'05Q or '04 Phaeton?

[alexander]

I have test drove a couple of '02 Q's and the hesitation issue definitely showed up.Was this issue cleared up on the '05?Test drove a '04 Phaenton and was quite surprized how well it handle for a 5300lb auto.VW is dumping these previously leased cars as low as $31 grand. (up to 70 thou new)The '05 Q is $32 grand with 24k miles, same a the Phaeton.The extended warranty is much better on the Q.Have a feeling the Phaeton will wipe out my bank account in the next five years.Anyone heard stories on this car.

[konatown]

My neighbor has had two, one he has had loads of problems with rattles in the drivetrain. The other he has had a flawless record.

[qship96]

Infiniti has a much better long term relability rating than volkswagen,but I would not pay over 27-28K for a 05Q,and that figure is for a mint one owner car with less than 35,000 miles on it with full service history in writing and no accidents/paintwork and specialist inspection.These cars are not popular,new or used...My Infiniti dealer wont put a lease return or Q trade on their lot due to no one buying them... But tons of M,G,FX lease returns flying off their lot

A 70,000 dollar VW,is just a VW-Dealers dont know how to meet the expectations of this caliber of owner

[maxnix]

The Phaeton is a hog, but a very nice one. Think of a steel A8. It will probably bankrupt you.

A 2005 Q45 at a good price with an Infniniti Dealer backed extended warranty would be much more reliable and a better urban driver.

[Jesda]

The Q is the practical choice. The Phaeton, however, is gorgeous, sublime, and smooth. Phaetons can be glitchy in ways that add up in cost.

Things to ponder. If you can afford the care and the possible nuisance, get the Phaeton.

[alexander]

I just test drove a '05Q Premium with 23k miles.It seems to have just the opposite acceleration issue of the '02's. Just the slightest touch on the pedal and the car leaps forward.

Common to the car or is there a service bullentin on this issue?

[Woot!]

Keep in mind that you are on a Q forum

I have never drove the Phaeton but I know those newer Q's are awesome cars

[konatown]

I just test drove a '05Q Premium with 23k miles.It seems to have just the opposite acceleration issue of the '02's. Just the slightest touch on the pedal and the car leaps forward.

Common to the car or is there a service bullentin on this issue?

There's a Service Bulletin for a new pedal to cure that problem

[burgy240]

I have driven both and I believe that you have gotten a fair assessment from the other NICO nuts. If you can afford the Pheaton maintenance ( or at least potential for it) then the car CAN be awesome. Super luxury amenities in a non-super luxury maker is the only real reason they didn't do better.

On the other hand, the Q should be more wallet friendly without sacrificing to many luxury amenities either. I personally like the looks of the Q better.

GL

[Big_E-Dog]

i would also say thet the q is a better choice for your pockets and your local mechanic with its traditional v8 than that complicated w12

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Alexander, is the Phaeton equipped with the 8 or the 12? I too have driven both and like each. The Phaeton has the most comfortable seats I have ever experienced. The draft free climate control is amazing as well. What are the terms of the warranty on the Phaeton? It would be Russian Roulette to own this car without a comprehensive warranty. The Phaeton is an amazing car however. It forms the underpinnings of the Bentley Continental/ Flying Spur as well as the A8. I know Bentley does a few things, but mostly, Phaeton. Also, the Phaeton is a much more expensive than the Q. With the W12, you are talking near six figures. With certain options over 100,000 dollars. These cars are in different price ranges. If you are accepting of the fact that the Phaeton is not going to be perfectly reliable, it offers a glimpse of the high end for the price of a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The Phaeton is amazing on the interstate as well. The Q rocks in this regard too. I have to go back again to the seats they are awesome. You also have to accept that most people will not recognize this car as more than a big Passat, if that. Zero presence. The 05 Q is going to be a reliable, comfortable and relatively quick car. I really liked the 2004 update of the Q. Especially with the Sport package with the Enkei oem wheels. The Infiniti dealer experience will be much better as well. Gotta love getting a new G35 as a "loaner car".I would recommend looking over the Phaeton's VIN, if possible, to see what has or has not gone wrong with it.Good Luck,Mark


Modified by Mark Linkous at 11:56 AM 12/29/2007

[alexander]

Thanks Mark for the reply,

Big difference in VW and Infiniti dealer experience.

VW is so peblian anmd also annoying. This one is a V8 with 23k milesThe Phaeton seats are awesom, in fact the whole interior.I would get the longest warranty possible. A new trans costs 12grand, if one air strut goes out they have to replace all four since it's a new upgrade part yikes.The Q was toally service to new car. brakes tires all filter etc.

Not bad for $29,000 plus waranty.

I should get both and use the Q when the VW is in the shop since they don't guarrantee a loaner.

[Q451990]

I should get both and use the Q when the VW is in the shop since they don't guarrantee a loaner.

Now you're talking!

[mhoepfin]

I just sold my '02 Q and bought an off-lease '04 Phaeton. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is considered a true REBADGED Phaeton.

Go with the V8, which is similar to the Audi A8 engine, and you will have less risk than you would with regards to repairs on the W12. It's a great engine.

Also, most of these off lease Phaetons (there were only about 3,000 total sold in NAR between 04-06) will come with VW CPO warranty.

Fit and finish of the Phaeton is amazing. Also it's got a lot of interior room, which I needed compared to the Q. That coupled with the climate system, air suspension, 6 speed transmission, massage seats, etc. make the car truly amazing.

I liked the Q, I love the Phaeton. Either choice puts you in with a group of owners who enjoy quirky cars.

VW service ain't too bad, and there are several VW dealers that are Bentley dealer as well that may have better trained technicians to work on the Phaeton since it is so similar to the Flying Spur/Continental GT.

There is a great Phaeton forum at http://www.vwvortex.com.

Good Luck!!