Skip advert
Advertisement

Used buyer's guide: Volkswagen Phaeton

Steep depreciation makes the VW Phaeton look a real bargain. But is it?

What to look for

• Most Phaeton issues centre on the electrics and electronics, so make sure everything works• Some Phaetons have five seats, others have four. Three seats in the back is the most common• Avoid cars without a full service history. And even if it’s complete, look at who has done the work

Advertisement - Article continues below

All Phaetons have four-wheel drive (apart from a few early 3.2 V6 petrols) and an auto, and there are no trim levels as such. So your only decision regards engine and wheelbase (the LWB is 120mm longer) – although it’s worth seeing what extras are fitted.

Worthwhile options include a rear parking camera, high-end Dynaudio stereo and blindspot assist. Most UK Phaetons have the standard wheelbase, and with the 3.0 TDI the only option for a while, your mind will be easily made up.

Recalls

Even though the Phaeton has been on sale for nearly a decade, Volkswagen has never issued any recalls for the car. This is a very impressive feat, and allows potential buyers to focus instead on finding an example with a full service history and no niggling problems.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

The rare Phaeton hasn’t made it into our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey, yet plenty of other VWs have. The brand always scores above average, but has yet to make the top 10; it’s usually beaten by Hyundai, Audi, Jaguar, Skoda and Honda.

Peter Carroll from Leicester bought his 2007 Phaeton V10 TDI three years ago. He says: “The car is generally superb, and astonishing value. It’s fast, refined and well equipped. But the dealer service is poor; staff seem happier with Golf buyers.”

Contacts

Official: www.volkswagen.co.uk   Forums: www.vwforum.com | www.vwaudiforum.co.uk | www.volkswagenforum.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £16,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025