2006 Volkswagen Phaeton V8

The Phaeton is Volkswagen's flagship sedan, a quiet luxury cruiser that aimed squarely at the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. It rides with a serene, planted feel that makes long highway trips effortless, and the steering is precise without being heavy. Inside, you get real wood and leather everywhere, though the dashboard design already looked a bit dated by 2006. Parts and service are expensive, and finding a mechanic who knows the complex systems can be a challenge. The V8 is the entry point to Phaeton ownership, giving up the W12's extra cylinders for a still-smooth 4.2L I8 that costs less to maintain. Its 4.2L I8 makes 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive that deliver effortless, quiet acceleration. Expect around 16 mpg combined in real-world driving, which is the price you pay for that smooth V8 and nearly 5,200-pound curb weight.