Phaeton

[Gridlock]

If the turbo failure was a recall, just get the info from VW? They;re legally obligated to provide it, IIRC.

Not a lot of Phaeton/VW enthusiast crossover, funnily enough (unless it's to talk about the W12 650 Golf). Have looked in all the major forums etc and other than a healthy trade in Phaeton wheels it's pretty dead. Only Vortex has anything like a dedicated thread for them

 

[jonnyboy]

Thanks everyone.

I'd like to think that I'll have the W140 for a very long time. I love the idea of keeping the miles off the S600 and gradually minting it and then in maybe 5 years time it can spend a summer in MB Brooklands on display or something odd like that.

If I bought the Phaeton I think I would only have it for 2 years or so, and then I'm sure I could afford a W221 or maybe it's replacement by then?

I'm not going to have the money until March anyway so I've got plenty of time to decide but I wanted to make sure I'm making a good decision so when the times right in March I can go out and buy the right model.

There are a few things I really want to have:-

Piano Laquer (spelling?)- paint finish.
ADC - Automatic Distance Control
4 Seat - Quite fancy having a fridge in the car....
SatNav (For some reason the nav isn't standard)

Think the other bits I would like like the electric closing boot come on the W12. I'm going to try and get a ex-VW Press car as they seem to have all the bits I'm after. Knowing me I'll buy one and then discover it doesn't have some awesome option that I'd love.

Just for the record I still REALLY want a W211 AMG but I just prefer a boat of a car, I don't think I would enjoy the ride in an AMG. I like being able to cruise along at any speed in comfort and silence, plus I like doing roadtrips around Europe so a boat suits.

I'll probably get another cheaper/older car to go to and from work in as it's only 11 miles each way something like a Passat or Octavia TDi either that or I'll start paying company car tax again and use the demonstrators more, quite fancy having a Skoda Yeti for a bit.

James

As someone who has experienced a 4 seat car (a 560SEL) I would strongly strongly advise you not to go for the 4 seats. Mine was a 2nd car, generally used for going to footie/out on a friday etc, it had the electric limo rear seats. Awesome if you sat in the back, but liudicrously restrictive. I spent ages restoring it then ended up selling it on as it was so impractical - huge car like that, only able to take three pasengers, meanwhile my mate with the 206 can get an extra person in.

Thats also the reason I cant come to terms with the CLS. Fantastic looks, presence, and driving experience. But only 4 seats for a large car.

 

[st4]

Lads

Volkswagen : VW PHAETON 6.0 W12

Talk me out of this, am I seeing double, I am painfully tempted. Cost of change from my car to that cant be too much and its got less miles on it too.

 

[LTD]

Try getting a price for servicing and some routine repairs ........

 

[trapperjohn]

No, No, No and again No.
That enough

 

[stumpy1]

Get a price to change a starter motor. 21 hours labour on my W12

 

[st4]

Are they reliable or a bit troublesome like an S600. There is a more sensible 4.2 V8 model.

 

[stumpy1]

The Bentley only has a W12 so you are stuck with it. Only issues on mine have been coil packs. But the rest of the car has been full of electrical problems. Bad enough at 20k. Distinctly unfunny at 150k. ! If I were buying a VW I'd stay away from the 12. But even the V6 will cost a bomb to fix.

 

[stumpy1]

Oh, and fuel consumption to make your wallet bleed

 

[st4]

Single digits MPG?

Had a V8 X5, was hoping it would be no worse than that due to the more aerodynamic body.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

But what a car for the money...

 

[stumpy1]

About 6mpg in town and never more than 20 on the motorway

 

[trapperjohn]

Ow And we all know Steve has a feather like touch on the gas pedal!!

 

[st4]

Ow And we all know Steve has a feather like touch on the gas pedal!!

70 is heavenly but a ton is fun

Safe to say, the pheaton worse than my old X5 by 3mpg in each regard but as bobby days, what value for money

 

[KNU7S]

The Phaeton is not as good as the S Class and the running bills are greater.

I have a customer with one. So far.... Two new turbos....one new alternator. Engine out job too.

the W12 engine is the Bentley Continetal engine, We had one and the starter went and it was and engine out job too, i was told if it was not a warant claim the bill would of been 10k+

 

[wxmclk]

A friend of mine has one of these, though not sure without checking what spec etc.

I do no though that he is very car "savvy", (he trade and owns a garage) he also has a Bentley alongside the Phaeton.
He always raving on about the VW though- very highly thought of motor.

 

[nullogik]

I've just spotted your S600 for sale, James. Have you purchased a Phaeton? Whats it like?

Mercedes S600 W140 LWB for sale, classic cars for sale uk (Car: 83059)

 

[James Rothwell]

I haven't bought anything yet. I'm totally insure of what to do to be honest.

I've found this W12 Volkswagen : VW PHAETON 6.0 W12
But am not liking the stories about the cost of maintaining the W12.

Add to this the fact that I'm not sure where I'm going to be in a few months time as in which country I'll be in as I might need to move out of the UK I don't think leaving a £10k Phaeton here to rot away is such a good idea. I did find an S8 I quite liked that wasn't much money but I'm not sure!

I've been amazed with how many hits I've had on that classic car website!

 

[nullogik]

How about a diesel Phaeton, the 3.0 V6? Should do plenty of MPG and has most of the goodies.

I actually prefer the feel of a powerful diesel engine as opposed to a petrol. Worth having a test drive in one and seeing what its like.

 

[James Rothwell]

I'm not really a diesel fan, plus the diesel models are more expensive and I don't want to to borrow any money at the moment.

I don't even know why I say I don't like diesels as actually I do. The 530D is a great car, but I guess what it is, it simply the fact that you can get a 530i for a lot less and has a little more civility in the cabin.