The Volkswagen Phaeton will go down in the annals of history as a pinnacle of automotive engineering, and complete foolishness. Were it not for the utter madness of Ferdinand Piech, we would have never known the abilities of VAG’s engineers and designers. If Mr. Piech’s parents had used a condom or the pill, there would be no Phaeton, nor Bugatti Veyron 16.4, for that matter. Thankfully, they didn’t so there are.
For a period, I was resolutely convinced that the Phaeton would be my next car. It was perfect! It had year-round usability, no badge-snobbery, supreme luxury appointments and accoutrements, and had depreciated faster than my 2008 stock portfolio and was therefore affordable.
So I began my search for a local-ish Phaeton that was in reasonable condition and at a competitive price. I eventually found one at a local Chrysler dealership. Probably not a great sign, but I went to check it out anyways and to get some seat-time in the people’s luxobarge.
Now let me share with you my single behind-the-wheel Phaeton experience from April 3, 2009. Continue reading