Pharewell, Phaeton

Volkswagen is pulling it's uber-luxury Phaeton sedan from the US market after the 2006 model year. Why should you care? Because this means there are some killer deals to be found on what, aside from humble badging, is a wonderful high-end luxury car.

When Tropical Bob test drove the then-new Phaeton in 2004, he found it lacking for little -- except the luxury cachet to justify the price. New Phaetons sticker from the high $60s to the high $100s (though selling prices should be much, much lower). Used, it's another story; Edmunds.com cites prices for 2004 Phaetons in the $45k-$58k range, and I've seen them even lower on eBay -- not bad for cars with Trump-class features like climate control systems that allow all 4 riders to set their own temperature, air suspension with electronically-adjustable ride/handling balance, and 8- or 12-cylinder power with all-wheel-drive.

If you've ever dreamed of owning a best-of-the-best high-end luxury car, and if you don't feel the need to impress the world with a fancy badge on said car's trunk, then the discontinuation of the Phaeton is the break you've been waiting for. (**WARNING: Rotten pun ahead**) Wave and say good-buy! -- Aaron Gold