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Used 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
85 reviews
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Very good car

lovethiscar, 04/25/2008
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

This is my first super luxury car. Prior to the Phaeton, I owned a Lincoln LS. The LS is an excellent car, but is not in the same class as the Phaeton. I was able to purchase a 2004 with 51900 miles for $24500 with an all inclusive VW warranty. I consider myself a well informed consumer that does his research. I have to say this car is the BEST car that I have driven and that I made an excellent purchase. Rides like a dream. On a back road, I got it up to 120 mph, but took it down because I got scared.. Flawless ride even at 120 mph...

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4.63 out of 5 stars

All in All Good

Uday , 01/12/2009
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

When I first saw the car I had the same reaction as most, why on earth would VW want to get in to the Luxury market. However, after getting in to the car and viewing the Top Gear review on it I was completely sold. The car is everything for people who like to wear their brand names on the inside rather than all over their clothing.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Perfect except for Tire Pressure Monitor

Donn Weinberg, 03/31/2008
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I love my Phaeton. It is great- looking, handles and drives beautifully, provides the ultimate in creature comforts, has the upgraded sound system, etc. My only problems have been two. The minor one: the fancy windshield wiper system had to be changed for a standard system, which works fine. The annoying one: after 4-5 times in the shop and two complete replacements of the tire pressure monitoring module, the system insists on flashing either a flat "tire" and/or a fault in the wheel -- this even when my hand-held digital pressure monitor shows equal pressures on the front tires and on the back tires. Still not right. MPG really is 22 if all highway, 16 in mixed driving.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2004 Phaeton V8

Eyecare, 06/16/2006
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This car is an exceptional value in the used luxury car market. The fit and finish are impeccable. Elegance and refinement abound. This car is much heavier than other luxury cars in its class. Part of the reason is the quality of built as well as sturdiness of its frame. This car has one of the stiffest (if not the stiffest) frame of all cars in its class - a real safety feature. You may as well buy one with all the options as it costs significantly more to add them on later if you want it. Still, the standard feature list is extensive and more than enough for most people. Look for low mileage with complete warranty records. This is more luxurious and unique than my 12 cyl 7-series BMW.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Mixed Bag

Disappointed, 08/08/2006
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

My first foray with a Volkswagen has been a mixed bag. From the first test drive, I knew I wanted this car. The handling, acceleration, and performance have been great. The car has more than lived up to its engineering reputation. Unfortunately, the electrical issues I have experienced have outweighed the joys of driving the car. When the weather is cold, the car's sensors indicate that the car is overheading, even though it isn't. The dealer tells me that they are aware of the problem, but they cannot fix it. On occasion, the dashboard electrical system freezes. Shutting off the car and restarting doesn't help. It eventually goes back on, but I never know when. This car has too many issues!

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