[{"id": 7889713, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi BaT Family, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to list my 2006 Vilkswagen Phaeton W12. Please do not hesitate to post questions privately or on this message board, I\u2019m looking forward to a lively discussion and auction! I\u2019ll try to answer all questions as soon as I can, thank you!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1644688108, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889733, "authorName": "chdavis", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chdavis/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Oh my god this is amazing. 06 W12 is the one to have.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644688347, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889744, "authorName": "mikeroten", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mikeroten/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "this was a $100k VW when new. it was the most expensive production VW ever made. going to be interesting to see where this goes. \r\n\r\nexpensive to maintain, beautiful car. GLWA!", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1644688429, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889757, "authorName": "Boatymcboatface", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boatymcboatface/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looks like a flying spur until flying spur rolls up.\n\nThis really is an exceptional car and these were so impressive.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1644688563, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889765, "authorName": "Markindy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markindy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Definitely one of the \"head-scratcher\" moments for the VW group. Why they thought people would flock to a six-figure Volkswagen is a question for the ages. This car is highly desirable for its rarity, and will be fun to watch.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1644688596, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889773, "authorName": "cturnbull", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cturnbull/", "bidAmount": 2006, "content": "$2,006 bid placed by cturnbull", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644688649, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7889787, "authorName": "Mike_Breinin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mike_breinin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These are very impressive in the flesh. I don't understand how VW, the \"people's car,\" thought a 6 figure car fit their mold, or would sell, but it is very cool regardless.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644688824, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889809, "authorName": "ramangain", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ramangain/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "When The People's Car brand (itself) made a car for the Other People.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1644688995, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7889964, "authorName": "Tschryver", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tschryver/", "bidAmount": 2112, "content": "$2,112 bid placed by Tschryver", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644690645, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7889981, "authorName": "Wbmatch58", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wbmatch58/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Outrageous engine design. Scares me if it would need a rebuild. I fear ownership would require deeper pockets than mine. GLWTA.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644690821, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890055, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi All-\n\nThank you for the kind wishes thus far for a smooth, lively auction! I thought I'd share more information on the car while I have a few free moments:\n\n1) It was imported into the country and registered first as a corporate executive fleet car for Volkswagen of America executives. I bought it from a Chicagoland VW dealership owner in 2018, and has been my daily driver since then. \n2) It is an absolutely staggering, impressive piece of engineering. It is, by far, the best car I have ever owned as far as ride quality and highway ride. I'd also like to add it is the epitome of \"Stealth Wealth\" and fit in KC very nicely as this is an conservative part of the country and vulgar displays of wealth are often frowned upon. \n3) It has been maintained by a VW Phaeton certified technician at KC's premier VW dealership, and all service records during my ownership are included in this auction listing.\n4) It has a standing monthly appointment for a full service detail at KC's premier detailing shop. This includes an engine detail every six months. \n5) Car is currently stored in my climate controlled garage, with a car cover (which is included in the auction).\n\nPlease do not hesitate to comment or post any questions! This has been my pride and joy for the last two years, I know it will be going to a good home soon to someone in the BaT family!", "likes": 10, "timestamp": 1644691409, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890064, "authorName": "neverenoughgold", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/neverenoughgold/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "WWWWWWWWWWWoW!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1644691446, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890076, "authorName": "jpr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jpr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a lifelong VW fan and owner, I can say without hesitation that this was the Volkswagen nobody asked for and few wanted. The VR6 was a wonderful motor design, but much like Alfa\u2019s Busso V6 was essentially half of the far more complex Ferrari V12, pairing the VR6 into a W12 complicated the whole shebang. I imagine there is a small but fervent community of the caretakers of these; the new owner will want to jump right in and introduce themselves!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644691531, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890115, "authorName": "CanadaCorner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/canadacorner/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Piech's Folly.\n\nThe Bentley alloys look fantastic on this car. Add some VW center caps and they would be perfect.\n\nThe potential maintenance costs would scare me off as well, but I'm glad it's been preserved to this point.\n\nGood luck!", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1644692238, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890290, "authorName": "luisor1shop", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/luisor1shop/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "$2,500 bid placed by luisor1shop", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644692799, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7890615, "authorName": "krillenberger22", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/krillenberger22/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "$3,000 bid placed by krillenberger22", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644693879, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7890742, "authorName": "FXRcR1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fxrcr1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These are my favorite Flying Spur wheels, looking excellent here.\r\n\r\nVery choice upgrade!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644694487, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890769, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@FXRcR1 - Thank you for the kind words! Yes, these are my favorite Bentley wheels, and I bought them from the previous owner. The original OEM wheels are not included in the sale, unfortunately.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644694637, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890812, "authorName": "chytaan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chytaan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "what bentley model did those wheels come off of?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644694827, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890849, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ chytaan - I believe these were OEM wheels for the 2006-2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4 door sedan. Please correct me if I\u2019m wrong, of course!\n\nI bought them from the previous owner, and kept them on. The original OEM Phaeton wheels are not included, unfortunately.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644695131, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890912, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun fact: The Phaeton and the Bentley Flying Spur of the same vintage were co-developed side by side to help de-fray production costs. A Bentley with a VW badge!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644695278, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7890931, "authorName": "Lewis", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lewis/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've seen the factory in Dresden, Germany where these were built. They are sent to the railyard for shipping on specially built streetcars as the city didn't want trucks on the road where the factory is, which is in a nice, park-like setting. I never saw one of the special streetcars but the streetcar line I was on had a branch that went through the gates of the plant.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1644695408, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7891163, "authorName": "kingkarmann", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kingkarmann/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The Autobahn Annihilator that dreams are made of!\r\n The buyers of these incredible machines could put in an order then go the Glass Factory and assist in the assembly.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644696480, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7891245, "authorName": "Button", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/button/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My goodness, those wheels look like they were milled from a single block of pure cubic dollars. They're perfect. Well, they would be if they hadn't been curbed.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1644697091, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7891347, "authorName": "Guerrero_FJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/guerrero_fj/", "bidAmount": 4444, "content": "$4,444 bid placed by Guerrero_FJ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644697662, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7891351, "authorName": "Guerrero_FJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/guerrero_fj/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bid in honor of my 2 Previous VW Phaetons.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1644697684, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7891474, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@button- Yes, these are my favorite Bentley wheels and I think they look so great on the Phaeton. I\u2019ve seen other Bentley wheels on other Phaetons, and they are not as great looking. \n\nI didn\u2019t get a chance to refinish the damaged wheel before the auction went live, but I\u2019m willing to refinish if the new owner would like before shipping.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644698570, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7891558, "authorName": "ppetras23", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ppetras23/", "bidAmount": 4600, "content": "$4,600 bid placed by ppetras23", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644698766, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7891657, "authorName": "Flying_Dutchman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/flying_dutchman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This was a truly superb car in every respect but one: a gigantic marketing blunder.\r\n\r\nThe marketing department at VW ignored all the (then) recent premium branding decisions made by competitors such as Toyota (Lexus), Nissan (Infiniti) and Honda (Acura) and deluded themselves into thinking that the VW branding was sufficiently prestigious, even to buyers who plunked down $100K to buy this magnificent vehicle.\r\nBuying a car like this is not a purely rational decision. Buyers wanted something super capable and opulent, and they got that in spades. \r\nThey also wanted a more impressive logo and branding, and the marketing geniuses at VW never understood that.\r\n(Buyers of a $400K Mercedes at least got the Maybach branding for their money.)\r\n\r\nAll of this does nothing to detract from the magnificence of the Phaeton.\r\nThe quiet, under the radar money still adores this car, and for good reason.\r\n\r\nGLWTA", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1644699362, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7891777, "authorName": "2chevaux", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2chevaux/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was fortunate enough to be allowed to drive the fully loaded version of a Phaeton for several days during a promotion event in 2008. It was not equipped with the W12 but with the Diesel V6, which provided ample power under any circumstances. It was really a Bentley with a VW badge and for sure a stealth wealth car, at first glance easily to be mistaken with an ordinary Passat. One of the best driving experiences I ever had. But - if you plan to become the new owner of this beautiful automobile, then make sure that your local VW dealer has a master mechanic among his staff, who has plenty of experience with Phaetons. Even in Germany and at the height of the Phaeton production that wasn't always an easy task. When the Phaeton I drove had a little hiccup we had to call VW in order to find a dealership with Phaeton capability. Afterthought, maybe VW should have branded the Phaeton as a Horch instead of a Volkswagen. As far as I know the Horch brand is owned by Audi, which is owned by VW.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1644699935, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7892305, "authorName": "bmdaia", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmdaia/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a masterpiece \r\n\r\nNever say never, but in this case: never again\r\n\r\nGLWA!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1644701813, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7892867, "authorName": "boratdi", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boratdi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "3) It has been maintained by a VW Phaeton certified technician at KC\u2019s premier VW dealership.\r\n\r\nNow we know why it hasn't been relegated to the junkyard by frustrated owner! I'm amazed they still have such a tech. Whoever buys this, make sure you get the guys information and figure out who he knows and who who he knows knows so that you've got a Rolodex of phaeton contacts. It's bad enough owning a V12 Mercedes from the 90s and being able to find people who are actually trained on that back in the day. This? Eek. \r\n\r\nWhat a fantastic car though. Coming from the owner of a touareg, I would still buy one of these in the right situation. But I would probably want a 4.2. preservation quality examples of these need to be preserved. They say piech was insane, I say he was a genius. \r\n\r\nThe Bentley wheels are totally appropriate. But honestly, I would probably go with a Bentley at this point even though I love the idea of the sleeper Bentley. I'm not sure maintenance cost between the two would be that different.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1644704066, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7892946, "authorName": "W113_SL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/w113_sl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bat Horsepower and torque ratings for the MY2006 Phaeton W12 are 444 hp @ 6000 rpm and 406 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644704453, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7893449, "authorName": "Button", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/button/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@youngdeezy I hope you know I wasn't trying to throw shade at your car. It's a really beautiful example. Best of luck with the auction! \r\n\r\nCheers", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644706502, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7893531, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Button- No offense taken! Thank you for the kind words and wishes!\n\n@W113_SL - Great eye! Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I\u2019ll have BaT change engine hp and torque figures\u2026", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644707009, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894141, "authorName": "aerowagon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/aerowagon/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "If only it had the optional \"Petrol\" interior...\r\n\r\nVery nice example otherwise.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644712119, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894179, "authorName": "Stentr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stentr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What's the estimate for the damage to front passenger side?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644712836, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894198, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun fact #2: According to VWvortex Phaeton forum chats (EXCELLENT resource for any phaeton inquires!)\u2026the total number of VW Phaeton W12 imported into the country during the production run of 2004-2006:\n\n2004: 470\n2005: 24\n2006: 25\n\nVery rare cars indeed!", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1644713198, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894229, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Stentr - I never received an official estimate from a body shop or dealer for the damage. A quick search on eBay has the parts needed, new and used (front headlight washer cover and front fog light grill). I can forward or post part numbers if anyone is interested. As every Phaeton owner knows, the entire front bumper cover is essentially \u201cunobtanium\u201d at this point, so ordering a whole new front bumper cover piece is not an option, currently.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644713725, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894437, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 5700, "content": "$5,700 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644717057, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7894601, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Think the motor will fit in my '64 Type II van?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644719721, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894606, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Also, are the rims on this car akin to the Rolls Royce front end treatment of some Beetles?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644719828, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894625, "authorName": "OutOfMyElement", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/outofmyelement/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Wagen59 - I don't know about any motors from the Phaeton, but the engine will fit in a VW van - heck, any engine will fit in one given enough labor and money.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644720069, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894615, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Please pardon me if those last 2 comments seemed flippant- I'm REALLY bored right now, worn out from the auctions earlier today...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644720139, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894649, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Okay, last one: Does this car come with a jar of Grey Poupon?", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644720518, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894717, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@OutOfMyElement\r\nI guess in this day and age of electric cars, I should have used the term engine.\r\nThink the ENGINE will fit in my '64 Type II van?", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644721762, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7894851, "authorName": "DrivenPerfection", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drivenperfection/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Those wheels really elevate the look of this car. They look better on this than they do on a Bentley. \ud83d\udc4c", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644724962, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7895162, "authorName": "Fleche_dOr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fleche_dor/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have a theory that Mr. Piech was such a driven, competitive, man that he wanted even \"lowly\" VW to have an aspirational \"halo\" car. So, as with the Veyron, he demanded a technical tour de force for VW and the Phaeton is it. But I could be wrong.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644743131, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7895187, "authorName": "GT6ixer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gt6ixer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I sold my 2004 W12 last August after 3 years of daily driver ownership. Best car I have ever driven. At 178K miles it may have been the highest mileage W12 in the US. Like the seller, always maintained at the VW Dealership by a Phaeton tech. My mx experience was like others who have owned them. Expensive. But you do it because you love the driving experience. The \"Wow this is a Volkswagen?\" shock when giving rides never got old. The W12 is an amazing engine. Very reliable. My issues were all electrical, chassis, or engine accessory related. In the end I sold mine because I moved and my 7 mile commute went to 70 miles and at 11mpg, well that's a hard pill to swallow.\r\n\r\nLove the color combo of this one and being an 2006 makes it one to have should these ever be considered collectible and they should IMO. GLWTA!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644748065, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7895399, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "$7,500 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644760192, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7895456, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 7700, "content": "$7,700 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644761024, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7895897, "authorName": "CaptainRR", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/captainrr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful car with a fabulous engine. What was the disposition of the recommendation for new control arms?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644766352, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896146, "authorName": "P219boys", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/p219boys/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@flying_dutchman The Maybach didn't sell either. For a few years after the new S-class came out, the 400K Maybach was built on an older chassis than the new and less expensive S-class. Price doesn't matter much on this level.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644768928, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896181, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi BaT Family-\r\n\r\nAppreciate the lively discussion, personal stories/anecdotes, and bids, thus far! Keep them coming, and please do not hesitate to ask any questions about the car...I'll do my best to respond in a timely manner.\r\n\r\n@DrivenPerfection - Thank you for the kind words! Yes, these wheels really make a statement and the car has that much more presence when you see it out and about, IMHO. I'm happy I bought them from the previous owner, and happy they will be passed on to the new owner! \r\n\r\n@Fleche_dOr - There is a lot of myths and legends involving the development of the Phaeton, and I'm not sure what's accurate or hyperbole at this point. I heard that Mr Piech hated the sight of VW executives and board members arriving for meetings in competitor's cars, and thus wanted a VW luxury sedan to ferry them around without causing embarrassment to the company. \r\n\r\n@GT6ixer - Always great to talk to a fellow Phaeton owner! Very impressive you were able to preserve the car to that mileage! It always helps to have a Phaeton certified technician who knows these cars. In fact, I've become quite good friends with mine, and gift him a nice bottle of scotch every Christmas! I've had similar experiences with this Phaeton as you have with yours: engine is dead reliable and never left me stranded, anywhere! Only problems seem to be electrical, chassis, or sensors. \r\n\r\n@CaptainRR - This Phaeton was last in service December 29, 2021 and an oil change/filter and the engine coolant reservoir was replaced. The Phaeton certified technician told me at the time the front control arms will need to be replaced at next service and something to keep an eye on. He gave me a parts list to fix everything which I can share if interested, total cost >$5k. I'm currently getting other bids from a few independent German tuning shops here in KC, and can share as well what I find if anyone is interested. There are no service or check engine lights on currently.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644769201, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896416, "authorName": "xDLXSFx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/xdlxsfx/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a beast of a car! Curious how the W12 lays down power. Nice touch of the Bentley wheels too! \ud83d\udc4c", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644771326, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896570, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@xDLXSFx - You\u2019re absolutely correct, it is very much a beast of a car! It\u2019s been my daily driver ever since I bought it in 2018, and my commute involves 20 minutes of driving on the freeway where I\u2019m a left lane fixture. It simply wafts through the air, and eats miles like they are nothing! I\u2019ve never experienced something so smooth, powerful, or stable on the road. And it\u2019s very quiet, too! As quiet as my dad\u2019s Lexus and much more engaging to drive.\n\nThey simply don\u2019t make cars like this anymore. A true German road locamotive ready to tackle the no restriction Autobahn!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644772783, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896598, "authorName": "cascadia", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cascadia/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@youngdeezy, looks like the West Bottoms has gotten cleaned up! Used to take pictures there at night, in the 1980's. Quite a thrill for a suburban kid. Love KC.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644772984, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896843, "authorName": "Flying_Dutchman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/flying_dutchman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@P219boys - I agree with your comment about the Maybach not selling well either.\r\nOf course, that was at least in part due to its very high price range, which addressed a much smaller market.\r\n\r\nBut I still believe that the Phaeton would have been more successful if VW had created a premium branding for this truly magnificent car.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644775581, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7896997, "authorName": "Gs82", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gs82/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wheels look good, but a little too Bentleyish.\r\n.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644777080, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7897014, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 8250, "content": "$8,250 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644777206, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7897062, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 8350, "content": "$8,350 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644777523, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7897150, "authorName": "snafuracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/snafuracer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful Phaeton! I drove one of these when I worked at a VW dealership. Epic to drive! But I kept thinking I would rather be a passenger in that back seat! Love seeing this on BaT!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644778176, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7897672, "authorName": "4Rings5Stars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/4rings5stars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It was my understanding that Piech commissioned the Phaeton and the Touareg to show the world that VW was serious about building world-class cars. I believe it was more of an engineering and marketing exercise than anything but it seems to have been successful in it's intent.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1644780476, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7898144, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 8500, "content": "$8,500 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644782291, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7898292, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 8600, "content": "$8,600 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644782981, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7899059, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 9000, "content": "$9,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644786384, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7899279, "authorName": "neverenoughgold", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/neverenoughgold/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "There is one of these in our neighborhood. I know because I was behind it a couple of times on my way to a lunch meeting. The first time I pulled up behind it, I shook my head questioning what it was. I saw the VW on the trunk, so I grabbed my phone and snapped a photo before the light changed. I meet every Wednesday with a bunch of old friends who are mostly \"car guys\" so I thought, what the heck?\r\n\r\nOne of my friends immediately recognized the car and provided the full meal deal. There are a few high end vehicles in our neighborhood of mostly retired folks, including a few Teslas, BMWs, some Mercedes, and even a few Cadillacs. One of those is mine, a CT6. Maybe because the owner doesn't drive their Phaeton in the winter, but not seeing the car for quite a while makes me wonder if maybe they are wintering in the south?\r\n\r\nI still see an occasional Tesla in below zero temps, so who knows?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644787219, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7899288, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 9100, "content": "$9,100 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644787250, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7900595, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 9500, "content": "$9,500 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644792822, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7900822, "authorName": "veggiecar300", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/veggiecar300/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any coolant loss? Does the trunk motor and sensors work as it should?\r\n\r\nI've had a w12 and a V8 and these were problems with both.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644794306, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7900934, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 9600, "content": "$9,600 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644796052, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901149, "authorName": "paduke2002", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paduke2002/", "bidAmount": 10000, "content": "$10,000 bid placed by paduke2002", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644800234, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901155, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 11000, "content": "$11,000 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644800331, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901197, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun Fact #3: A lot of people refer to the brainchild of the Phaeton, Ferdinand Piech, as a megalomaniac, or just plain crazy. I think he was ahead of his time and a very demanding person who expected the very best from those that worked under him. \n\nWhen he first thought of the Phaeton, he came up with a list of 10 parameters that the design should heed. We know of two:\n\n1) You should be able to drive the Phaeton all day at 186 mph when it's 122 degrees outside and the air conditioning must be able to maintain a temperature in the car of 71.6 degrees.\n2) The car should possess torsional rigidity of 37,000 N\u00b7m/degree. (The Rolls Royce Phantom possesses 40,500 N\u2022m/degree, just for comparison).\n\nThis should give you an idea of the staggering level of engineering that went into the Phaeton!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644801103, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7901204, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 12000, "content": "$12,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644801194, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901206, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 12600, "content": "$12,600 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644801236, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901298, "authorName": "paduke2002", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paduke2002/", "bidAmount": 12850, "content": "$12,850 bid placed by paduke2002", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644803151, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901320, "authorName": "BlitzLead", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/blitzlead/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Amazing automobile but I still struggle with the words Volkswagen and Phaeton in the same sentence. And that observation is coming from a guy that seriously considered buying one back then.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644803662, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7901366, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@veggiecar3000 - This Phaeton was last in service December 29th, 2021. At that time, an oil/filter change and the coolant reservoir was replaced with a new OEM part after a leak was found. No coolant issues after that fix.\r\n\r\nThe trunk motor opens and closes as it should, currently. \r\n\r\nFeel free to ask away any questions or concerns! As a previous owner of a W12 and a V8, you know these cars very well! Any other insights would be greatly appreciated by the BaT family\u2026", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644804469, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7901447, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 13500, "content": "$13,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644806166, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901497, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 15000, "content": "$15,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644807452, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901525, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 16000, "content": "$16,000 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644808210, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7901946, "authorName": "PhaetonFarm", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/phaetonfarm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@GT6ixer One of my four W12 Phaetons has 209k on the odometer, they sure are reliable if well maintained!\r\n\r\n@youngdeezy nice Phaeton, can't imagine giving one of mine up! GLWTA\r\n\r\nThe coolant leak at the reservoir is not at all unusual on the W12s. There is a small coolant hose that crosses over the intake air filter housing and needs to be disconnected from it's small nipple at the coolant reservoir. So anytime you have to check the air filter or need access to that side of the engine you have to remove that hose which in turn weakens the nipple since it's a tight fit.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644828688, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902015, "authorName": "paduke2002", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paduke2002/", "bidAmount": 16250, "content": "$16,250 bid placed by paduke2002", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644840821, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902023, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 17000, "content": "$17,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644841568, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902065, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi BaT Family, good morning! A lot of great bids, personal anecdotes/stories, and conversations in regards to the Phaeton, thus far! Let\u2019s keep them coming, and as always\u2026please do not hesitate to post any questions or concerns either publicly here or privately through the \u201ccontact seller\u201d button\u2026.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644843951, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902067, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 17500, "content": "$17,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644843999, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902073, "authorName": "paduke2002", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paduke2002/", "bidAmount": 17750, "content": "$17,750 bid placed by paduke2002", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644844121, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902074, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 18500, "content": "$18,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644844157, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902075, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 19000, "content": "$19,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644844174, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902078, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 19500, "content": "$19,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644844197, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7902080, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun Fact #4: The innovative \"Climatronic\" air conditioning system, with four-zone temperature control, can be adjusted separately for each seating position and responds autonomously to changes in the direction of the sun and air humidity, meaning all settings are kept constantly at the desired levels! Wowza\u2026.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644844256, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902167, "authorName": "Jaxter", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaxter/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car should get a chapter in all marketing text books. VW should have used the plan that Honda and Nissan used in the 80's and Hyundai used recently by creating new product lines, Acura, Infiniti and Genesis; with this car as the flagship. All it needed was a new logo and original grill and it probably would have been accepted. Brilliant engineering doesn't always complete the sale.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644846187, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902470, "authorName": "Samwig", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/samwig/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Why was the headliner replaced??", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644850007, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902651, "authorName": "ponyboy3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ponyboy3/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Jaxterz like say audi?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1644851847, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902743, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ponyboy3\r\nAh, ye forget the A8 (D3f), also available with a V-12. May have been built on the same chassis too, but I'm not sure about that.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644852775, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902746, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Samwig - The headliner was replaced in 2019, shortly after I bought it from the previous owner. It was sagging tremendously at the time, and is good as new currently! \n\n@ponyboy3 - In 2006, Audi had their own version of the W12 in the A8 model and that was considered their flagship. A close friend has that version, and I can attest it is nowhere near as nice as the interior of the Phaeton. The Audi chasis is made of aluminum, whereas the Phaeton is composed entirely of steel. There are other differences, but overall the Phaeton is a much nicer place to be in. It caused quite the stir when the German Chancellor at the time, Gerhard Schroeder, chose the Phaeton over the A8 as his motorcade car and makes sense when you sit in one after the other.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644852855, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7902800, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 20000, "content": "$20,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644853316, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7904049, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 20500, "content": "$20,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644864270, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7905515, "authorName": "veggiecar300", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/veggiecar300/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My W12 has headlights which point too low. I've asked several service places to have them point higher, but no one has been able to do it. They just replaced the lights, but they're still not aimed well. I don't know if that's something that can't be adjusted.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644869141, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7905635, "authorName": "PhaetonFarm", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/phaetonfarm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@veggiecar300 Headlight adjustment is possible but there's a mechanical component and a software component to the procedure. I recommend you check the Phaeton forum on VWVortex, excellent and very supportive group with a deep knowledge base.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644869725, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7910275, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 21000, "content": "$21,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644924841, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7910476, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 21250, "content": "$21,250 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644931923, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7911401, "authorName": "Peter0", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/peter0/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Valet \"sir, we can't seem to find a Volkswagen anywhere the lot...\"", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644941242, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7911533, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi BaT Family- Good morning! Another day of great bids and commentary yesterday, let's keep it going! I appreciated the bids as well as hearing everyone's personal stories and anecdotes in regards to the Phaeton. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me privately via the \"contact seller\" button or post questions here, publicly. \n\nIf you are near the Kansas City area and would like to check the car out, not a problem at all, FYI!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644942582, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7911558, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@PhaetonFarm and @veggiecar300 - You both know these vehicles VERY well! Are there any trouble spots on these cars you can think of in your ownership experience I can check on for prospective bidders? \n\nAs @PhaetonFarm previously mentioned, VWvortex Phaeton forums are an EXCELLENT resource for Phaeton owners and prospective owners. I encourage anyone interested to scroll through the forums....most of the owners on that site have seen everything with these cars, so they know what they are talking about! They helped me so many times with questions during my ownership.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644942881, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7911743, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun Fact #5: All Phaetons are equipped with 4 ride settings: Comfort (drives softer than a Cadillac) to Sport 2 (Drives aggressive, tires secured to the road like an Audi). The driving dynamics change at an instant with a flick of a switch! I usually put it comfort mode, but to each their own!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644944563, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7911748, "authorName": "veggiecar300", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/veggiecar300/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It sounds like a nice car. I'm impressed the trunk even works. Have the ignition packs been replaced? I had to do that. In my experience though, the w12 was a better built car than the V8. Especially if it was properly serviced.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644944591, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7911804, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@veggiecar300 - The Phaeton certified technician at the VW dealership I go to has not indicated the ignition packs need replacing at this time and thus, was not done during my ownership. He has become a good friend, and I trust him wholeheartedly to keep this beast in tip top shape! \r\n\r\nYou can tell the W12 models feel substantial the moment you get in and start the engine. The only time I got a similar experience was when I was being driven around in a Rolls or Maybach in Las Vegas.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644945000, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7913897, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 21750, "content": "$21,750 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644955904, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7914333, "authorName": "PhaetonFarm", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/phaetonfarm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@veggiecar300 There was an ignition coil pack recall sometime around 2009 or so and most all had them replaced at that time. Usually the VW hotline (there used to be a dedicated Phaeton hotline) can tell you if that has been performed on your car.\r\n\r\n@youngdeezy Probably the biggest possible issue on the W12s is the transmission. The trans fluid & filter change should be done every 20k miles so documentation showing that is important. It's also likely that the transmission was replaced early on in the life of most W12s because of a faulty o-ring at the torque converter that caused a check engine light condition. \r\n\r\nOther regular maintenance items would include the front control arms regardless of mileage because the rubber starts cracking after a few years. Parts are reasonable and not a difficult job for a DIYer. Also, if you have newer air struts, especially on the front, it is worth mentioning. \r\n\r\nFinally, a complete VCDS scan would be interesting for any prospective buyer that knows these cars.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644957626, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7915883, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 22500, "content": "$22,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644962749, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7916960, "authorName": "veggiecar300", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/veggiecar300/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You should be able to insure this as a collector car, because I think there are fewer than 900 in the US.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644967301, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7917477, "authorName": "Lucasalternator", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lucasalternator/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "So absolutely cool. I have the Bentley version of this car. $22k? A steal.\n\nBTW, the engine and transmission are works of art and are exceptionally reliable. Only caveat is you have to drive it, sort of like a boat, or airplane. Gotta work all the complicated stuff that moves every once in a while, don't park it. But this is a tres awesome car. There is NOTHING like this W12 engine, outside of exotic Italian cars. Gas mileage is atrocious, but that's half the fun.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644973874, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7917697, "authorName": "StealWealth", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stealwealth/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I\u2019ve owned a V8 Phaeton for about 3 years as well and absolutely love this vehicle. Its quickly became the favorite vehicle of both of my children. So comfortable, smooth, quiet and understated. Just a quality hand built car. From the soft close doors, multi-zone climate control, heated/ventilated/massage chairs, incredible sound system and cavernous interior, this vehicle is a highway cruiser that I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to drive cross county in. But, driving around home, I adjust the suspension to sport and this car handles surprisingly well on local roads for a car of this size. \r\nYours looks like a great example. Great color combo and the Bentley wheels are a nice touch. The stance on yours looks lower than normal. Perhaps it\u2019s the angle of the photos. Did you adjust off of the stock stance? Either way, it looks great.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1644976743, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7917792, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@youngdeezy.\r\nCan we get a couple more pics of the driver's seat please?\r\nThanks", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1644978215, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7918103, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Wagen59 - I apologize for the late reply! I was able to drive over to my vehicle storage facility and take a few close ups of the front driver\u2019s seat. I apologize for the dark pictures, please let me know if these are unsatisfactory and I can take more in better lighting. Hope this helps!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644983914, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7918148, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@youngdeezy.\r\nThank you, those are great..", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1644984877, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7918635, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 23000, "content": "$23,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645014254, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7918841, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 23500, "content": "$23,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645019124, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7918876, "authorName": "dutchmaser", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dutchmaser/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "On my second W12 (also had a V8). Most important maintenance? Keep the drainage hoses open, especially the one from airco under the dash: airco easily produces half a gallon condensation/day, if not properly drained will get into the footwells where all the computers are located: nightmares galore!\r\nAlso own 2016 Flying Spur, faster but otherwise totally the same!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1645019845, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7918926, "authorName": "GageDave", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gagedave/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I think all of us that own or drive the VW's that have come since these have benefitted from VW building the Phaeton. To say these were a colossal failure is not seeing the big picture. My 2012 Golf TDI is easily the best car I've owned and some of that is because VW learned things building these. My 0.02 cents.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1645020650, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7920456, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@PhaetonFarm - Thank you for mentioning the troublesome areas of these cars for prospective bidders. The Phaeton certified technician I go to has suggested we might need to replace the front control arms in the next service or two. As you mentioned, the rubber tends to start cracking and I believe that's what's occurring. \n\n@Veggiecar300 - You can most certainly insure this as a collector car if this is not your daily (as it was mine). There were only 25 Phaeton W12's imported into the country in 2006, according to VW Vortex Phaeton forums. I would encourage prospective bidders to contact Hagerty Insurance to get a quote and see how much it would cost to insure. \n\n@LucasAlternator - This engine and transmission were reserved only for the very best of VAG's stable (Bentley Flying Spur, Audi A8 W12, and VW Phaeton). The Phaeton DOES NOT like to sit, it needs to be driven! You are absolutely correct! It was my daily, but when I would go out of town for a week or two, it would be very temperamental the first few days after starting it up and back to normal. \n\n@StealWealth - Great to hear your positive Phaeton experience and thank you for the kind words! I think the car is sitting lower in the pictures because I drove it in sport mode to the photoshoot and forgot to put it back to default height (the car automatically lowers when placed in sport mode). The Phaeton certified technician I go to has not indicated any problem with the air suspension during my ownership. \n\n@dutchmaser - You are absolutely correct, must keep those drainage hoses open! I've read nightmare stories on the forums of owners who had to part out their cars due to electronics getting fried from moisture due to clogged drainage hoses. :-(\n\n@GageDave - I couldn't agree more. They lost a substantial amount of money on each Phaeton sold, but I think their cars post-Phaeton are substantially better and I'm sure it's from the knowledge gained on what is possible from the Phaeton. They built these cars to prove to the world VW can make world class cars, so maybe it wasn't a wasted exercise as many surmise.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1645035596, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7920475, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good afternoon BaT Family, another great day of bids and commentary, as usual! Let's keep it going! Please let me know if you would like any close up pictures in regards to the Phaeton, as this is not an inconvenience at all! Also, please do not hesitate to post questions privately via the \"contact seller\" button or publicly here.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645035758, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7920508, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun Fact #6: The Phaeton's hood was designed to be driven at 190MPH without a single vibration! This is amazing to watch as the hood does not move on the freeway during my commute! In comparison, the hood on my wife's Maserati flexes and vibrates all over the place to the point I've had to pull over numerous times to make sure it's latched correctly!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1645036088, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7921580, "authorName": "Beltane", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/beltane/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I own a 2005 V8 Phaeton and a 2005 Bentley Continental GT. Don't tell anyone but I like my Phaeton better.....\r\n\r\nI've owned my Phaeton for 14 years and put 151,000 miles on it.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1645041335, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7921670, "authorName": "GageDave", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gagedave/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@youngdeezy\r\n\r\nI've been around VW's since the '60's. Fact is I learned to drive in VW buses. Back in the day VW's earned a reputation for being simple, cheap and reliable. It's amazing how difficult a reputation like that is change. I have a good buddy that wanted to buy a Golf R about 10 years ago. Couldn't pull the trigger on a 40 grand VW because it was a VW. Loved the car but couldn't handle the name.\r\n\r\nVW's sell really well in Lincoln, NE. And these days a lot of VW's are quite expensive. I have to believe that producing the Phaeton is allowing VW to sell more expensive cars today than if they'd never done it. They are getting their money back.\r\n\r\nThe shame to me is that every Phaeton listed here on BaT has to suffer through 20-30 comments ad nauseam concerning the mistake VW made producing this car. When is it going to rest? I hope you get what you want for this car.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1645041646, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7922256, "authorName": "bsinnott911", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bsinnott911/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a good seller.......which makes me believe that this is probably a good car.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1645043396, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7923857, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 24000, "content": "$24,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645048414, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7925310, "authorName": "Beltane", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/beltane/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "No warning lights on - not even the TPMS system. That's an excellent indication of the attention the car has had. Mine hasn't worked for 10 years and I couldn't be bothered to fix it. But a supermeticulous owner does.\n\nLuna Blu is a super rare color. Is this heliochrome paint?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1645057499, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7925487, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 24500, "content": "$24,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645059502, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7925566, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Beltane - Yes, you are correct...no warning lights on or check engine lights on currently, including the TPMS system. I was very meticulous when it came to servicing this Phaeton as I know how significant the car is in automotive history, and wanted to be a good steward during my ownership! I have the personal cell phone number of the Phaeton certified technician at the VW dealership I go to and would text him immediately after a light came on and he would always clear out some time for me to drop it off to investigate. \r\n\r\nLuna Blu is a VERY rare color for Phaeton's indeed! I have yet to come across another one that is still on the road. It is not a heliochrome or klavierlack paint (I wish!), but is a pearl effect paint. \r\n\r\n@bsinnott911 - I appreciate the very kind words, thank you! I only do business honestly, and would want a seller to be as honest and upfront as I have been if I was a prospective bidder! \r\n\r\n@GageDave - Thank you for the kind words and wishes! Unfortunately, the Phaeton's reputation precedes itself in the minds of many. CNBC even did a story on it a few years ago that is now available on Youtube that goes in depth as to why it did not succeed here in the States: \r\n\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTE-5Zvh1mE\r\n\r\nThere are a small. passionate few who will defend this car to the death, me included! But yes, the same comments that drag this car down do get tiresome after every Phaeton listing here on BaT. Much as in life: If you know....you know! ;-)", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1645060540, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7925851, "authorName": "youngdeezy (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/youngdeezy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Please keep in mind prospective bidders: I am willing to refinish the damaged wheel before the car is shipped to its\u2019 new owner, if they would like. I am also going to include a new bottle of world famous Joe\u2019s KC BBQ sauce (sealed, of course!) as a thank you gift for a smooth auction. FYI!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1645063792, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7927427, "authorName": "DougSchultz", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dougschultz/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I normally don\u2019t tell stories but here\u2019s one. I was driving my 87 Grand National, (tweaked 12.7 qtr mile car), around 70 mph on the highway and saw a VW logo coming up quickly in my rear view mirror. When he went to pass me, I stomped on the loud pedal. I kept up with it until around 100mph, then had to wave bye bye. I immediately had to research what the heck kind of VW trounced me. Don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve seen a Phaeton since. Good luck everyone!", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1645110764, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7927695, "authorName": "Mackguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mackguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lots of people commenting that VW should have had a \"premium sub-brand\" for the Phaeton... They did. This car shares much of the engineering with the Bentley Continental (GT and Flying Spur) so for all the people that wanted the badge to match the car, there was Bentley, for people who wanted to be a little more incognito, there was the VW. \r\nAny other VW sub brand would have competed directly with Audi who also offered the W12 A8. \r\n\r\nAs others have said, this was more of a VW engineering showpiece than a volume seller, but it helped share development costs of the Bentley platform, and engines shared with Audi.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1645113602, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7927969, "authorName": "SUHzaphone", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/suhzaphone/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Its so strange to me how I can simultaneously have such a negative attitude toward VW in general and yet idolize the W12. What a machine! Gorgeous car, I wish I were in the market right now.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1645116314, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7928165, "authorName": "Cone_Racer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cone_racer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I worked for a company that did Automotive Material Handling and they built most of the production line and storage silos for the VW Dresden plant. I was able to tour it back in 2001 before production started, really amazing place. The plant is very unique and buying the Phaeton was to be an experience unlike any other Luxury Car. Here is a brief video showing the production facility, there are plenty more about this very cool plant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlIyDhss4Cg", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1645118052, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7928263, "authorName": "Wagen59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagen59/", "bidAmount": 25000, "content": "$25,000 bid placed by Wagen59", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645118907, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7928276, "authorName": "jcru33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcru33/", "bidAmount": 25500, "content": "$25,500 bid placed by jcru33", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1645119041, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7928288, "authorName": "Cone_Racer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/me