Bought a Cheap VW Phaeton - Big Sedan Challenge | Everyday Driver 

I prefer watching videos likes these than 400k Hyper cars

I personally own a euro-spec 2007 Phaeton. First rule of thumb of owning a Phaeton: BUY A VCDS INTERFACE! It helps you and your wallet a lot in diagnosing your car and its numerous modules. The air suspension in this car is actually rock-solid - but its level sensors are not. Your car will, depending on the sensor's failure, go full down or full up. Whenever your Phaeton gets confused, stop driving it right away and call a tow-truck. It's good to research and buy extra air suspension leveling sensors for when their time's up, due to the fact that they're not very well protected and road grime, salt, sand and dirt can easily mess their wires up. That's not to say that the air suspension system on an almost 16 year-old car is bulletproof because it's not, but most of the time you see the sensors going boom waaay before the actual suspension does. The sunroof water drainage points need to be regularly inspected, otherwise they clog and commence havoc upon your car's interior with leaks. I see that your central infotainment system has a few dead pixels - that's, unfortunately, impossible to fix without swapping the whole part out. It's called the ZAB interface, if you'll ever need help - they're also prone to microprocessor failure due to summer heat, so either park yours in shaded areas during summer or put on a windscreen sun deflector. (Bonus! It also keeps your dashboard shiny and crack-free!) If either your starter battery or your alternator are deciding to take a lunch break as you're attempting to start your car, you can "jump start" the car with the accessory battery. I recommend this to only be used in emergency situations: Put in the key, half-twist right for accessories and then flick full left - full right and it will ALWAYS start. Watch out for the boot loom keeping all of its wires into place (clearly visible when trunk is open). I'd like to think that that's the only place where this car had design errors. The loom keeping the boot wires is made out of a plastic-woven material and due to opening and closing the boot for 15-16 years that plastic is going to fray and expose the wires. They're easily fixable with heat-shrinking black electrical tape. The gearbox in the V8 and W12 are rock-solid. You shouldn't worry about that aspect because you don't have an euro-spec V6 (that's where the gearboxes are utter shit). Preventative and early maintenance is very well welcome regarding the Phaeton - Make sure your car feels loved and you will love it back, i promise. Best advice I'd give to someone looking to buy one of these? Don't look at the mileage. It's almost irrelevant with these cars - I've seen and driven V6's and the monstrous V10 TDI - Cars with 400,000km can feel and drive better than some with only 150,000km on the clock. It really depends on how the car has been kept and driven. It's a highway car, so ask if it was usually driven in the city. Phaeton like no no drive city. :) Look for rust and paint bubbles on the edge of the doors and the exterior door sills. Look for the boot loom and MOST IMPORTANTLY look for BASE optioned cars as the one presented in the video. Things WILL fail and you'll be thankful you've got a "poverty spec" model due to less things failing. Questions and further advice will be promptly answered, and I'll leave you with a personal perspective. When I was in the market for a Phaeton, on forums and in comment sections, people who didn't have one would always say it's a shit car. People who did own Phaetons, would usually buy even more, sometimes owning even three at a single time and say it's the best car ever! :) EDIT 2 DAYS LATER: A 2018 Range Rover almost t-boned me, not stopping at a sign. Luckily, he stopped in time but caused this: imgur.com/a/GAp73mR

HILARIOUS DOUG NOD IN THE INTRO

Man, a video like this with a NORMAL car is So Much Better than all the super luxury “Bought a New Ferrari” videos. Such an amazing change from the norm thanks for the content

I’ve always admired these cars. It started when I saw the bootlid hinge/strut mechanism. Now that’s engineering.

He had problems with his eyes. Thats why the air conditioning system was so important to him. It is by far the most advanced system ever fited to a car.

EverydayDriver is one of my first automotive channels I followed many years ago (and the reason I bought a Z). After all the hype and flashiness of other channels, coming back to a good genuine review about a cool old car with Todd is almost cathartic. Never change

Mine is a 04 v8 with 185k bought it for 2500, still runs like a dream

I bought a 2008 750Li for 5k. It was an almost fully loaded one and other than needing a new cat it's been perfect (and regular maintenance). I've driven it 10k miles in less than a year and no problems.

The fact that a V8 was the "standard" engine in 2004 and you could opt for a V12 makes me think wow, what a boring time we live in when it comes to cars haha nowadays the standard engine in most midsize cars is a bland 2.0T that replaced a V6. All the gas saving measures are taking the fun out of driving.

What's also extravagant, in Dresden VW built a new modern factory exclusivly for that car. They used a lot of glass for that building complex calling it Gläserne Manufaktur. Today it is in use to build their latest electric driven automobiles.

"...looks a bit gangster for me, but I am the OG so I guess that works" 😂😂😂 4:30

Gotta emphasize the I in "this" like "ThIs is the volkswagon Phaeton and it is the best luxury car for the money..... *dramatic pause* ... when it works." *points fingers up*

I love the interior of the phaeton. All that wood trim is gorgeous!! Nice video by the way .

Whenever I see one of these, I hear John Hammond from Jurassic Park smiling as he says "we spared no expense." It's a giant dinosaur of a car that's going to turn on you at a moment's notice and you'll be running away as fast as you can. God I love it.

Oh, this video is great. I have had many VW's going back to my first beetle in 1961. I actually stopped a woman who was getting into her Phaeton, to ask if she'd show it to me. It's so rare to see one in the US. She had time and told me all about it. Showed me how the burled lacquered wood dash rolled up, all the controls, etc. She'd been given it in a divorce settlement. What a car. Way beyond my means, but everything about it is great! I have a 2007 Jetta Fahrenheit with 132,000 miles and it is my daily driver. It's manual, and I really love driving it. EverydayDriver, I hope you'll get many more pleasurable years out of your beautiful Phaeton! Thanks for showing us!

The Phaeton is one of the most underrated luxury sedans. Gorgeous car.

Had one for 8 years (2nd owner). Loved it. Miss it.

Better than Doug DeMuro. No punchable voice, no pedantic focus on unnecessary details, and a fantastic breakdown of a really interesting car.

The Continental Flying Spur is the 4-door, the GT is the 2-door. Yes I'm fun at parties

"I'm a Florida car ,I give up", hahaha. A couple years a go I bought a 03' Astro hi-top conversion that lived in Arizona. There was NO heat/sun related damage. Drove it back home to Detroit. The first winter here the dash split front to back in one location.

12:24 nobody commenting on those gorgeous, overengineered hinges?

Hey. Love the show‼️ I appreciate how you hit every important details about this lovely vehicle! Everything from the cupholders to the shades on the windows along with the other 93 things that are special on this vehicle would you make it special. I have had this experience before. Thank you. I SEE GREATNESS IN YOU!!!

Shame you couldn’t find a 12 cylinder model, that would be insane.

I love your review. Very comprehensive and well-presented. Also this is one of my favorite cars..... Everyone should be able to appreciate everything about these over-engineered VWs that always leave me in awe.

I'm so stoked to see this thing after hearing you guys talk about it. It looks honestly amazing and has me looking at them more seriously than before (mistake? Probably). Dang though, the drone work is rough in this video.

in 2011, on my way home, in Vancouver, Washington, one afternoon, I saw a black Phaeton. Being the VW Gal that I am, I followed it to it's home. After telling the driver I am harmless, that I just wanted to see his car close-up, he was actually surprised that I knew what it was. So, we talked VW for a bit, he showed me his Phaeton, I left happy, and he was happy to show me the car.

I have a 2005 phaeton that’s modified and by far the best car I’ve ever owned. I have serval and have had many vws. The phaeton v8 is a by far bargain car vs any other car

The Continental "GT" was the coupe. The Continental "Flying Spur" was the super sedan.

I really appreciate your impression and insight on this great car. I do agree that some parts from the Phaeton made it into the Porsche Cayenne, but I was surprised that you didn't mention that the Phaeton was actually the car version of the Touareg! I've got two Touaregs (T1 &T2) and there is so much that is shared between these SUV's and the Phaeton, like interior design (just look at that wide center console, and the steering wheel and shift lever are identical on both), air suspension, V8 engine, and even the fuel tank with it's over-complicated dual-chamber, dual fuel pump design. I loved this car ever since I saw it for the first time at the 2001 Detroit Motor Show. I got to sit in it and experienced the most awesome sound system I had ever heard in car.

Watching one of your videos for the first time. Very good! Excellent commentary. Keep it up!

I like driving big old luxury barges, if you buy a good one. My Mercedes 300SE (1991) cost me 1,000 pounds sterling 13 years ago. It then had 31,000 miles on the clock. Now it has 132,000 miles under it's belt. It is still a joy to drive, also easy and inexpensive to maintain. Parts are way cheaper than the parts for my Toyota I had previously. Your Phaeton looks like it will be a great drive. Hope it goes well for you!

Phenomenal review on a phenomenal car - such an intriguing anomaly for its time as a “luxo-boat.”

I just bought a 2001 Lexus LS430. 180,000 km. The day after I bought it drove it 1300 km from Vancouver to Edmonton, no problems. Everything works and I love it. I paid $7000 for it

It's just who you are that makes this show very Adult and informative and sometimes humorous Thank You ! "

I love this car. My brother had leased one brand new and it was unbelievable. He hated to give it back at the end of the lease.

What I was told years ago is that if you're going to buy a high mileage luxury car, choose the base spec: never get hydraulic/air suspension if avoidable, minimise power controls, select one with a low specific output engine if you can and just pray the transmission is reliable. Welcome to Risk Minimisation 101!

You guys make me proud to be a “part owner” in this cheap Phaeton. I liked these when they were introduced and like them even more now at $5K. Rolling with the rear 1/4 window shade in place is very OG indeed. Either that or it’s broken..... 😁 Great initial review (as usual) and I wish you and Paul the best with the #bigsedanchallenge

I was fan of Doug deMuro before...until I found you. You are THE best. Its like comparing Alfa Romeo QV and BMW M3. Congrats guys!

This is awesome, big bro! Love that nutty and awesome Phaeton, man. Us car guys appreciate things like this. Thank you for creating this!! :) JV Johnny

As an '06 Phaeton owner myself, I can't wait to watch this series!

The moment we have been waiting for!! "THIS is a ______" haha nice work ;-)

this is such an excellent vid. years ago, I worked for the ad agency that did the sell sheets for this car. it was a marvel

Yo Todd, YOU GET "IT"!!! I thoroughly enjoyed (yes, ALL 16 mins of) your Phaeton (Fey-ton, lol and ty) VDO. Your disposition is SPOT ON, not filled with gaps of nothing-ness, well thought out, very clear and easy to follow and NOT condescending :) IMHO you share that elusive and beautiful balance in youtube perfection with another one of my faves' (and worth mentioning) Iman P. the Ratchets and Wrenches guy. I have NO connection to Iman other than (and in slightly different areas of cars) you both share very well presented, entertaining, informative and again perfectly balanced VDOs'. THANK YOU, Todd and keep up the great work!!! George Grbic.

Those trunk hinges at 12:21 are awesome! Engineer nerd coming out in me...

Always loved the Phaeton. I have my Passat though, with the W8, and it's a lot like your car, not the fastest from the line, but feels unstoppable once it's going. There great in our Utah winters though.

How have i never heard of this channel before? First video I have watched. Keep up the good work!

Love your reviews!!! You describe the car so well and the exterior shots while the car is in motion is beautiful!

My God. I forgot how big that car was! It's enormous! But, I have loved this car since it was introduced. Glad to see it in action. Hopefully it's smooth sailing from here on!

You were great as Agent Smith in the Matrix

this car remembers to me a german soccer player playing in an italian team some years ago: oliver bierhoff. While his colleagues were sticking with hypercars with pimp looks, the phaeton was his car! He was a very polite and educated chap, he spent his money in a very wise manner, and learned to speak italian better than we italians at the time.

Continental GT was a coupe, flying spur was a 4 door. Both had tad the same platfrom, suspension, very similar interior, 4x4 system and shared the petrol engines with Phaeton.

This has always been my dream car. But always heard bad reviews and they don’t have many availability for used sales.

I sat in one of these at the OC Dealer in the showroom back around 2003? There’s 1 reason they did the Phaeton as a VW - so German Chancellor Schroeder could roll up & promote VW instead of MB!!

4:30 it looks a bit gangster for me, but I am the og” is the greatest line I’ve heard on a RU-vid video, congrats!

Just fell into this. The Phaeton has been on my short list of amazing cars no one bought. I have no idea how RU-vid's algorithms figured out I'd care about this particular car. Anyway, that said, this is the first video I've seen on this channel. Incredibly well spoken. Very in depth. Loved the descriptions and the flow. The video left a little to be desired (if I'm being constructive), but the audio was crisp. And that is far more important than fixing some wobbly camera moves.

I love the fact the it's 5000lbs +......yes its a lot of weight to pull around but nothing matches the solid, tank like feeling of a heavy German car.

I loved the look of these when they were first introduced, you don’t see a lot of them here in Canada.

Loving this one thanks for sharing very information blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

Can't wait to see the adventures in both the Phaeton and the QP5 over the coming year. Looking forward to it!

Utah is beautiful this time of year wow

I worked at a VW dealer when I was 17, these things were constantly returning for warranty work 😂 The techs hated them!

I am the guy with the 2015 Subaru BRZ. I saw your segments on the OFT tune and the UEL catted header and I installed both: no regrets. In the Spring of 2018 I found a beautiful 1999 BMW 323i languishing in the back of my local Subaru dealer's used car lot. I was looking for a beater for my teenage son to drive. Instead I found a plain jane E46 3 series with a $4000 window sticker. With one small rust spot on the rear fender well and minor interior wear I traded in my unloved 10 year old Mazda 5 nano-van and drove off with the 323i for less than $1500. I am slowly repairing the interior wear. 3 months later I have to replace the dead battery and dead alternator. After 6 more months the speed sensors start failing when they get wet and then I notice the front suspension clunking when shifting from throttle to brake and vice versa. I replaced the battery and alternator myself to save a bit but had a reputable local mechanic replace the speed sensors and repair the front suspension: just the trailing bushings and not the a-arms to which the ball joints are permanently attached. So, yes, I've spent more maintaining this car than I purchased it for, but it's still a nice daily driver that's completely paid for and way more economical than new car payments. Plus, the 323i, as the base 6-cylinder E46 3-series sedan is a wonderful contrast to the BRZ. Smooth and quiet versus noisy and aggressive. I take turns driving each to work and love them both.

I've wanted one of these for years. I would sub but I already am. Can't wait for more!

“Because it looks like a Jetta” Maybe so, but, the Audi’s of the era and even their entire modern design language is grounded in the same design language as tha of those Jetta’s and VW design in general which had people looking at VW in a whole different way suddenly in the 2000’s

Looks like someone used a cigarette as a stylus on that screen.

This was the first video of yours I watched, and lemme tell ya: the Doug intro really had me going! I had no idea what to expect, but I really enjoyed it. Instant subscribe!

I really like the style of your videos! You earned my subscription!!!

I've had this car, it has everything, windows don't fog, can't hear outside from inside, you name it, it still is sold newly in I think China. They even sell a w12 4seater.

*sees title* *”Endless Money Pit”* Still clicks cause this car is underrated af

Congratulations, love this car since the beginning... you are brave and hope you get lots of likes and help out with the future expenses.

I remember watching your videos when they came out and now bought almost fully loaded 2009 3.0 tdi 176kw Phaeton with beige leather and wooden steering wheel. I love how it drives and fuel economy, on highway drive i managed 5.6l / 100km on 95kmh which is awesome.

I just bought your Phaeton T-shirt and love it but I need a modified version that reads "Ask me about cheap W12 Phaetons". I have four of those plus a V8 ☺

The Phaeton was a wonderful car. I was fortunate enough to work on the design team of the company which designed and produced the fuel tank (Kautex in Germany). We visited VW often, they had a very professional team too, great guys. Thanks for the video, enjoy the Phaeton!

The 2005 hardcover sales brochure to this vehicle is a sheer work of art every feature of this car is painstakingly described right down to the park position of the windshield wipers now that is attention to detail

GREAT stuff. I have always been fascinated by the Phaeton. I can imagine owning it in the 12 cylinder

Missed you guys!

Volkswagen did not learn from their mistakes... "Nobody wants a LUXURY car with a VW badge..." VW Touareg (designed by Audi and Porsche engineers): 😥😥😥

In a moment of madness I bought one of these from a car auction, it had 185,000 miles on the clock with full history and was fitted with the 3ltr V6 turbo diesel and auto box. It was nicely run in at that mileage and went like stink, I think it might have been chipped because it went so well and was superb to drive. A friend of mine asked if he could drive it and after driving it offered me a £1500-00 profit on it so I reluctantly sold it to him and he's been delighted with it. I have never come across another one but would buy it in an instant after having the other one, I wish I hadn't been tempted by the money now and kept it but that's life. I was a little worried about the high mileage but needn't have worried it's done 235,000 miles now and still runs like a dream.

Not sure anyone will see this comment so long after the video dropped but I couldn't resist sharing my experience with a somewhat similar purchase. Well, "similar" is a significant exaggeration but the spirit of my recent purchase was in the same vein. I have a 17 y/o daughter who pesters me repeatedly to borrow my beloved 2018 GTI. I've usually managed to resist her entreaties and suggested she drive the family's KIA Sorento but being something of a pushover parent, I succumb on a regular basis. But since I intend to be buried in my GTI I hate the thought of putting more miles on it than necessary. Long story short, I decided to see if I could find a suitable relatively inexpensive used car for her. Great time to look for a "bargain," right??? Pandemic impacted shortages have driven the price of new and used cars through the roof. Even more challenging was the fact that my daughter was anxious to learn to drive a manual transmission. Having driven "sticks" for decades, though, I sympathized with her desire. Furthermore, I had a few requirements of my own. It wouldn't be a muscle car (Sorry, daughter. No Mustang). I wanted it to be equipped with as many modern safety and driver convenience features as possible. (I'm a parent, after all.) And I wanted a car with a clean service and accident history, preferably for a price under $10K and mileage under $100K. A used Civic, Corolla, or Jetta perhaps. Dream On! Autotrader, Cars.com, and even Facebook had little or nothing. I raised my mental budget to $12K, or so but still very few strong candidates. There was a 2013 Mini Hardtop at a local dealer with an asking price of $13K. I loved it but my daughter didn't. It was an automatic. But buried in my various internet searches was a private party about 100 miles away wanting to sell his 2012 VW CC R-Line with 44K miles and an MT for an asking price of $11K. A midsize premium sedan wasn't what I would have expected for my teenage daughter but the CC was a fine vehicle as I recalled and worth a serious look. Owned by an engineer with serious anal tendencies, it was gorgeous. Bought new and never driven in the winter. All service records including the original window sticker. Immaculate interior. The wonderful EA888 VW engine was as responsive as the same engine in my GTI. Put another $900 in new tires to replace the 9 year old originals and we're good to go. Even more important, my daughter LOVES the car. And following the procedure for teaching a teenager to drive a manual transmission vehicle described in another EverydayDriver video, she's nearing proficiency after a little more than a week. Now I can pester her to drive her car rather than the other way around.

I love the intro. Just shows how annoying other youtubers are LOL

Love the DougDemuro Reference..

So glad I found your content. The most intelligent review series around.

Been driving a loaded 08 Phaeton 3.0TDI (GP1) with 350k KM for a few years. Haven't had a single mechanical issue with it, but the left vent A/C cover mechanism is broken, and I have had to fix the driver window motor twice (both when the temps dropped well below freezing). Honestly one of my all time favorite cars, mostly due to the sleeper nature.

I always enjoyed the Phaeton, but thought it crazy that a VW could cost more than the A8L and still look like the $25k B5 Passat. Even though the chassis is shared with the Bentley Continental and the engines were shared with Audi, the Phaeton looked like it came from a much cheaper parts bin; from a car that could be bought for 1/5 the cost of a new Phaeton.

Oh yeah, Phaeton, the work of mad genius...

Great video. I have a 2005 Phaeton V8 that I purchased off a lease in 2008. and it remains the highest quality, most reliable product I've ever owned. Yes, timing belt is an engine-out PITA, and batteries are expensive, but my costs overall have been generally sporadic and reasonable. The 2005 or 2006 is the one to get--the 04's had the suspension issues that were fixed in subsequent model years. (They often required complete replacement under warranty for that year.) Mine isn't a daily driver now so it only adds between 3k and 5k miles each year--130k total right now--but it's a pleasure every time. I'd drive it across the country any day of the week.

Superb! great intro, I can't stand those other mainstream youtube car channels, horrifying. I like how we're all getting older at the same time, I just got a high mileage 07 BMW 530xi touring 6 speed, same idea, super nice, super complex, and quite cheap as people are afraid of the repairs. And also into our 40's we're totally digging nice cars, just like the original owners of these cars were looking for.

The VW gives me more anxiety than the Maserati

I love this car, I want one. It's such a dapper looking car and I'm sure a real pleasure to drive.

This is very accurate history of the Vw phaeton Very good video hand down one of the best on RU-vid

I was in the Canadian Foreign Service and one of these was the Ambassadorial car in Berlin. I had a ride in it once and was amazed by it solidity. I guess now that I know how much it weighs I shouldn't have been surprised. A few years earlier in Berlin I was in the huge and palatial VW showroom when the Phaeton was introduced and I was invited to sit inside and enjoy the massage seats (probably because I was wearing a suit). They gave me a brochure which came in an elaborate plastic box.

Hahahahahahahaha the best intro ever!

looks like a template for the Passat

The car slammed itself down to ground for free, what's not to like? Really enjoying the depreciated luxury car videos! Keep em coming!

This was a very informative video. If I ever encounter a Phaeton in the wild, I’ll have an idea what I’m looking at.

Better buckle up for those Phaeton repair bills! The features were such a good value for their time. Sadly most are landing in the junk yard these days. PS. Reach out if you need help on parts, we can get you get any OEM part (assuming they are available) at a discount.

Legendary intro.

Great opening! I’m a DD fan...almost lost my coffee😝

I honestly think if you get a good one, an old super luxury sedan is a wonderful daily. I drove a 2007 Mercedes S550 for a little over two years before it was rear ended in november this year. It was a wonderful car that I'm going to miss dearly. Sure it was expensive to maintain, but there just isn't anything like them. For a 13 year old car it had just about every option you could imagine. Adaptive cruise, heated / cooled seats, really good H/K stereo, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering, parking sensors, digital instrument cluster (which was amazing quality, ran at seemingly 60fps and operated flawlessly in my ownership, and so many other little things like soft-close doors and adaptive air suspension. When the car was deemed totaled I ended up buying a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S and have been super happy with it, but the S class will always be my favorite daily.