Used buyer's guide: Volkswagen Phaeton pictures

With luxurious materials and fittings throughout, plus huge amounts of kit, the cabin is sumptuous – especially four-seater long-wheelbase models with their well stocked rear centre console. The dash design is starting to look dated, b

The wiring loom that runs into the bootlid has an outer braided covering. This wears through, potentially leading to short circuits.

Blocked plenum chambers (at screen base) or sunroof drain tubes can cause water to leak into footwells, damaging the electronics.

Beware failed headlight bulbs; replacing them is time-consuming – and it may be that an ECU has failed rather than a bulb.

Each wiper has a separate motor, and failure of one can cause problems with the other if the wipers collide. Ensure both work.