Used buyer's guide: Volkswagen Phaeton

How much?

Early 3.2-litre V6 petrol Phaetons start at less than £5,000, with 4.2 V8s only £1,000 more; you can buy a high-mile 2005 3.0 TDI from £8,000. The craziest version of all, the 5.0 V10 TDI, is available from £9,000, while the thirsty but refined 6.0 W12 starts at just under £10,000.

The cheapest facelifted car we could find was a 4,500-mile, 61-plate 3.0 TDI, at £23,995. Although the Phaeton wears well, it’s worth buying the newest, lowest-mileage car you can afford. Just don’t get carried away; models at £20,000-plus still have a fair bit of depreciating to do.

Running costs

All Phaetons have a variable maintenance programme that allows up to two years or 20,000 miles between garage visits. Prices are competitive, and alternate between minor and major, at £180 and £380 respectively.

Unusually, despite the car’s complexity, there are no big services to be aware of, except for the 4.2-litre V8. This rare model is the only Phaeton with a cambelt, which must be replaced every 80,000 miles or four years at a cost of £916. All other engines are chain-driven.

Also, thanks to the use of long-life coolant, the radiator never needs to be flushed and refilled. But the brake fluid should be changed every two years, at a cost of £59.