28/2014 at 14:29

Have you been spying on me? How do you know what I have planned?

CalzoneGolem > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 14:30

probably with an answer that pertained to the question.

That's some lofty expectations. It might be time to re-adjust your worldview.

Andrew T. Maness > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 14:31

Yeah UncleWalty pretty much covered it. It's a great engine that costs as much to maintain as two V6's :)

Andrew T. Maness > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/28/2014 at 14:32

Haha, I'm 100% on board for that, research starts now!

Andrew T. Maness > HiMyNameIsJayAgain
08/28/2014 at 14:34

Exactly, it's overpriced but you pay for piece of mind.

Andrew T. Maness > UncleWalty
08/28/2014 at 14:36

That's why it's #3, better deal!

Andrew T. Maness > Slave2anMG
08/28/2014 at 14:37

that GIF. is too good.

Andrew T. Maness > JayDeZ
08/28/2014 at 14:39

They do, but Jagvar noted in his long term owner's review, with proper care and maintenance there's no reason to fear the Phaeton more than any other mid 2000's luxury car.

Andrew T. Maness > Earl Snake Hips Tucker
08/28/2014 at 14:43

American taxi with leather and Timex dash clock vs. Car hand built on same assembly line as Bentley Flying Spur. Yeah pretty much the same thing.

Andrew T. Maness > BlackForest
08/28/2014 at 14:46

I love my B7 S4.

Andrew T. Maness > StylistCC
08/28/2014 at 14:50

It does but there's not exactly a surplus of those parts floating around junkyards.

Andrew T. Maness > AutoBeCrazy
08/28/2014 at 14:50

YES!

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > CalzoneGolem
08/28/2014 at 15:02

Yeah, but a guy can dream, right?

CalzoneGolem > Dead_Elvis, Inc.
08/28/2014 at 15:05

Dream into one hand and shit into the other. See which one fills up first.

Just wear your damn mask... > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 15:13

I'd think twice about #7. I've looked at a couple cars there before...

Mr Clutch > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 15:18

They still make them in Germany, can't I buy a 2010-12 Phaeton and just import one. Since they sold here. I could get the VW MK4 R32 engined one and repairs would not be so bad.

Charging12 > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 15:34

I don't understand what aspect of the Phaeton you are talking about. Why the apostrophe?

Gav > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 15:35

Or you know, a new one. Yes, supposedly they are still available for order at your VW dealership according to VW Franchise Owner.

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > CalzoneGolem
08/28/2014 at 15:36

Gimme your hands. (You didn't say they had to be mine.)

CalzoneGolem > Dead_Elvis, Inc.
08/28/2014 at 15:37

*presents hands obediently*

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > CalzoneGolem
08/28/2014 at 15:45

You're welcome to put on a glove, if you want.

I had corn AND peanuts last night, btw.

Parlant > Stephen
08/28/2014 at 15:48

Well Said. Big-engined VWs are a pig to maintain and in general, for something to come off, half the powertrain has to be disassembled. neither VW nor Audi took common sense into engineering maintenance: Ask a late 1998 A8/S8 owner about what a transmission front leak or transmission removal entails (take out the engine and complete front suspension aggregate, which also means take out the whole front of the car). Actually, you dont have to go that far: Ask an early 2000s Golf 2-liter owner, what has to come off to change the clutch (loosen the whole engine, have it come off basically, otherwise you can't get the clutch out).

I think the Phaeton is awesome, but to take that path, you have to say no to the 7-series and no to the S-Class first. And on these cars, a transmission out job is simply taking the propshaft and the exhaust out of the way... Sound maintenance engineering, for the most part.

CalzoneGolem > Dead_Elvis, Inc.
08/28/2014 at 15:51

Nah. I'm good.

bryan40oop > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 15:55

Kinja'd!!!

PHOTOSHOOPED

bryan40oop > HammerheadFistpunch
08/28/2014 at 15:57

You don't cannot go into the market of high end cars with a fiesta budget expecting fiesta maintenance.

rogerthedodgerr > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 15:58

There is nothing to explain drive both and tell me which one is better.

rogerthedodgerr > K5ING
08/28/2014 at 16:00

By the single metric of the W12, if that is the case, the 5.2 V10 will offer similar performance with less headaches. + aluminum space frame and body compared to steel.

melikecars > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 16:05

Great minds, something something? :)

How's the V10 and Touareg, reliability-wise?

Stephen > Parlant
08/28/2014 at 16:05

I think for the larger German luxury sedans, ease/simplicity of maintenance takes a distant last place to prestige, engineering, luxury and "can I afford to lease it". There is no incentive for the manufacturer to improve serviceability for something that will most likely only occur after the warranty period.

That said, the trickle-down engineering features such as "remove front end to replace water pump" and "loosen engine to change clutch" absolutely do not belong on basic cars like the Passat and Golf.

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > CalzoneGolem
08/28/2014 at 16:10

Good man. I'd shake your hand, but(t)....

CalzoneGolem > Dead_Elvis, Inc.
08/28/2014 at 16:12

Can you see which one is filling up first yet?

BlackLab > Slave2anMG
08/28/2014 at 16:22

cute gif - what is that thing?

HammerheadFistpunch > bryan40oop
08/28/2014 at 16:22

is that kind of like how you shouldn't comment on something without reading in the comment thread to see if i had already covered that point?

ReallyOldStuff > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 16:46

Now if only I could find one of these at CarMax...

Slave2anMG > BlackLab
08/28/2014 at 16:56

A badger....

A+E=AE > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 17:23

Agh! Stop you're killing me with these! I miss mine so much... You ask why don't I get another? The amount of time it spent in the shop was about the same as the amount of time I drove it... and the gas it sucked down...

ArceliaJBrown > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 17:58

———————————> www.jobs700.com

GhostZ > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 17:58

*the only 10 Phaetons you can buy right now

Also, does the W12 sell for a lower price than the V8? Or is it the other way around? Does the higher trim mean less than the increase maintenance costs when it comes to resale?

jayparry > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 18:27

"Phaetons." Just Phaetons. Like one car, two cars.

0uxhwdZizhJ1iaj > Andrew T. Maness
08/28/2014 at 18:34

last pay check was $9500 working 12 hours a week online. My neighbour's sister has been averaging 15k for months now and she works about 20 hours a week. I can't believe how easy it was once I tried it out.

This is what I do,,,,,,,,,,