VW announced today they're discontinuing importation of the Phaeton to North America at the end of the 2006 model year (which should reeeeeeallly help 2006 sales...), even though it's doing very well elsewhere, namely Europe. It's a shame, it really is a great car, but nobody here's willing to pay up for a $70-100k VW, no matter the quality. Which, of course, is why I got a screaming lease deal . The car already depreciated like a B-52 hit by a SAM over Hanoi, this should accelerate the price decline. If you need that size car, and if you're not obsessed with brand, AND if you can get an extended warranty, I think these beasts will be an amazing deal on the used market starting, oh, next week.

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81 300SD
08 MDX Tech
93 525i

05 F650GS

Got a favorite link? I have never heard of that model (as his ignorance reveals itself like a draining carbuncle).

B

I don't know of any link Bot. I have only seen one and the only VW I've ever seen that was bigger was the VW Vanagon. They are pretty good sized cars, just couldn't see forking over that kind of dough for a Veeb, I'd say $65-$70K was the lowest price I'd seen...even higher priced than the Toraug (sp).

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

I saw my first one yesterday, actually. Didn't recognize it until I saw the name plate on the back. Thought it rather blandly styled.

Everything I've read indicates it's quite the flop in Europe as well, never heard differently.

- JimY

Thanks, Ted. the article seems to indicate that it fills a niche already occupied by GM & Lincoln, but costs $20K more. A lazy, comfy, reliable ride.

Just the thing for the interstates. But who looks for an interstate cruiser as a $70k second car?

Bot

Actually, fits a niche occupied by MB/BMW for $15k less, $30k after standard US discount. Lincoln/Cadillac aren't in the same class, a Phaeton V8 beat the W220 S500 in a head-to-head Autoweek comparison last year. It's within an inch in every dimension of the A8L - lot of platform sharing. The W12 Phaeton is the platform the Bentley Continental and Flying Spur were built on, but with the engine supercharged. They're selling a decent number in Europe, mainly with the V6 TDI that's not available here.

It's only a second car if that's what you'd use an S500 or 750 for - same size, same power, generally better built. It never should have been built by VW for a host of reasons, and they've marketed it pathetically in the US, but that's not my problem - I've got a great car for an E320 lease rate. I'll miss it when I return it, and I'll consider buying one if I can get an extended warranty - I wouldn't own any of the current S/7/A8 class cars without one.

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81 300SD
08 MDX Tech
93 525i

05 F650GS

They are *big*... think their wheelbases are a coupla inches longer than a 126 SDL/SEL.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

I think its the perfect car for rich folk who don't like to flaunt their wealth. Problem is, when people buy a car in that class, they want everyone to know just how expensive it was. Its a shame really, I could see the car being sucessful in the years to come, as wealthy gen-Xers continue to get married and have families, I would think there would be demand for a stealthy luxo-barge. You know, something that reeks of quality and class, without making its buyers feel like the typical old men who buy new S-class and 7-series cars.