This thread got me to thinking and reading about the whole VW range of engines and cars and I have to say that Audis are looking better to me all the time. When I saw pictures of the new A8 and its large black grill, it looked sort of gawdy but I've since seen several in the flesh and looks pretty good. The TDI version looks attractive. Just saw this ad today:

"The Station" - New Audi Commercial - YouTube

I gotta say I don't feel guilty about the 'brand whore' thing. I mean who expects to go to Harbor Frieight for top of the line tools? If they added Snap On quality tools to their lineup, I suspect they'd sit for quite a while.

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Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Thanks for all the input/ideas...and even a funny poster on the $90,000.00 question!
After a bit of legwork, I've decided against the Phaeton - the dealerships (two of them) both thought that without a factory warranty, I could be looking at huge maintenance bills. I think the two weakest parts of the vehicle are the air suspension, and electrical gremlins. My research shows that each suspension strut/shock/whatever they are called is a $1,400.00 part, and they are prone to failure. As many of you know from wrenching on cars, electrical problems can be a real bear to troubleshoot/repair (certainly for me at least).
The purchase price made these cars look attractive, but costly parts, and questionable reliability have put me off.
Thanks again for all the posts - have a great day.
-Tony

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1992 500SEL 25K
1995 E320 40K
1995 SL600 120K
2002 JX8 Sport 43K
2005 Volvo S40 95K
2006 Isuzu NPR 304K (Frankencamper)
2007 Crown Victoria 150K
2014 Smart Electric 20K