"ciscokidinsf" (ciscokidinsf)
11/20/2014 at 04:52 • Filed to: None
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"ciscokidinsf" (ciscokidinsf)
11/20/2014 at 04:52 • Filed to: None | 18
| 11 |
...another VW Phaeton. Yes, I must be insane.
You will need this info as evidence to commit me at the nearest mental health facility, pronto.
So... what happened? Well, a year ago, I had come to a conclusion that the current economics were making me neglect my Black 2004 VW Phaeton. It had been loved deeply and given all the accoutrements (Bentley OEM wheels, extra chrome OEM bits from zee Germans, lowered just a tiny bit, upgraded wooden handles and cupholders, ECU updated to 357HP and other cool OEM small stuff) over 6 years of ownership. At 142,000 miles, it needed $3,500 or more of fresh love (new tires, arms, tranny flush) and at that point, I didn't have it on hand. Gas was also at $4.50 a gallon back then. The good Phaeton tech at the local VW dealership was not around anymore and the one left there was a moron who cost me money that one time. After feeling guilty for having the car parked for a few months. I sold it to someone who had one Phaeton already, knew the car very well, and had the means to care well for my Phaeton. My heart broke a little that day but it was in good hands.
And then, I longed for the Phaeton every day while I searched for a suitable replacement, the qualifications the candidates to that particular itch were: European car, 300HP+, good for a long trip and something with a unique flair. Based on this, the candidates I browsed obsessively were 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero, 03-05 BMW 540i, or a 07-08 BMW 335 manual coupe. I know, those are odd choices, but they made some sense in my head and Jalop appetites. Still, all of these choices were north of my self-imposed $15K (financing $10K) so time went by, A year exactly passed this week.
Then this 2005 VW Phaeton Campanella White showed up a month ago, only 30 miles from where I am. Only 2 owners, original lease and CPO buyer, so it had at least 75K miles of its life under full OEM warranty. I tried to ignore the CarFax listing all the services done at the dealerships, California car all its life, and one small ding in an exemplary report (rear accident, minor on 2010 - Repairs were done at the dealer too), I tried not to think about the cool power trunk, keyless entry, full phone setup and parking sensors that this car had over my old 2004. 05's and 06's have the updated suspension, so you don't end up with a $8,000 suspension bill (possible on the 04's if one of the Air shocks fails) I tried to erase the fact that at 100K miles, it was very well maintained and it looked good all around.
I trolled Cars.com and CL looking for my alternatives and ignoring the fact that this Phaeton was nicely priced and would've made it to that 'Top 10 Phaetons you can buy list" we did here a few months ago easily. I looked at it for 2 weeks online before even calling the independent dealer.
And after the test drive a day ago that I did 'just for old times sake', it beckoned hard. It played the right songs on the radio, made the right engine noises, Tranny shifted smoothly, fresh control arms. The buttery leather was warm. Not a single console warning. Not even the perennial TPMS one. Sure, it needs 2 new tires and a headlight bulb but I was home again. I couldn't let this go - it passed a good inspection with flying colors. I dared the universe by mentally saying that if my deal wasn't approved in my terms, I'm not doing it. Turns out it did. I got the financing I wanted. Yay!
So here we are, once more unto the breach, but I am much more ready now.
My economics are a bit better this go-round, there is an emergency fund for repairs available and there is a backup car in place for the occasional 2-week mechanic visits while parts arrive from Germany. I know good VW independent shops and have access to VAGCOM codes and the VWVortex Phaeton forum that puts VW techs to shame time and time again. Hoping Gas stays at $3.00 for a while. Turns out, the only way to replace a Phaeton was a newer Phaeton. Yes, I am crazy. Wish me luck.
bob and john
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 05:12 |
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ive seen dumber.
Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 05:14 |
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Tempting Phaet? Good luck, sounds like a nice example.
ToyDeathbot
> Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast
11/20/2014 at 06:26 |
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jkm7680
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 06:44 |
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Awesome cars man!
Jagvar has a black Phaeton also. So that means two Opponauts with Phaetons.
JGrabowMSt
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 08:57 |
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Jagvar would be proud.
Hooker
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 09:57 |
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What's the old saying? Once you go Phaeton you never go back? Something to that effect. Congrats!
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ciscokidinsf
> JGrabowMSt
11/20/2014 at 10:24 |
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Let the record shown I had the Phaeton before Jagvar and was a registered Jalop since I got the car then, but back then, no Kinja! But yes, Jagvar inspired me to go back to Phaeton land.
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JGrabowMSt
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 10:58 |
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Which silly engine did you have, and which do you have now? I know Phaetons well enough to know what they are and that they're essentially a re-badged Bentley, but my knowledge of them does not extend very far.
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ciscokidinsf
> JGrabowMSt
11/20/2014 at 11:31 |
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Had a V8 on the 2004, Same on the 2005 - As much as I love them, I cannot recommend a W12 because it is a far much more higher financial commitment. (yes I said "much more higher" to make a point) The Phaeton's V8 engine is shared with several Audi's and the Touareg's V8 and any competent independent shop specialized in VAG can do at least 70% of all work. (There be a few instances you will need the dealer for sure) But I doubt your average bear outside of the Bentley and very very few VW dealers would know how to deal with a W12 - Still, they are out there, some with 80-90K miles already on the clock.
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ciscokidinsf
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 11:42 |
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More Pics Per Popular Demand Of the New Car:
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Hooker
> ciscokidinsf
11/20/2014 at 15:20 |
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I love the white. It just looks right on this car. Also, mad in love with the interior.